Partnering with Families for Student Success

It is my pleasure to welcome you to the start of an exciting new school year. I am writing to provide greater insight into our learning and teaching priorities and how we can work together to support your student's growth and success.

First, I want to emphasise the importance of strong partnerships between school and home. Teacher advisor interviews, scheduled early in the term, are a valuable touchpoint for us to connect and align on academic, social and emotional goals tailored to your child's needs. These conversations enable us to collaborate on strategies to motivate learning and cultivate strengths. I strongly encourage you to meet with your student’s teacher advisor even if you were unable to commit to one this term; this two-way sharing of insights lays the foundation for a productive year ahead.

A major area of focus will be developing foundational literacy skills across all subject areas. Literacy is far more than reading and writing—it encompasses speaking, listening and higher-order thinking skills that empower students to interpret complex information, articulate ideas, and make meaning from diverse texts. Our teaching staff will provide explicit literacy instruction, especially for Year 8 students, to build comprehension, critical analysis, written communication and more. Targeted intervention and enrichment in Years 7-9 will reinforce these competencies so students gain fluency and confidence.

In tandem, we aim to elevate higher-order thinking skills like evaluation, synthesis and creation. Our 5E instructional model (Engage, Explain, Explore, Elaborate, Evaluate) facilitates this by moving beyond rote learning. Teachers will introduce and consolidate skills in each lesson using the 5Es, ensuring full student understanding through examples, discussion and collaboration. With ample opportunities to analyse issues from multiple lenses, construct insights and articulate reasoning, students will develop the cognitive agility needed to excel in school and life.

While we focus on building academic capabilities at school, success also relies on discipline, organisation and time management at home. I ask that you help establish routines around studying, prioritising a quiet space and protected time each evening to review classwork, complete assignments and study. With the fast pace of content coverage across subjects, consistent review and knowledge consolidation is imperative for retention and achievement.

I also encourage you to attend our academic workshops and information evenings throughout the year. These provide valuable insights into how you can support learning at home. Topic areas will include:

• Establishing effective home study habits
• Building literacy and reading comprehension
• Higher order thinking and problem solving
• Managing assignments and preparing for exams

I am excited to collaborate with you this year as we guide your child toward their full potential. Together, through a shared commitment to literacy, higher-order thinking and diligent study habits, we can provide the foundation for their growth and future success. Please reach out if you have any questions. I wish your family a year rich in learning and personal growth.