Learning as a Continuous Journey

Yesterday’s Gospel reading (Luke 12:13–21) reminds us that true wealth is not measured by material possessions but by generosity and wise stewardship. This message connects closely with our recent celebrations—where we not only recognised academic excellence but also students’ commitment to personal growth.

Just as the parable encourages us to focus on what truly matters beyond material riches, we remember that education is not a straight path but a continuous, circular journey. Each lesson, assessment and reflection builds on the last, creating a cycle that supports ongoing improvement. Learning is ever-evolving, with every step preparing students for the next challenge.

Last week’s awards ceremony celebrated not only final results but also the consistent effort and active engagement shown throughout the term. Highlighting these achievements underscores that meaningful learning happens every day, not just at exam time.

The Role of Formative Assessment

Assignments and tests often steal the spotlight, but assessment’s real value lies in the feedback it provides. This semester, you’ll notice an increased emphasis on formative assessments—shorter tasks designed to give students and teachers ongoing guidance in the lead-up to summative tasks (those that count towards final grades). In subjects such as Mathematics, Science, HASS and English, these formative results will be available on Canvas, enabling students to monitor their progress closely. This continuous feedback ensures teaching is tailored to each learner’s needs and helps everyone stay on track.

Setting and Supporting Goals

With the new semester now underway, it’s the perfect time for students to revisit the goals they set during last week’s Pastoral Care period. Clear, achievable goals help students take ownership of their learning and maintain motivation throughout the year. To support this, attached are the Semester 2 Assessment Calendars—mapping out every major task to help families plan ahead, balance workloads and still make time for other interests.

The Importance of Punctuality

Another vital part of the learning cycle is punctuality. Arriving on time for every lesson ensures students don’t miss critical explanations or formative checks that guide their progress. Punctuality is more than attendance; it’s about seizing every opportunity to learn.

Thank you for partnering with us on this journey of continuous learning and growth.

Kathleen Garvie
Assistant Principal – Teaching & Learning