College Community

At our Year 11 Information Evening, I spoke about how parents and carers can support their child to be successful in the next stage of senior schooling. It is important to understand that success in the senior years begins much earlier. Strong habits such as focus, calm routines, writing skills, resilience, and persistence are built over time and help students feel confident when they reach Year 11.

Calm and consistent routines at home help students stay focused at school. Simple habits like regular study times, limited distractions, and healthy sleep patterns support productive learning. Strong writing skills also matter in every subject, and talking with your child about their learning helps deepen understanding.

With parent and student participation on the evening, we also spoke about the growing use of AI. While it would be naïve to dismiss it, our young people are not yet at a stage where they can reliably judge the accuracy of the information it produces. To use AI safely and effectively, students must already have a strong depth of knowledge so they can think critically, identify errors, and understand when the information isn’t correct.

In addition, we discussed mobile phone routines. To support focus, wellbeing, and healthy study habits, families can help by setting clear boundaries such as locking phones away after a certain time and keeping them out of bedrooms at night.

Engagement in all parts of school life also enriches the journey for students. Throughout the year, there are many events where parents, carers, and extended family can get involved. Recently, at our annual swimming carnival despite the rain we saw wonderful support not only from parents and carers but also from grandparents. Events like Groovin the Green and our Parent–Student–Teacher Conferences are further opportunities to strengthen that connection.

Family engagement has a strong, positive impact on student achievement, helping students stay organised, motivated, and supported. When families and schools work together early and consistently, students are better prepared for the demands of senior schooling.

Together, we can help students grow academically while building the resilience and persistence they need to thrive through Year 11, Year 12, and beyond.

Together in learning,

Joyce Ison

Assistant Principal Student Achievement