Middle School Report – February 18, 2016

February 17, 2016

Now that the Middle School students have well and truly settled into the 2016 academic year, I am pleased to report that the majority of boys are making good progress in their studies. In particular, it is fantastic to see our new students making new friends and engaging with the wider community. I frequently receive updates from teachers about the application and engagement that students are making in their respective subjects. With assessments starting to take place, now is a good opportunity to have a conversation with your sons about how they are progressing and contact teachers if you have any queries or concerns. Additionally, if your son is feeling anxious about his transition into the Middle School, please encourage them to talk to either myself or a member of the Middle School Team.

I wish to thank the parents, students and staff who attended the Parent Information Session held at the College on Thursday the 4th of February. This was an excellent opportunity for teachers to meet with parents and students to outline the Middle School program and expectations. In particular, the trialing of the Duke of Edinburgh program in 2016 promises to provide opportunities and indeed recognition for some our students to become actively involved in both the school and Ballarat community. If parents have any questions in regards to this program, please contact Mr Mike Weadon via email -“ mweadon@stpats.vic.edu.au.

The summer sports program is well underway and it is exciting to witness so many boys participating in the variety of sports offered at the College. I encourage every Middle School student to become involved wherever possible with some extra-curricular activity so that they can maximize the benefits of being a student at St. Patrick’s. With the Swimming and Athletics Carnivals fast approaching, many students through their endeavors will be able to represent the College at the upcoming BAS events in both sports in the coming months.

May I remind parents about the iPad and homework expectations for the Middle School. Students are to only use their iPads during class time when instructed to do so by their subject teacher. Unfortunately, there have been a few incidents of late whereby students have not followed this procedure in addition to misuse of the iPad itself. See below the expectations surrounding iPad use at the College for Middle School students.

  1. Bring your ICT Device to school fully charged every day.

  2. Use your ICT Device only under the specific guidance of a staff member.

  3. Mute your ICT Device unless directed by a staff member.

  4. Protect and respect your ICT Device at all times.

  5. Access educational content only during class on your ICT Device.

  6. Ensure content on your ICT Device is appropriate at all times.

  7. Refrain from touching or interfering with other students’ ICT Devices.

Homework should be approximately 90 minutes per evening and this is an integral element of the learning process. Students are encouraged to read over their notes from their lessons to reinforce learning each day. This will assist in assessments and end of semester examinations. The WIRED reading program is up and running again in the Middle School through the support of the KRC. Each student is required to bring their current novel to these sessions and liaise with their English teacher and KRC staff to gain information about what genres they may be interested in. Your ongoing support with these matters is greatly appreciated.

Queenscliff Camps

Finally, please see below the camp schedule for the upcoming Queenscliff Camps commencing from the 7th of March. If you have any questions or concerns regarding the camps, please contact Mrs Ashleigh Giampaolo via email – agiampaolo@stpats.vic.edu.au.

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Date

Class

Pastoral Care Teacher

Camp 1

Monday, March 7 to Wednesday, March 9

A

Nathan Geaghan

H

Andrew Agardy

C

Sam Cue

Camp 2

Wednesday, March 9 to Friday, March 11

D

Emmanuel Desfosses

E

Stephanie Parsons

Camp 3

Tuesday, March 15 to Thursday, March 17

F

Shane Hayes

G

Caroline Pruscino

Camp 4

Wednesday, March 16 to Friday, March 18

B

Chris Giampaolo

I

Michael Weadon

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Once again, thank you for a positive start to 2016.

Kindest regards,

Mr Ross Wise

Director of Middle School