Leader of Learning – Integrated Curriculum, Pedagogy and Assessment – Lisa Romberg

Academic Reports and Prize and Awards Presentation

Reports will be released to students and parents in Week 9 alongside our Academic Prize and Awards Presentation on Tuesday 10 December.

Students and parents will be notified in week 8 if they are receiving an Award or Prize.

Congratulations to all students who have applied themselves to their learning this year, including all those who are formally acknowledged and those who are not. We celebrate with parents on your daughters’ application to her learning this year.

2025 Class Formation

Our Lady of Mercy Catholic College Burraneer is a school that is committed to ensuring that the learning needs are met for each student. This includes the specific learning needs, social/emotional and behaviour needs of each student.

Class construction will be based on the needs of each Year Group and is currently being reviewed and discussed. Consideration is based on:

Learning needs
Social/emotional needs
Behaviour needs
Number of classes in the cohort

To place students in the most appropriate classes for the following school year we use a variety of data including Course Assessment Data, PAT results, other external testing results, such as NAPLAN data along with feedback from class teachers.

For those students who are in the NEWMAN cluster classes we consider their performance in classes that are linked together.

For example, in Year 8, Science and Mathematics are linked together along with PDHPE. NEWMAN cluster classes are, for this group of subjects, based on a student’s performance in Year 7 Science and Mathematics.

Parent, Student, Teacher Conferences – Term 4

We value the partnership between school and home in assisting each student to thrive as a learner. As such we hold parent, student, teacher conferences after reports are published Semester 1 and Semester 2.

In Week 10 of Term 4, an opportunity to meet is provided after reports are distributed. We encourage all parents to view this as a time for those parents who have specific concerns regarding their daughter’s progress.

These Conferences will be held at the College on Tuesday 17 December from 9am-10:30am and on Wednesday 18 December from 1:00pm-3:00pm. You will receive further correspondence regarding booking for these Conferences shortly.

Study Skills

Overcoming Roadblocks to Study Success

Find Your “Why”: Search for a meaningful reason to aim higher than the minimum. Whether it’s getting into your dream course, pursuing a career you’re passionate about, building your neural capacity as a learner, or just proving to yourself that you can succeed—use that as motivation to stop making excuses and invest extra effort.
Tame Your Distractions: Distractions are everywhere—social media, friends, pets, hobbies can all pull you away from your studies. Implement strategies like turning off notifications, setting specific “study hours”, or using apps designed to limit screen time so you can focus and allocate enough time to your schoolwork. A distraction-free environment helps you stay on track and makes study sessions more effective.
Turn Mistakes Into Momentum: Don’t let mistakes discourage you; instead, see them as stepping stones to growth. Each error or setback is a chance to identify what you can improve. Reflect on what went wrong, adjust your approach, and focus on learning from your experiences. Mistakes are often the best teachers and can launch you toward greater achievements if you use them wisely.
Set Small, Achievable Goals: Break down big tasks into smaller, manageable goals. Rather than thinking about an entire semester’s worth of material, focus on mastering one chapter or concept at a time. This makes studying less overwhelming and gives you a sense of accomplishment with each small win, motivating you to keep going.
Create a Supportive Study Environment: Surround yourself with people who encourage your success—whether it’s classmates, friends, or family members who support your study efforts. Consider forming or joining a study group to share resources, discuss topics, and keep each other accountable. A positive support system can keep you motivated and make studying feel like a team effort rather than a solo challenge.
Develop a Routine That Works for You: Consistency is key to successful studying. Establish a study routine that fits your lifestyle and energy levels. Whether it’s studying early in the morning, after school, or late at night, find a time that you can consistently dedicate to your work. A consistent routine helps your brain recognise study time, making it easier to focus and be productive.
Reward Your Progress: Motivation is easier to maintain when you celebrate your achievements, no matter how small. Set rewards for yourself when you complete a study session, finish a chapter, or achieve a good result. It could be something simple like a snack, time with friends, or a short break doing something you enjoy. Rewarding progress helps reinforce positive habits and keeps you motivated to keep pushing forward.

You can learn more about this at www.studyskillshandbook.com.au

Our school’s subscription details to this online study skills and well-being website for high school students are –

School’s username is: OLMBurraneer

School’s password is: Mercy