Year 11: Winter Term… and the focus for Year 12!
“It all counts”…
It’s hard to believe that this group of young men are about to embark upon their final year of study! I suppose it will be with mixed emotions that the boys return to the boarding house for the commencement of Spring Term. For some, there will be feelings of anticipation as they come to terms with the significance of becoming a Year 12 student; for others, there will be a greater sense of determination to make the most out of the last twelve months and ensure that they give everything their best shot.
My main message to the boys in the first few weeks of Spring Term will be for them to understand that from now on “everything counts”. Certainly, after seeing some of the boys’ results in their Semester 2 Year 11 exams, there is much to be said about consistently applying oneself over all four terms to ensure that there are no great variations in their marks. However, in some respects the ‘slate will be wiped clean’ for the beginning of Year 12, and it is so important that the boys demonstrate a more disciplined and determined work ethic to ensure that their marks and grades in Year 12 are an accurate reflection of their ability rather than a lackluster work ethic. We will continue to support the boys to ensure that every opportunity is afforded to them to refine their study habits, and we trust that a larger proportion of the group will engage more regularly with the support we have available from tutors every evening in the boarding house.
Academically, the boys would be aware that every assessment task they complete now “counts” towards their ATAR, and for those boys completing the AAP courses, every assessment task “counts” towards their final grades which will determine TAFE and apprenticeship eligibility. And for those who are continuing with the Diploma programme, I am sure that they are well aware how important it will be to ensure that a disciplined work ethic characterizes their approach to their studies as soon as the new term begins.
Finding the right balance
Another significant pressure that will emerge over the next 12 months concerns the boys’ “social calendar”. We will endeavour to do our best to prepare the boys to make the right decisions when it comes to various functions and events that will appear on the horizon. We acknowledge the benefits of a healthy balance between their academic, social and sporting commitments, and trust that you will support us in the boarding house by adhering to the protocol when it comes to organising weekend leave, especially when it concerns boys getting signed out by host families. There have already been some issues with boys trying to organise weekend leave on a Friday night, or even a Saturday afternoon. Unfortunately, the fact that we live in such a litigious society, means that our Duty of Care to the boys must be our foremost concern.
Important dates for 2020
There are a few dates which may be worth taking note of for next year (some may be subject to change).
Firstly, the Year 12 Ball will be held on Saturday 15th February. In the past, the boarders have organized to have their “Befores” together before heading off to the Ball. We have booked the Cottesloe Civic Centre for this function and I will send more details closer to the date. We also anticipate that the boarders will start booking their transport during their coming term – I will try and encourage the more economic options that some of the large groups used for this year’s Ball; however, some will no doubt prefer the comfort and extravagance of limousines. We will also organize for Australian Formalwear to visit the boarding house towards the end of term to start the process of getting suits organized.
Secondly, the Bibbulmun Track boys will be walking into Albany on Saturday 29th February. We will be holding a morning tea for all walkers and family/friends at the finish line in Albany – it is expected that the group will arrive into Albany at 10.30am. In the past, boys and their families have had a casual BBQ dinner in the evening (perhaps at Emu Point Motel & Apartments, however, this will depend on where most families will be staying). As it is a long weekend, I would encourage you to organise your accommodation sooner rather than later. I will be in touch with families regarding this event at the beginning of next term.
Thirdly, the Year 12 Residential Dinner will be held at Royal Freshwater Bay Yacht Club on Thursday 15th October and March Out will be held on the morning of Friday 16th October.
Lastly, Valedictory Dinner for all Year 12’s will be held in the Dickinson Centre on the evening of Friday 27th November.
These are all significant events for the boys and their families and I would encourage all parents to attend these important rites of passage if you are able to.
Cars
I just wanted to remind parents that boarders are not permitted to have a car on campus or to drive other boys to and from various commitments. We will always do our best to accommodate boys’ travel arrangements, particularly to and from sporting or other commitments.
Overall, the start to the new academic year will be the beginning of an exciting, demanding and rewarding year for a group of young men who, I’m confident, will do an excellent job as leaders of the residential community.
I hope you enjoy having the boys back home for the October holidays and I look forward to catching up with you all during what will be a very important term for our group of boarders.
Matt Bradley