From the Pastoral Office
Year 12 Exams – Best Wishes
As the Year 12 block exams approach, beginning this Thursday and continuing into Week 10, we would like to extend our heartfelt best wishes to all students. Our hope for this period is that they manage their time, stress, and overall wellbeing effectively throughout the block.
Remember that maintaining a balance of good sleep, proper nutrition, and managing anxiety are key components to performing at your best. It’s essential to avoid overloading on sugary foods, caffeine, and last-minute cramming. Preparation is crucial, so we encourage you to prioritize study and revision.
Time management will be critical during these weeks. We also recommend considering reducing extra shifts at part-time jobs and being mindful of activities that could divert your focus.
We are confident in your ability to rise to the occasion, and we wish you all the very best of luck. You’ve got this, gentlemen!
Year 12 Formal
We are pleased to announce that the Year 12 Formal will take place on Thursday, 3 April. Parents can find all necessary information and updates regarding the event on the parent portal. We look forward to celebrating this significant milestone with our Year 12 students and their families.
NAPLAN
Congratulations to our Year 7 and 9 students who completed the last of their NAPLAN testing this week. We were happy with the way students engaged with the testing and know that they are relieved to have it completed. For our Year 9 students, it was a good segue into their Term 1 exam procedures, and we hope they keep their focus and academic momentum.
Neurodiversity Week
Our Lauries Journey classes from Year 7 to 12 focussed on Neurodiversity Week in order to help build a community that values diversity in all its forms and understanding that a wide range of cognitive styles leads to a richer, more dynamic world. It also ensures that everyone has the support they need to succeed on their own terms. By highlighting various well-known individuals who live with autism, ADHD, dyspraxia, dysgraphia, dyscalculia and Tourette’s Syndrome emphasised that many people who found school difficult are now very successful. It also illustrated that whilst they may have struggled in some areas, they have vast gifts and talents.
Students investigated what neurodiversity is and why it is important to understand that our brains are unique and as such, how each of us view, experience, interact and contribute to our world and community will be different. A key part of the lesson was to identify what we can do to support and encourage neurodiverse students in our classrooms and Lauries community. One of the key takeaways from the lesson and from www.neurodiversityweek.com were the tips regarding what you can do to help including:
- Don't tease or make fun of anyone in your class who is different or who is finding something difficult.
- Instead, be kind, understanding and encouraging.
- Never forget that you have the power to make a positive difference to someone who may be having a difficult time.
- Make someone's day by being understanding and kind.
Our hope is that inclusivity, understanding, empathy and support filters through all elements of our Lauries community.
MS VANESSA BELL
Dean of Engagement & Wellbeing