Year 11 & 12 – Mrs Ellouise Bernie
It has been a vibrant start to the year for our senior students. There is a wonderful energy in Coolangatta House as our Year 11 and 12 cohorts settle into their shared space, building the connections that will sustain them through the challenges of Stage 6.
We have begun our wellbeing programs with our themes of Character (Year 11) and Legacy (Year 12). Year 11 students have begun by exploring how personal traits shape our stories. We are focusing on how developing a strong “inner compass” empowers students to navigate the transition into senior schooling. Year 12 worked together to reflect on the footprint they wish to leave behind, not just as individuals, but as a collective cohort, both within the College walls and beyond.
Wellbeing is at the core of HSC success and we will work together – students, parents and teachers to ensure students finish their HSC as healthy, resilient young women. At our Year 11 and 12 Student and Parent information evening we covered a range of wellbeing and academic topics. Below we have the general guidelines for our Year 11 and 12 wellbeing for students and collaboration with parents.
Success in the HSC is a marathon, not a sprint. At our recent Parent Information Evening, I introduced the “5 Petals” that keep our students healthy, resilient, and performing at their peak:
- Sleep: The 8–9 hour non-negotiable. This is when memory consolidation happens. Without it, the previous day’s study simply won’t “stick.”
- Digital Diet: Managing the balance between helpful tech and the “doomscrolling” trap.
- Physical Movement: Vital for clearing the mind. It’s time to step out of the “study cave” and get some fresh air.
- Connection: Socializing isn’t a distraction; it’s a study aid. Maintaining a sense of community prevents the isolation that leads to burnout.
- Downtime: Permission to enjoy hobbies guilt-free. A rested brain is a productive brain.
Think of parents as the support crew for the HSC. While students are responsible for the academic work, the whole family helps create a positive environment. You can support your daughter by listening to them without immediately trying to “fix” their problems or offering a critique. Prioritise eating meals together to give them a regular mental break from their books. Finally, help them understand the difference between healthy pressure that motivates them and negative stress that leads to burnout.
For students we encourage you to use a variety of study strategies that work for you and your subjects. Consistency is very important, ensure you are studying and revising regularly to avoid memory drop off and ensure knowledge is stored in long term memory.
Communication is key. Please stay in contact with us so we can work together to ensure these final years are both successful and sustainable.
As we look to the months ahead, we are incredibly excited to see how our Year 11 and 12 students grow, lead, and support one another. The road through Stage 6 is a significant journey, but with a focus on building Character, a clear vision of Legacy, and a commitment to those 5 Petals of wellbeing, our students are well-equipped for whatever comes their way. We look forward to a year filled with discovery, resilience, and shared achievements.
Ellouise Bernie – Instructional Leader of Wellbeing – Years 11 & 12