Junior School Report – October 20, 2016

The year is quickly slipping by and Term 4 is an extremely busy time at St Patrick’s.

At this time of the year it is of extreme importance that boys are very mindful of being organised. Being organised can alleviate many of the anxieties and issues that arise at this time of the year. Simple acts such as your son packing his school bag the night before and arranging PE gear and other necessary materials ahead of time will remove the last minute rush the following morning.

During Transition classes, Year 7 boys have been discussing the importance of developing sound study habits and routines. This is best achieved by your son having a regular time and place for him to complete his study/ homework as well as the ability to time manage around other activities such as sport and music commitments.

St Patrick’s is a large organisation that runs on the many positive relationships among students and with teachers at the College. One of the great strengths of this is the fact that many of the friendships established here will stand your son in good stead in his future life whether he pursues a profession, trade, a life in sport or other pathways in life. Term 4 is an excellent time to try new activities within the College and make connections with new students and staff.

In the weeks leading into exams it is timely for your son to reflect on his learning and identify areas of challenge and concern that he can work on in preparation for exam time. The boys at Year 7 & 8 will sit formal exams in the areas of English, Mathematics, Humanities and Science. If your son needs assistance with any aspect of his learning, please encourage him to make contact with his teachers to seek assistance.

In the end there is no substitute for hard work. Establishing or maintaining a good study routine will be most important in the preparation phase for exams. We shall be working with all of the boys in the Junior School to prepare for the exam experience, but success in exams will rely on three things: hard work persistence and self-belief.

Year 7 Presentation Evening

This year’s Junior School Presentation Evening will take place on Thursday, November 24th at 7:30pm in the O’Malley Sports Centre. All Year 7 boys are expected to attend as they will be performing as part of the Year 7 band and choir.

Academic sporting and cultural prizes will be presented on the night. Boys will need to wear full College uniform. All of the family is invited, come along and enjoy an entertaining evening to celebrate the good things that have taken place throughout the school year.

Junior School Exams

Junior School exams will take place between December 1-7. Over the coming weeks subject teachers will be working with boys to assist them with the planning of their study and preparation for exams.

It is an expectation that boys sit exams. It would be appreciated if dental and medical appointments not be made during exam times. Exams will only be sat during the designated times, no alternate arrangements will be made for students absent during exam week.

The exam schedule will be published in coming weeks.

Year 7 Study Day/ 2017 Year 7 Orientation Day

A reminder that Year 7 boys are not required at school on Tuesday December 6, as we shall be holding the Orientation day for 2017’s Year 7 students.

This year’s Year 7 boys will have a study day at home to assist them with preparations for their Science exams.