Dear Parents, Caregivers and Community Members,
Term 2 has been extremely busy with a number of key events such as the Canberra trip, Country Week, Mid-Year Concert and REAL Activities/Rewards still to occur. Students have been working well with the major focus being on assessments and course completion.
Assessment and Reporting
Assessment is often viewed, especially from the child’s perspective, as unfair, daunting and stressful; however, it is an important aspect of your child’s education. Teachers use informal and formal assessments to draw out a student’s current ability and identify any gaps in their learning. Teachers can then provide timely feedback and plan personalised learning opportunities to ensure all students move forward and improve. This year, students have performed well in formalised assessment weeks, exams, NAPLAN (National Assessment Program Literacy & Numeracy – Year 7 & 9) and OLNA (Online Literacy & Numeracy Assessment - Year 10). Teachers continuously analyse these assessments, so the curriculum can be adjusted to cater to our students’ needs
The Semester 1 reports will be mailed home prior to the end of this term. These are a valuable indicator on how your child is progressing with assessments and their learning. Please discuss with your child their progress and support them with their learning. Reports should be used to plan for improvement and build better results in Semester 2. Parents who attended the Year 10-12 Parents’ Night on 10 June found it valuable to discuss with teachers ways in which their child could improve. If you were unable to attend or you are a Year 7 to 9 parent, please do not hesitate to contact the school to arrange an appointment with the teacher concerned as they are happy to support students in their learning.
Transitions
Year 6 to Year 7
In preparation for the transition of Year 6 students to Busselton Senior High School, we will be running ‘taster’ days for Year 6 students from West Busselton, Busselton and Geographe Primary Schools. Activities will include cooking, woodwork, bingo, sport and science lessons. It is hoped that all students who attend will feel more comfortable in a High School setting next year. Year 6 students will also receive a separate additional transition day later this year. Enrolment packages will be given out to students by the end of the term.
Year 10 to Year 11
Year 10’s will begin their course counselling to select their pathways for Year 11 and 12. This is an important time for these students as the decisions that are made this year will impact on their chance of graduation and a future career path. Busselton Senior High School has a number of courses to select from which will allow students to progress to their post-secondary destination. We have a sound breadth of ATAR courses that include Physics, Chemistry, Human Biology, Biology, Visual Arts, Physical Education Studies, Geography, History, Music, English and all Mathematics courses including Specialist Mathematics. A Certificate IV Course in Nursing Preparation is also available. These offerings satisfy the prerequisites for any university course. Our expert teachers ensure that students picking the ATAR pathway will achieve the mark they require. Over the past two years, every ATAR student who has applied for university has been accepted. Our VET program is considered a ‘Best Practice Model’ and last year we were recognised as the ‘VET School of the Year’ in Western Australia. Students have an opportunity to complete a Certificate II in Engineering, Building and Construction, Business and Sport Recreation. Students selecting these pathways will also be involved in a work placement. If you have any queries about enrolling in these pathways, please call the school.
Finally I would like to say good luck to all the students who are representing our school at Country Week this year. This event is an opportunity to represent the school with pride and test your sporting abilities against some high-class opposition. Additionally, I hope students enjoy the REAL activities in Weeks 10 and 11 and the Year 9 Canberra Trip. Attending excursions demonstrates that students are showing Respect, displaying Empathy, Striving to Achieve and are committed to their Learning. Decisions on whether students are eligible are based on the REAL attributes in the Semester 1 Reports. Students need to have attended 90% of the term.
Term 3 begins for students on Tuesday, 21 July.
Kind Regards,
Dainon Couzic
PRINCIPAL