Today I received the proofs of our student photographs, taken earlier this week. I found myself experiencing some rather significant emotions, similar to how I felt seeing my daughter in her high school uniform for the first time, and probably similar to your feelings earlier this year. As a result, I could hear myself saying, "Who are these seemingly young adults and where did our little Year 7 babies go?" We have certainly begun 2023 in earnest; a welcome alternative to our experiences in 2022 and 2021. Our Year 10s have embarked on their learning journey for the year, one which will be characterised by greater choice, greater challenge and opportunities for greater responsibility for learning. Personal success doesn't just "happen". It takes hard work, commitment and the daily decision to try your best - even if yesterday there was some tough learning and mistakes hurt a little. As we explore with student their hopes and aspirations for their persona success in 2023, we encourage them to focus on what can be achieved when one makes the absolute decision to match their desires with their effort.

Our innovative and talented staff have developed a new suite of courses for Year 10 and it is with great confidence that we launched our Personal Endeavour Courses and Compass Courses. We have seen our students already engaging in powerful learning across all of our curriculum areas, following their passions and interests, and trying new things. It is important that, as a family, you are having learning dialogues whenever the opportunity arises: in the car on the way to sports practice; while you're wheeling your trolley around the grocery store; while you're sitting and having dinner together; during your journey to or from school; while you are waiting in line for your dinner/coffee...any time will do! Great conversations starters, some of which I have shared before, can elicit a really worthwhile conversation (because we all know that "nothing" is usually the answer to, "So, what did you do in school today?"):

• Tell me something new you found out today in Science (or other subject)
• What is something you were able to do today that you couldn't do before?;
• How are you going with your learning? and, How do you know?
• How were you able to help others learn today?
• What does your teacher need to know about you to help you learn in Maths (or other subject);
• What is one thing you could do differently to improve your skills in ...?
• What is something you do really well?
• What is an obstacle you need to try to overcome in your learning?
• How is your learning being influenced by your attitude?
• What can we do as a family to support you?
• What is coming up next for you? 

As the adults in our children's lives, it is vital that we model and reinforce good learning habits; otherwise, how do they know? Share your strategies with your child. For example:

• how you use a digital or written diary to manage and plan your time. Please refer to the Assessment Calendar for more information and please encourage your child to plan for learning by being aware of the priorities ahead;
• the “night before” actions you take to make the morning more manageable:
  • setting an alarm to wake up in time;
  • organising your work bag/space for the day ahead;
  • preparing and packing a healthy lunch;
  • setting reminders about other priorities;
  • reviewing your day’s work so that it is not quickly forgotten;
  • organising/ironing your clothes and shoes;
  • charging your devices overnight; and
  • getting sufficient sleep.
• the daily habits such as being punctual to class/appointments/work
• being your best self - demonstrating your values in all you do and say.

When students come to school feeling overwhelmed, unorganised, hungry or sleepy or if any other need isn’t met (a quick “I love you” or “Have a great day” can sometimes be enough!), it can be difficult for them to switch on to learning straight away. A stress-free morning and start to the day can be invaluable in getting the best out of their learning time. I’d love to hear about any routines your family have in particular to begin the day with a smile on your faces and a spring in your steps.

As we progress through the year, important information will be shared with students via SharePoint and email. In order to be aware of this information, and to access any opportunities, all students mustbe checking SharePoint and their emails every day – at least in the morning. Some students have already missed learning time or sign up opportunities for activities because they simply did not get the relevant message. As part of their daily routine, all students should be accessing these two platforms.

"What is happening with Year11 and 12?"

I am hearing this question more and more now that the year has begun, and it absolutely excites me! We are currently working in our leadership teams to finalise our plans for Year 11 and 12, while also consulting with local, regional and state-wide educators and schools to glean what is currently best practice in schools. Over the coming weeks, you will receive invitations to participate in surveys, consultative groups and discussions regarding Senior Schooling in 2024 and beyond. It is truly a time for thinking innovatively, deeply and with the bravery to determine our own path. I look forward to sharing with you the announcement of our new Industry Liaison Officer who will form part of the team working on our planning and partnerships. We always welcome your feedback, so, if you have a great idea about what Senior Schooling could include, please do participate in the sessions and events as they arise, or email me – dnico0@eq.edu.au While we must adhere to the requirements of the Queensland Government Department of Education and associated bodies, including the Queensland Curriculum and Assessment Authority, we certainly can ensure that our Community is able to influence our delivery of senior schooling at Foxwell State Secondary College.

