Senior School Report – October 12, 2017

Unit 3/4- Practice Exams, September/October Holidays

In most years, Term Four seems to end up going much more quickly than I would like, and I think most Year 12s would say the same.- It is not that I am dreading the Christmas holidays, more that there is so much to get done in the term.- Most of our Year 12s came in and did their practice exams in the holidays.- They are now using their feedback to improve their performances and they will keep repeating this process at home and at school until they sit the real exams.- At first their poor results can be crushing, but those who go through this process keep improving, and then end up with scores of which they are proud and scores which create opportunities for them beyond St Pats.

Finishing well is something that we would like all our boys to do.- Socially and emotionally these last couple of weeks are really enjoyable and tiring for our Year 12s.- They are aware that we don’t have muck up day, haven’t for many years and that there is no tolerance of poor behaviour.- We do however celebrate this end of the student’s time in a positive manner on Wednesday October 25, with a student breakfast before school, some normal classes, a Leave Taking Ceremony at the end of the day (until 4pm) and the Thanksgiving Mass (7:30pm). – At this time of the year it is important that students heed the warnings about not visiting other schools; what can seem like a good idea one minute ends up looking like anything but a good idea in hindsight.- It is also encouraged that students do not drive themselves to school on the last day of classes, emotions are high and they do not need to be in charge of a vehicle.

There is still much work to be done by students at this stage, and the most relaxed celebration is at the Valedictory Dinner.- I look forward to seeing you all at the Mass on October 25.