Hi Year 8 families,

Our Year 8s are off to a great start this term. I've loved popping in and out of classrooms, seeing students working together, unpacking examples, forming relationships with each other and their teachers, discussing work with learning partners, asking questions and supporting one another. I'm very much enjoying getting to know this wonderful group of students. 

This is my second year as a Deputy Principal in the Foxwell family. My teaching background is in the subject areas of English and History, and I have previously been a Careers Co-ordinator and English Head of Department. This year, a former student of mine is actually one of our beginning teachers in the English faculty. How time flies! I absolutely love teaching and learning, and am always so excited to see student success and improvement. 

Our Year 8 team at Foxwell is fully committed to supporting the success of every student. Ms Tracy Kenny is our SWEL Head of Department for Year 8, Ms Lisa Moller is our Year 8 Head of Year and Mr Sean Atiifale is our Guidance Officer. They will introduce themselves a little later in this Bulletin. Our vision is to support the individual success of every Foxwell learner and ensure they have a strong start in their foundation years of high school.

Now that students are settling into classes, there will be an increased focus on goal setting and effort for learning. You may find that assessment demands start to increase at this point in the term. Please refer to the Assessment Calendar (included with this update) to check in with your student and ensure they have planned their due dates and study load. Students can always seek additional assistance from their classroom teachers or utilise WIN time in the Learning Hub before school.

Please don't hesitate to reach out to myself or another member of the Year 8 team if we can be of assistance or support. I can be contacted via email at lrobe305@eq.edu.au. We hope to meet as many families as possible next Tuesday at our Meet the Teacher evening also, and encourage you to RSVP if you haven't already done so. 

I'm really proud of the commitment to learning shown by our Year 8s, and am looking forward to working alongside them throughout the year. 

My name is Tracy Kenny and I am the SWEL HOD for Year 8 in 2024. I am new to Foxwell and would like to thank all of the Year 8 students and families who have already been so lovely in welcoming me to the school. My role is to help provide a safe, supportive environment for our Year 8 students to achieve success in their learning. I look forward to working with all of the Year 8 students this year, and meeting some of you at the upcoming Meet the Teacher evening. You can contact me at tkenn76@eq.edu.au.

My name is Lisa Moller and I am Head of Year 8 for 2024.

I genuinely enjoy working with young people and helping them realise their potential. In my role as Head of Year, I am committed to helping empower our learners to achieve the very best possible outcomes and successes in all areas – academically, personally, socially and emotionally. I make no apologies for setting high expectations, and I have no doubt that our students will rise to the challenge.

I believe that one of the keys to providing students with an outstanding education is working in partnership with families, communicating our needs or concerns in a reciprocal and respectful manner. I look forward to building a strong and productive partnership with you and your Year 8 student this year.

A big thank you in advance for your continued support and encouragement of our Foxwell learners.

My name is Sean Atiifale and I am the Guidance Officer for Years 7-9 at Foxwell SSC. I work with students, families, school staff, and external support providers to ensure students are supported at school.

 I provide advice and support around educational, behavioural, vocational, personal, social, family, and mental health and wellbeing issues. I also work alongside a team of support services based at Foxwell SSC including our Social Worker, School Chaplain, and School Based Youth Health Nurse who are also available to provide assistance to students.

Students can self-refer to the Guidance Officer, or they can be referred by their families and other staff within the school. Please touch base with the Year 8 SWEL HoD, Ms Tracy Kenny, if you feel your child may benefit from a Guidance referral. 

On Tuesday 27th February 2024, we invite parents and carers to our inaugral Meet the Teacher Evening. This will be held in the A Block Undercroft (outside the canteen and uniform shop), and parents and carers will have the opportunity to enjoy a BBQ hosted by our College Executive, as well as meet classroom subject teachers.

The event will commence at 5.30pm and conclude by 7.00pm. 

Students are welcomed and recommended to attend with their parents/carers. 

Please RSVP for the event by 4pm Monday 26th February here.