Secondary News

“I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.”

Philippians 4:13

We have had a very busy start to the year in Secondary, DE. Like all schools, we see the start of the year a little chaotic with everyone learning and finding their way in their courses. But this is the joy, and excitement of a new school year!

This week some of our students commenced NAPLAN preparation, with the first practice session taking place. As frustrating as many may have found this process, it is a great opportunity for students to learn the NAPLAN platform, and see what the login and structure of this type of assessment looks like. Getting these NAPLAN jitters out of our system early in this practice session is really important for all of us. Most importantly, the majority of our students have now had their practice, and they can commence NAPLAN components feeling more comfortable and ready to go. Not all may be feeling this, so please remember… NAPLAN is just another form of assessment that helps teachers and schools paint the big picture for the needs of students, and the school. Each NAPLAN component is a ‘tool in the tool kit’ for teachers. The information that we receive, as a school, helps us to ensure we are planning and preparing learning experiences for our students, that help fill any gaps our students need filling. 

So my advice for all those sitting NAPLAN assessments over the upcoming weeks is, just breathe. Go to bed early the night before, have a good breakfast, be ready nice and early, and remember to go into the NAPLAN lockdown browser on your device, and have your secondary device behind you with the teleconference ready to go.

In addition to upcoming NAPLAN week, we also have our very jam packed DE Year 7 and 8 Camp in Busselton from Tuesday 25th - Friday 28th March. Going on school camp for some students may be just as stressful for them, as NAPLAN or a test may be for others. We would love to see our Year 7 and 8 students on camp. It is a great opportunity to make new friends, whilst engaging in some amazing learning experiences. We will be creating art projects, enjoying beach activities, playing mini golf, and learning drama skills, to name a few!  A reminder, we need registration forms completed ASAP, with full payment needing to be made by Monday 17th March.

Here is the link to fill out your Registration Form  DE Year 7 and 8 Busselton Camp 

Prior to the camp a Student Health Form will be sent to fill out. (Year 9 and 10 - keep an eye out for your camp next term!)

Finally, we are now halfway through the term, and have hit our first lot of assessments. Again, remember, don’t let this trouble you. We aren’t focussing on what you don’t know, we are celebrating what you do! In all things, God is your strength. Lean on Him! He is your strength, even when you may not be feeling it!