High School 4/8/23: Secrets To Coping With Exam Stresses

Welcome back to Term 3. This term will be a full and demanding term for students and parents alike, with the School Musical, assessments and examinations.

Upcoming Parent Seminar

Our Term 3 Parent Seminar “Body Confident Children and Teens” is on Monday 11th September 2023 6.00pm – 7.30pm ( Week 7) presented by the Butterfly Foundation.

With so many confusing messages around weight and shape and with many adults struggling with their own body image it can be difficult for parents to know how best to support their child as they move through adolescence. This relaxed and informative seminar for carers of primary and secondary age children gives practical tips to help you better understand and promote positive body image in the home.

In this session we will cover:

  • Overview of body image and the importance of prevention against negative body image
  • The spectrum of body and eating issues
  • Key influence on body image, including social media
  • The impact of diet culture and weight stigma
  • Busting common myths around eating disorders
  • Reducing appearance talk and how to respond when a child expresses negativity towards themselves/others
  • The power of role modelling positive body image and  behaviours
  • Understanding warning signs and the importance of early intervention

Exam Stress

As we gear up for the upcoming high school examination period, we understand that it can be a bit overwhelming for both students and their families. Being prepared as parents/caregivers to support your child in coping with the emotional stresses of exams helps prepare them for success both during their school years and beyond. Your involvement is like a secret ingredient for their resilience and success.

Year 12 students are sitting their Trial HSC Examinations next week and later in the term Year 10 and 11 will be completing their yearly examinations. Please pray for these students as they prepare and sit their final school assessments.

Students in their final year of school are considered a high-risk group for depression and anxiety. Sleep deprivation, diet and social media are some of the biggest issues faced by this group of teens. Therefore it is vital that a student’s mental health is looked after as well as their physical health.

Keeping things in perspective for students and parents alike, can help prevent everyone getting overwhelmed. Although this final year is important, it will not be the most important year of your child’s life.

There are many strategies that students can implement to help themselves. Parents can provide support, not only emotionally, but also practically by keeping their child well-nourished and encouraging physical activity.

In the report below, you will find useful tips to support your child during this often stressful time.

We hope you take time to reflect on the information offered in this special report, and as always, we welcome your feedback.

If you do have any concerns about the wellbeing of your child, please contact the school for further information or seek medical or professional help. 

Kindest regards, 

Mr Anthony Hudson
High School Deputy Principal

 

“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”
Matthew 11:28-30

Year 12 HSC CAPA shines

Year 12 CAPA students took center stage, proudly presenting their exceptional performances and artistic endeavors at our annual HSC showcase. The evening commenced with an exclusive preview of the captivating artworks, expertly complemented by Year 11 Hospitality’s mocktail service. These masterpieces radiated hardwork and brilliance, providing a perfect backdrop for students to revel in their accomplishments alongside family and friends.

The stage then transformed into a canvas for the expressive arts, with Ayush starting the performances on the Tabla. The evening continued with captivating Drama Individual Performances, a Visual Arts time-based form work, and resounding vocal performances that left an impact.

Our heartfelt congratulations go out to our accomplished Year 12 CAPA students for their showcase. As they embark on the final stages of their journey at school, we pray they are able to present their talent and performances to the best of their ability at their HSC exams. 

This event is dedicated to our all creative God, recognizing that creativity is a gift from Him and a reflection of how we are made in His image.