And just like that, Term 3 has now come to a close!
I’ve had the privilege over the last three weeks as Acting Assistant Principal (Senior School) to celebrate the achievements and immense growth that our senior students have made over Term 3 through Year Level Assemblies.
Together, we have been Thinking Beyond, reflecting on how each year level’s Auburn Learner Quality (ALQ) has been developed over the year, and how it can guide our students through Term 4, the following year and beyond.
For our Year 12 students, this time of year can be particularly challenging. Students are reminded that their character will place them in great stead to tackle the challenges that lay ahead – the more immediate and expected challenges of the end of Year 12, or those unexpected challenges that lay further ahead in life. They have now officially finished all of their assessments and have now moved into a period of deep revision and active practice. In the second week of the Term 3 break, students will sit trial exams in full VCAA conditions, to help refine their examination strategy, focus their revision priorities and continue to develop their character. The first two weeks at the start of Term 4 will be characterised by a number of student-led celebrations, culminating in our Year 12 final whole-school assembly, Celebration Day and Valedictory Evening at Hawthorn Arts Centre on Monday 20th October. When the going gets tough, the tough get going. Knowing ourselves deeply, greeting challenge as a source of growth and embracing the opportunities that come from uncertainty is the true test of our character.
During our Year 11 assembly, our Year 11s explored the essential role that critical thinking plays in their school lives and beyond. Critically evaluating their growth in performance through the My Learning Growth tool, utilising the full range of learning resources in their studies, and developing logical study and revision plans are all ways of supporting us to think deeply about our learning and about ourselves. In Term 4, students will have three short weeks of their normal programs, before we move into revision (weeks 4, 5 & 6), end of year exams (weeks 6 & 7), and then commence Headstart in week 8. A number of our Year 11 students are also taking an accelerated subject, and need to think of ways to balance their studies for both their core program with the demands of their Units 3&4 exams during this time. Students have been asked to challenge their own assumptions: To start Term 4 as though they are already in Year 12. It takes a great deal of critical thinking indeed to intentionally shift our opinions of ourselves as learners, and to say to ourselves “today, not tomorrow”.
Our Year 10 students have certainly risen to the challenge, and we can see them communicate proactively, curiously and with determination. Our Year 10s embraced the value of communication through the Senior School Expo and their course counselling over Term 3 to make informed subject and pathways decisions that reflect their own individual values. On a day-to-day basis, the Year 10 team has witnessed students leveraging active communication to get the most out of their learning, to build relationships with others, and to proactively reach out for support. The jump from Year 10 to Year 11 is significant, and so too is the need for help seeking. Moving into Term 4, the revision period, end of year exams and the commencement of Headstart will certainly challenge our Year 10s to communicate early. As in any community, you are not doing this alone. Communicating clearly and proactively can help you shape your future.
On behalf of the entire senior school team, I would like to thank our senior students for all that they have achieved, the immense contributions they have made to our community, and the contributions yet to come. We are just so proud of the fine, young learners you have already become, and we can’t wait to celebrate your continued growth as both learners and citizens in Term 4.
We look forward to a positive end to Term 3 for all our students and wish everyone a safe and restful holiday break.
Michael Buckingham