What better way to end the term than with some fun, laughter, exercise, school and team spirit and slushies…lots and lots of slushies! Our Cross Country this afternoon reminds me of all the great things about our students and our community: their sense of fun, their give-it-a-go attitude, their sportsmanship and mateship and the lovely relationships we share. I was so proud to see our Year 10 leaders raising funds for charity, our athletes and brave no-so-keen athletes earning points for their houses, and the rest of our Year 10 team sharing in the SPIRIT of the day.

As we look forward to Term 2, there is much about which to be excited:

• Our Trade Taster Courses take off for a close to 20 of our students. Thank you to families who have supported your students in enrolling in these courses. We can’t wait to hear all about your experiences!;
• We begin our second term of Compass Courses so that students can continue to extend their experience across the curriculum. With Senior Education and Training Planning beginning shortly, these courses have provided another helpful insight into possibilities for Senior School studies;
• Our excursion to the Gold Coast Careers Expo and our Careers Festival;
• Opportunities to get involved in planning our other events, such as the Semi Formal;
• Developing our identify as a cohort as we continue to get to know ourselves and each other more deeply.

At the start of Term 2, we will issue a new timetable for all Year 10 students. If a student has a blank where their Compass Course should appear, they will receive an email requesting their selection before courses begin in Week 2.  

I encourage all Year 10 students to review and reflect on their Term 1 work as we will engage in some reflection and planning activities in Week 1 of Term 2. One key focus will be arriving on time to school, and for every lesson, every day. This week we trialled a process to support students in managing their attendance; please refer to Ms Moller’s article below. I am pleased to have seen an improvement already is some students’ attendance.

Wishing all students and families a safe and refreshing break. As the cooler months approach, I encourage all students to ensure that they have their winter uniforms ready for Term 2.

Ms Di Nicolas

Deputy Principal – Compass Years, Year 10

Attendance – Late to School and Late Arrival to Class

At Foxwell State Secondary College our vision is to provide a world of opportunity for every student. We maintain a school climate where high standards of behaviour, progress, performance and participation are the foundation for students to achieve their potential. These high expectations enable the College to create and maintain a positive and productive teaching and learning environment. It is imperative that students are in class, every lesson of every day, and engaged in learning; this is the best way to ensure progress, and having the widest possible range of opportunities available beyond school. 

Heads of Year and Deputy Principals will be generating reports each week to track students’ lateness to class and truancy (missing entire lessons). Where we identify patterns or excessive numbers of late or truant lessons, we will be offering our support by providing students with a weekly Attendance Monitoring Card. This should be presented to their teacher at the beginning of each lesson for one week, and will be initialled for attending on time as well as remaining present for the whole lesson (no departures from the learning area without teacher approval or a movement pass).

Students should present these to parents and/or guardians for signing at the end of each day. Please use this as an opportunity to reinforce positive progress, and ask questions about any unsigned lessons.

If there are any particular concerns or issues you’d like to raise around your student’s attendance, or for further information, don’t hesitate to reach out to Mrs Lisa Moller (Head of Year 10) or Ms Di Nicolas (Deputy Principal) for guidance or assistance. Thank you for your support in assisting your student to participate fully in their education!

Have a great break, everyone!

Ms Lisa Moller, Head of Year 10