From the Senior School

From the Head of Senior School

Year 12 Higher School Certificate examinations continue this week. I am very proud of the way the students are presenting and should be congratulated on their calm and steady approach in the first week of papers. It was pleasing to chat to the girls after their exams and hear their confidence with their performance. Please remember that the Heads of Year 12, Ms Cara Foley and Mr Ray Howells (Acting) are here to assist with any issues if they arise.

I would also like to thank the Year 11 students (Year 12 2024) for their care, support and maturity in keeping the noise and disruption to a minimum around the Senior Centre while the HSC exams in are progress. It can be challenging, especially with some wet weather, but the girls have shown great respect to their peers with their support and kindness.

Year 12 (2024) Information Night

All parents and carers are invited to attend the Year 12 Information Night, which will be held on Tuesday 24 October, from 6:00pm in the Kate Mason Senior School. This is an opportunity to meet up casually with your daughter’s Compass teacher and hear presentations from the Head of Senior School, the Year 12 Heads of Year, the Futures Team and the Curriculum Department. We aim to be finished by 7:30pm. It would be wonderful to see as many of you in person, but for those unable to make it, the presentations will be recorded.

Student Leaders’ Induction

It was a lovely morning last Friday, celebrating the Year 12 Badge Ceremony and Student Leaders’ Induction, and welcoming so many parents and carers to share in this special event. Recognising the key role of all Year 12 students as they take on their roles as leaders in the College is an important rite of passage for the students and their peers. Over the course of this year, it has been impressive to watch the students meet their responsibilities and rise to the early challenge of Year 12, establishing solid routines around their study and school commitments, and social life.

Mentors

Our new Year 12 students have been reminded about the opportunity to work with a staff mentor. Many of the girls are already participating in this voluntary program and report high levels of engagement and satisfaction. Briefly, students can apply to work with a chosen senior member of staff as their mentor. The students themselves nominate areas that they would like to work on or would like to discuss and are responsible for making the meeting times. If they are interested, students have been asked to email me directly to organise a mentor.

Leadership Retreat

The new leaders for 2024 enjoyed a two-day retreat at Vision Valley earlier this week. The students heard presentations from alumni and key member of staff, regarding their roles and responsibilities over the next 12 months. They have started the planning process for their 2024 initiatives and goals, as always focusing on the legacy they would like to leave. Many thanks to the staff involved and to the girls, for their focus and hard work.