From the Assistant Principal
Ongoing Commitment to Learning Progress
Continuous improvement in student learning remains a key priority for our teachers. Earlier in Term 1, students in Years 7-10 participated in the annual Progressive Achievement Tests (PAT) for Reading Comprehension and Mathematics. These test results serve as valuable insights for our teachers, guiding adjustments to their instructional approaches to ensure the diverse needs of all learners are addressed. In Term 4, students will undergo these tests again, allowing our staff to assess and measure the growth in their learning. In an exciting development, parents/carers will receive a summary of these PAT results in the upcoming weeks.
Student-Led Research Project: 'Teach the Teacher'
Two exceptional Year 11 students, Emily Di Pietro and Matthew Shepherd, are currently spearheading a student-led research initiative titled 'Teach the Teacher.' Their project focuses on gathering feedback from students regarding effective learning and teaching strategies. Emily and Matt plan to present their findings to the teaching staff during a professional development session on a Staff Development Day in Term 2.
To collect comprehensive data, Emily and Matt will conduct meetings with focus groups of students in Years 7-10 throughout Term 1. We extend our gratitude to Emily and Matt for their dedicated work on this research project, showcasing how student voice and input can positively impact the overall student experience and enhance learning outcomes.
Referrals to Headspace Shellharbour – NOW OPEN
From Wednesday 28 February 2024, young people aged 12-25 eligible for support may be referred to the new Headspace Shellharbour centre located at 172 Shellharbour Road, Warilla (the ground floor of the Smart Financial building).
Click here to access the website.
How to make a referral
Referrals may be made to our centre using the below methods:
- Phone (preferred): By young people, families, and services by calling us directly on phone: (02) 4225 5670
- Email: Service providers can request and return the headspace Shellharbour Referral Form, by emailing (headspaceshellharbour@gph.org.au), or by fax using FAX: 4225 5671
- In person: A young person may access our service at 172 Shellharbour Road, Warilla from 8:30 am to 5 pm to request support
Referral guidelines
Please see here for more information. A summary is below.
Eligibility: Headspace is aimed at young people 12-25 with mild to moderate support needs.
Headspace provides a “no wrong door” approach and any young person seeking assistance will be supported through Headspace or assisted in finding the right service.
Support available
Headspace Shellharbour offers the following support services:
- Youth counselling for support with psychosocial stressors (up to 10 sessions)
- Mental Health clinical intervention (up to 10 sessions with or without a mental health treatment plan)
- Peer support (up to 10 sessions) Family and relationships counselling with our partner service Relationships Australia Vocation support with our partner service Personnel Group and the headspace national online work & study service
- Drug and Alcohol support with our partner service Kedesh
Young people in the Kiama region
The Kiama Headspace site is expected to open soon. Young people in Kiama are encouraged to access support from the Shellharbour service and may be assigned support from a headspace worker who will operate from the Kiama site once opened.
Mr Chris Shelton
Assistant Principal