Students at ASAP enjoying the new flexible furniture

Students also were given the opportunity to participate in or to be a spectator for the College Cross Country event. We are fortunate to have beautiful grounds and a safe environment to facilitate such an event on site. Congratulations to the participants.

Year 9 have recently participated in their camp, with many of the girls conquering some fears and challenges. Many felt the three days wasn’t long enough. Presently, along with Year 7, they are participating in NAPLAN assessments. The data from these assessments will allow us to determine a program of teaching that identifies and addresses some of the gaps for our students in the areas of literacy and numeracy.

Currently, teachers are carefully preparing reports for Year 12 students. Year 12 are at the midpoint of their HSC courses and this feedback is most timely. These reports will be posted at the end of the week. I encourage the girls to really engage with the feedback and suggestions and to embrace the many supportive structures provided for them as we proceed through the final HSC units and assessments.  Next week, Year 12 will participate in their final College Retreat. A time to reflect, rejoice and renew.  I know many girls are looking forward to this event. 

Year 11 have just completed their Half Yearly Examinations and teachers are keenly marking these assessments to inform the progress that the girls have made in their studies to date. While many have settled exceptionally well into
the Preliminary Course, some have not. It is imperative that we all work together to support these girls in their learning and as they continue their secondary education. The marks for this assessment and others will inform students' RoSA grade 
at the end of the Preliminary Course. Successful completion of these courses will allow students to continue their studies into the HSC year. Reports will follow in week 8. 
Each year, the P & F provide funds to the College to be used on resources that will benefit all learners. The funds from last year have recently been spent on furniture and the refurbishment of a number of Middle School classrooms including Learning Hubs 1,2, 3, 4 and 5. We are most grateful to the P & F for their efforts as donation that assists us in ensuring our learning spaces are suited to our young learners.

A note for your dairies is the upcoming Middle School Parent/Student/Teacher interviews. These will take place in the MSC on Tuesday 26 May from 3.15pm to 7.15 pm. The online booking system is open and I encourage you to book early to avoid disappointment. 

Finally, all of our staff model lifelong learning. As a learning community, we are constantly trying to source new and innovative ways to engage our 21st Century learners. Staff participate in professional reading and learning outside of the College. We also support opportunities for our staff to learn from each other. This occurs on a Tuesday afternoon in the form of Professional Learning Bytes. Some of the Bytes planned for this term include Student Engagement in 77 minute lessons, Building Resilience, Unpacking the College Mission, Eight Ways of Learning, Sharing Successful Pedagogies and HSC Marking and Understanding the Standards.