High School 10/2/23: Welcome back to a new year

Welcome back to a new year at William Carey. I hope you had an enjoyable Christmas period, and for those who were able to get away over the holiday period, I hope you have been recharged and are ready for all the challenges and blessings that this New Year will bring.

As you would be aware, we have had some changes in staffing, and we welcome all the new teachers to the school community. We said farewell to Mr Scott Roby and wish him all the very best as he begins his new position as Deputy Principal at another school. A special welcome to Mrs Rebecca Clisdell, who has taken on the Role of Dean of Students – Years 11-12. 

With COVID behind us, it is exciting that 2023 will provide students with a large variety of experiences such as numerous excursions, camps, sporting activities, school musical, information evenings, parent-teacher nights as well as many inter-school competitions of educational and/or cultural nature. You should have received an invitation for our first round of Meet the Teacher evenings on the 15^th and 20^th of February. Your support of your child, and the school, would be much appreciated by your encouragement and attendance at these events where appropriate. Can I invite you to stay involved in your child’s education at every opportunity? Try and engage in meaningful conversations at home about your child’s day at school.

What’s new in High School?

NAPLAN 2023

NAPLAN tests will be conducted earlier this year. Students will complete NAPLAN in Week 7 – starting on the 15^th of March.  Students will be using their own devices.  We ask that you assist your child in installing the Application required. We will run a practice NAPLAN test in Week 6 to ensure students are ready to sit the tests on their devices. More details will be provided to you later in the term.

SEL – What is it?

This year we have introduced a new class for Year 7 and 8 students, called SEL or Social Emotional Learning.  This class complements the current well-being program that student’s study on Thursday mornings.

Why is Social Emotional Learning needed in our school?

“Through the process of social-emotional learning (SEL) students develop self-awareness, self-control, and interpersonal skills that are important for school, work, and life outcomes. Social-emotional competence helps students cope with everyday challenges and improves learning and wellbeing.”

We are created as social beings, to be in a relationship with God and one another. Emotions flow out of what we love, and at the same time, they help us to love the right things: God and one another. This course will allow students to learn, practice and equip them with the necessary skills that reflect the WCCS Attributes.

You can read more on this on the NSW Education website and you can also click on this link to watch a short video that explains Social and emotional learning.

We look forward to the year ahead, partnering with families to grow your children academically and socially.

Yours sincerely,

Mr Anthony Hudson

High School Deputy Principal