By Mr Kort Goodman - Principal

Dear Parents, Caregivers and Students

I don’t know about anyone else, but when I look at my calendar and realise that we are nearly at the end of week three of term four I start to break into a bit of a cold sweat. No matter how we plan and strategise, there never seems to be an escape from the frantic rush which characterises this time of year. Term four is our shortest term of the year, though packed full of major events and celebrations. In many ways, the biggest threat is looking ahead to the finish line, without ‘lowering the eyes’, to ensure that all potholes are successfully navigated. Study schedules must be plotted, assignments well-drafted, social events managed and staples such as sleep, and nutrition are attended to. The majority of our Year 11s have commenced Unit 3 of the new QCE and Year 12s will be finishing their final assessments for their QCE and OP results at the end of the year. For both groups this will be a demanding term where they will need to focus on their studies.

When researching time management or organisational management strategies there are literally thousands of self-help guides and resources that guarantee to help us be more organised. Pinterest alone displays 246 different organisational planners, lists, quotes, books and other resources which would, or if you believe the sales pitch, will change your life and achieve stress-free success! There are many common themes which flow through these organisational resources including;

• Write a to-do list
• Break big tasks into smaller chunks
• Remove yourself from distraction
• Set priorities
• Create a planner
• Goal setting exercises
• Get enough sleep
• Eat well and hydrate
• Do regular exercise
• Have a positive mindset
• Practice mindfulness, which is really another way to pray
• Manage social media use
• Utilise mentors

Many of these tips and resources can be useful but in my mind none of them are sustainable for the long term without two important ingredients – self discipline and being open to the support of others.

Self-discipline is about choice, we can either choose to do things as we have always done or we can break with our old habits. I find that making improvements to my organisation assists in developing my self-discipline and vice versa. Like all the other habits, improvement in organisation can slowly build up over time, it requires some effort, consistency and attention but it will pay off enormously in the long run.

The second ingredient is even more important than the first. I need people around me to support me in being more organised and disciplined. I am fortunate to have a number of critical friends who I draw on for support and who keep me honest and on the right path. When we admit to ourselves that we can’t do all of this alone, we open ourselves to the support that is around us.

I say this especially at this time of the year to the young women and men of our College, particularly our Year 12 and 11 students. I have always had the belief that our most successful students, the ones who are on their way to realising their full potential, are those who have drawn on the support of those around them.

As parents we have an important role to play in supporting our children, particularly at this time. Don’t be afraid to reach out and proactively engage with your daughters and sons, even it they push back a little. So to all our parents and our students, I offer these couple of pieces of gratuitous advice as we enter this critical time of the academic year.

Parents – try to avoid nagging about study but offer consistent support and encouragement. Don’t be busy around exam time as they will need you more. Make short visits to their study space with food and water and positive encouragement.

Students – include your parents in the process. Let them know when work is due or when examinations are coming up and get them to help you revise. Continue to constantly draw on the support of your teachers. Remember that they will do everything they can, to help you achieve your goals.

Finally, a reminder that our Presentation Night will be held on Thursday 14^th November, in our new Assumption College sports hall. This event, which commences at 7.00pm, is significant in our College calendar as it provides us with the opportunity to celebrate the great achievements of our students. We ask that students and parents arrive and are seated by 6.50pm. As a sign of respect to students receiving awards, we ask that parents and students remain for the duration of the ceremony. It is anticipated that the evening will conclude by 9.00pm.

Have a lovely week.

Kort