Heads of Year Reports

Year 7 and 8

Year 7 and 8 students have had a busy few weeks here at School. They have had the opportunity to develop their connections with students throughout the school via their House and Pastoral Care Group Activities which have occurred during Extended PCG. These interactions with the senior students allow connections to develop across our school just as they do within a family and the older students offer guidance, support and mentorship during these special interactions. Our Vertical PCG system is something that we truly cherish here at St George’s and I hope that the Year 7 and 8 students value these interactions with our older students on a regular basis.

This a friendly reminder of the Year 7 Social taking place on the 9 June – the silent disco. A letter was sent to all parents through

Year 9 and 10

We have reached the halfway mark of the term, and it’s been a bustling period here at St George’s for our Year 9 and 10 students. I’m thrilled to share that our Year 10 students excelled at the recent Careers Expo. They displayed exceptional manners, engaging with professionals and asked insightful questions.

I would like to take a moment to remind parents and guardians of a couple of important matters.

Firstly, the deadline for purchasing Year 9 social tickets is quickly approaching. To secure a ticket, please visit this link: https://www. trybooking.com/CICRS.

Year 11 and 12

With the last set of examinations finishing today, I think it is important to discuss how students are going to be recovering over the long weekend. Examination periods are stressful times, and it is important to recognise that sleep plays an important part in recovery and recharging our mental wellbeing.

Over the last few weeks, our senior students have been pushed to the limit, studying and preparing for their examinations and ESTs. This means that the possibility of not getting enough sleep is a very likely scenario for many. When students do not get enough sleep, the receptors in the brain become desensitised to serotonin, a neurotransmitter that is responsible for REM (rapid eye movement) sleep. According to a Harvard study, this is a stage of sleep in which dreaming occurs most frequently. Scientists hypothesised that

Direqt message; please be sure to book your child a spot at the silent disco which will be held on Level 4.

Year 8 students had an exceptional time at Year 8 Camp. These activities allow students to create memories through shared experiences and was particularly special for our Year 8s who could not experience a residential camp last year due to COVID restrictions. Many laughs were had and a large number of students challenged themselves to ‘have a go’ and get involved. I am confident that they will sleep well tonight.

Ms Taryn Sephton Head of Year 7 and 8

Additionally, preparations for the Year 10 Camp are well underway. Camp permission letters have been distributed electronically via Direqt message and paper copies have been provided to the students.

We kindly request that you promptly sign and return the permission letters at your earliest convenience.

Thank you for your attention to these matters, and as always, feel free to reach out if you have any further inquiries or concerns.

Miss Katie Wilkinson Head of Year 9 and 10

REM sleep plays an essential role in the acquisition of learned material.

My advice for our students is during peak study times, whether that is examination study or test study, you need to give the brain time to rest and process information. Do your best to avoid studying for at least 90 minutes before bed. Instead, use this time to relax, unwind and focus on something other than study as long as it is not screen time either. Create a relaxing bedtime routine. Get into some cosy pj’s and read a book. Allow your mind to drift away from all things study related.

Happy Sleeping!

Mr Peter Quan Acting Head of Year 11 and 12

World of Work Week

While the ATAR Year 11 and 12 students were completing their Semester One Examinations, the APEx students participated in World of Work (WoW) Week, a program that helps students learn about different aspects of the job market and how to prepare for it.

Our APEx students also received presentation from Dharmesh Patel, the proprietor of Game City Espresso Bar at 56 William Street. Mesh talked about his experiences in business and the alternative pathway he followed to get to where he is today. He shared tips for success and some fantastic insights about what it is like to be a thriving business owner. Mesh was joined by Adam Przytula, director of Armed for Life. Both of these outstanding entrepreneurs challenged our students to think not only about their Plan A, but also Plan B and C. The key messages they shared were:

• Success stories require hard work;

• No study is ever wasted. It is stored away for a later day;

• Your true friends stick around during the bad times;

• Maintain good ties with everyone, you don’t know whose help you will need;

• Be generous and;

• You have to keep evolving, learn new things.

WoW week provided a valuable opportunity for students to prepare for life after school and their exciting future prospects. It is our sincere hope that St George’s students use these newly developed skills and knowledge to help them succeed in their career development.

Congratulations to Vincenzo

During WoW week, our students worked with two HR specialists who gave them insights into what employers look for, what their social media activities say about them and how to write a good cover letter and resume. At the end of the week, our students were put through their paces in a panel interview with a teacher and an industry professional to help simulate a real-life experience, complete with individualised feedback. Each component of the workshop was designed to help our students showcase their strengths, interests, and goals, as well as to address any gaps or challenges they may face in their ultimate job search.

Guerinoni, one of our Year 10 students, who won a drone at the Perth Careers Expo on 19 May. Vincenzo entered a competition at the Expo, and was randomly selected as the winner from over 1000 entries. Well done, Vincenzo!

The Perth Careers Expo was a great opportunity for our Year 10 class to explore various pathways and options for their future. They visited different stalls, talked to representatives from various industries and institutions, and participated in interactive activities. We hope they gained some valuable insights and inspiration from this experience.

Mrs Sharan Tagore APEx, Careers and Curriculum Coordinator

The Library has been very busy processing a vast number of new books.

Our Special Collection looks good and is attracting readers. Since the beginning of the year, we have now processed 358 new books and 792 books have been borrowed. We have increasing numbers of students visiting at recess and lunchtime to read. These students like to come into the Library, select a book and read peacefully.

I have been struggling to keep up with reading the wonderful flood of new books coming into the Library.

I recently read Saltwater Boy by Bradley Christmas. New to our Young Adult collection, set along the New South Wales coast, this is a coming-of-age story. While we tend to associate bush settings with Australian identity, this novel explores the therapeutic qualities of the sea as it heals damage from the past and reconciles various characters.

A totally different novel is a donated text, Sandra Brown’s Rainwater. Set in Texas during the depression this novel “bears witness” to the ugly side of racism at that time. However, the narrative also gives hope in celebrating the power of good against all odds. Another donated novel, The Tenderness of Wolves, by Stef Penney, is also set in the past, 1867, Canada. This is a vastly different setting, winter in remote Dove River. Ostensibly a whodunnit, the novel also explores the nature of love and forgiveness. These books can be found on our shelves.

Lego Club has expanded slightly. Some eager students have started working on the Hogwarts Lego model. This group is spending Monday lunchtime working to finish the model. Our Wednesday Lego group are still working hard on their Star Wars creation, with enthusiastic staff picking up the challenge on Fridays. It is good to see so many people working to create these diverse projects.

Homework Club has been very busy with students sitting examinations coming to study or seek additional tuition or revision seminars being offered by staff. These Year 11 and 12 students are also using the Library during class time to work independently or with teachers.

Together, let us read.

Dr Annette Pedersen Library Services Coordinator