Reminders to Students and Families

Based on my conversations with students and families over the last three weeks, I share these reminders:

• Students are to be at school at 8.35am. The first lesson begins at 8.45am. Students who arrive after 9.00am must bring with them a signed note of explanation or a parent/guardian should have contacted the College to validate the late arrival of the student. Similarly, students should be present in class until 3.00pm; parents are encouraged to organise appointments and other commitment for after 3.00pm wherever possible and avoid removing their child from learning during the day;
• Formal uniform is worn every day unless a student is engaged in Physical Education lessons. Students must wear black leather shoes every day to ensure that workplace health and safety requirements have been met. Shoes are to be of typical style and structure, that is, not a boot or high-top or street shoe. This is clearly outlined in the Code of Conduct for Students. Socks must always be of a length that they sit above the ankle and are not hidden within the shoe;
• Facial piercings, other than those stipulated as being acceptable in the Code of Conduct for Students, are not permitted. Students wishing to be exempt from receiving a consequence due to being in breach of the Code must provide a written application for a Variation to the Dress Code. This form can be collected from the office. For example, if a student has a new nose piercing and cannot remove it due to the required healing process, the student can submit their application for the 6-week healing period, after which they will replace the jewellery with a clear, flat nose piercing. Applications can also be submitted wear a student is wearing a piece of jewellery for religious or cultural reasons;
• Hats are to be worn at all times when a student is outside the classroom: formal hats must be worn with the formal uniform and the sports hat with the sports uniform;
• Students who absent themselves (truant) from class for any period of time, without the explicit permission of their teacher or other staff member, will receive consequences proportionate to the amount of learning time lost;
• Chewing gum is not permitted;
• Failing to participate in the program of study (that is, not completing class work as best you can) may lead to consequences including a Saturday detention or suspension;
• Students who are not participating in learning may not have the privilege of representing the College at events and competitions, such as sporting events
• The College will not tolerate the disrespect of any staff member or student. If we know about the concerning behaviour, we can act on it and so students are encourage to please submit a report straight away;
• During the first and last breaks, students should be transitioning to class – not moving down to the ground floor or ovals etc. to play sport. The warning bell at 12.25pm signals the end of the lunch break and time to move to class. Students have ample time to access bathrooms and bubblers in the hour-long lunch break;
• Possessing and accessing MOBILE PHONES IS NOT PERMITTED between 8.35am and 3.00pm. Technology violations, such as having a VPN on their iPad or using social media in class is not permitted and will attract consequences for the student. Students ought to be conscious of what they post on social media - often "drama" is created and can find it's way in to and out of school, making it seemingly impossible to get away from those who are causing stressful situations or "creating drama". Students are reminded that their behaviour toward one another, including on social media, says a lot about them, their values and their beliefs. Students should avoid engaging with anyone on-line or face-to-face if interactions with them are not helpful and/or are harmful. You can help everyday:

At all times, staff are interested in the supportive, fair and consistent implementation and management of our College policies. Consequences for students who do not meet requirements will be determined based with this philosophy in mind. 

Year 10 Team 2023

This year, Year 10 students will be supported by our Head of Year 10, Mrs Lisa Moller, our Year Level Assistant, Ms Sharni Hughes and myself as Deputy Principal. So far this year, we have enjoyed weekly meetings with students, cafe sessions before school, activities outside of the classroom and general check ins. We are looking forward to what we can achieve with our cohort of young adults over the next weeks and terms. Please continue to make contact, as relevant in the first instance with the staff listed below and they will refer to the most appropriate support:

• Heads of Department - Curriculum Matters
• Mrs Moller - Wellbeing Matters 
• Ms Hughes - General Enquiries and Daily Operations 
• Ms Dianne Nicolas

Wishing all students and families a restful weekend as we head into Week 4 of our first term.

Ms Di Nicolas, Deputy Principal - Compass Years, Year 10