Term 3 has been an exciting term for our Year 7s at Foxwelll. We have watched students consolidate friendships and expand their friendships groups. I have noticed students social skills grow in terms of empathy and regulation. We will continue to support the development of these skills in Term 4.

Our students have been engaged in their learning in not only their curriculum areas but also in our Good Morning Mariners Program where students have been taught about what it means to be Respectful to staff and peers, our catch cry is, Think, reflect and lead with respect. Students have been learning about how defiance and disrespect can impact others and the learning environment. Students have been provided with suggested replacement strategies, to defiance and disrespect for when they do not agree with others. Students have been directed to follow teacher instructions, first time and without debate. We have already seen some improvements in this area of focus.

Students in class and maximising learning time is a priority for us and has also been. focus of Good Morning Mariners - the catch phrase, Be in line, on time. Since starting this program we have seen a reduction in student lateness to class and an increase in student compliance with Classroom entry routines.

Although I am proud and like to celebrate the success of all of our Yr 7 students, I would like to pay particular tribute to an exceptional young lady, Aurora Iler. This Saturday night, she will sit proudly at the Gold Coast Bulletin Women of the Year Awards, as a finalist. She has also been nominatedd for the 7 News Young Achievers Award. Aurora has excelled in her chosen fields of acting, producing and directing and has been recognised for her efforts in bringing to fruition amazing short films with powerful messages for young people. We will be thinking of Aurora on Saturday night with pride. Aurora, a fearless female, this week debuted on the Sunrise show speaking confidently with Natalie Barr and Matt Shirvington. Her latest film project will be premiered at the 15th Annual Lady Film-makers Film Festival in Beverly Hills later this month. We couldn't be more proud to call Aurora, a Foxwell student who is the epitome of our SPIRIT values. 

Aurora , we wish you every success in these upcoming weeks.

On a personal note from me, I will be on leave for the first seven weeks of Term 4, taking some much needed time for myself and my family. I look forward to returning in Week 8 to finish the year off with my Year 7s and to hear of their stories of adventure during the term. My parting words and words, the children hear me say often, which are dear to my heart...Kindness is the Foxwell Way! The act of being kind to others, shows our humanity, our empathy and our own character. Be Kind!

In my absence, Deputy Principal, Kate Shepherd, on Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays, will support our Head of Year, Ms Tara Goldhardt and SWEL HoD, Mr Bryce Berrell in leading our Year 7 cohort. On Mondays and Tuesdays, the Year 7 team will be supported by our other Deputy Principals.

If you have any concerns, or enquiries, as always, please communicate directly. If it is a classroom or subject, matter,  please communicate with your child's classroom teacher or the curriculum HoD and outside of this, please communciate with Head of Year, Ms Tara Goldhardt, tgold61@eq.edu.au who can then direct your concern or enquiry elsewhere as needed.

I wish you and your children a safe and enjoyable holiday and a successful start to Term 4.

Until next time, take care and thank you for working in partnership, with us,  to support your children.

Ms Zana Schroeder

Deputy Principal