It is hard to believe that our foundation cohort has started their Year 10 journey with us in 2023! Where did the time go? I was so excited to see their happy faces on Day 1 and to hear all about their holidays. A few things we have discussed this week in our sessions, so that you can continue the conversations at home, were:

1) Year 10 is an important year for setting up opportunities for the future. Students should be thinking about how their effort, behaviour and overall way of being and thinking will allow them to access opportunities such as pathways (traineeships, apprenticeships) for learning beyond Year 10, employment (now and later) and events across the College (e.g. leadership and extra-curricular activities). One of my mantras this year has been "Do Better!". We can all do more to be better in all aspects of our daily lives. 

2) Year 10 means more choice in learning. Students have begun their three elective courses and need to focus on how their learning is helping them navigate future pathways. All students should now expect to remain in their classes and courses so as to not miss any learning or need to catch up.

3) We won't always be friends with everyone! So, whether it is a teacher or another student with whom they may not get along, students need to focus on the important outcomes of their learrning, and in the case of courses they have elected, not miss out on opportunities to study their chosen courses. Parents are encouraged to make an appointment with Ms Nicolas if they wish to discuss class placements.

4) Be organised for learning. That means, iPads are charged for learning, all materials are brought to class, homework is completed and any concerns regarding learning are raised with the teacher.

5) Be responsible - from uniform presentation to classroom behaviour, every action and behaviour has an impact on learning, culture and reputation. As a team, it is important for all Year 10s to be the best they can be, to do better, so that everyone reaps the benefits. There is no excuse for students being out of uniform, other than minor mishaps along the way, for which students have accessed a Variation to Uniform Slip. Our College Dress Code, including shoes and jewellery, is very clear and there will be consequences for students who are found to be in breach of the Code. 

Personal Endeavour Courses and Compass Courses - Class Changes

By now, all students should be settled in their classes. There will be some ongoing changes due to typcial operational requirements, but it is best if students do not change their PEC courses as they would now have up to three lessons to catch up. Please be aware that some courses are offered across the year, that is, more than once and that this means that some preferences will not be included in this semester's timetable but in next semester's schedule. For example, Global Dining will be a course offered in Semester 1 and 2 so students may be studying it in either semester. 

Fusion 2023

Our Fusion Program, focusing on Accomplishment, Careers, Empowered Learning and Development, began in earnest this week. Together with Mrs Moller, our Head of Year 10, Ms Street, our Guidance Officer and our teachers, I look forward to many fun and fulfiling activities this year. Currently, we are in the process of determining which suggestions from our students we will put into action as the terms unfold. We've had many great ideas from Year 10 students, including buddy activities to help the Year 7s settle in and leadership opportunities and projects for 2023.

Email and SharePoint

Another reminder to please ensure that your child is able to access and is checking/using Outlook email and the Student SharePoint so that they don't miss opportunities, announcements and important information. 

Our Year 10 Team

Our team for this year consists of:

Deputy Principal           Ms Dianne Nicolas           dnico0eq.edu.au

Head of Year                  Mrs Lisa Moller                lmoll38@eq.edu.au

Year Level Assistant      Ms Sharni Hughes             

Please do not hesitate to contact Mrs Moller, in the first instance, if you have any concerns regarding your child, particularly in relation non-curriculum matters.

I am really looking forward to sharing this year with our Year 10s!

Ms Di Nicolas, Deputy Principal Year 10