Mrs Samantha Hawkins

‘Welcome back’ Assemblies, the Student Leaders’ Induction, an OP1 congratulatory lunch, the Interhouse Swimming Carnival, six Parent Information Evenings and the start of extra-curricular seasons have made the first four weeks of this term feel like it has whizzed by. All of these events have taken place while our students and teachers have been working to establish learning routines that will set students up for a successful year.  

At State High, we are committed to working in partnership with our parent/guardian community to ensure that each of our students can become the best versions of themselves.  One of the ways we connect with parents is through information nights.  Our Parent Information Evenings are an opportunity for our community to connect with and understand the ‘why’ behind our ways of working. 

One of the themes at our information evenings this year was the adaptability, functionality and practicality of our Year 7 – 12 core learning device, the iPad.  The iPad skills and habits that our students will learn at State High will stand them in good stead for their tertiary studies and work endeavours. 

On Monday of this week, we welcomed back our OP1 students from 2019 to acknowledge their achievements. Often congratulations can focus on achieving the outcome, the OP. On Monday, we focused on the persistence, sacrifice, dedication, hard work, effective study routines, bouncing back from disappointment and sheer grit that it takes to achieve an OP1. To achieve an OP1, students had to be committed to a journey of visible progress, which in reality is also a commitment to creating and developing visible expertise. This was highlighted in an address from Advaith Suresh, 2019 School Vice-Captain. I have included a snippet of Advaith’s address below. His words encapsulate the essence of our values and what we are working towards for each of our students, to be lifelong learners, creative thinkers, resilient, confident and principled communicators, and active caring citizens who will always feel a sense of belonging to team Blue-Red-Blue. 

On Monday, we welcomed back our OP1 students from 2019 to acknowledge their achievements.

Photo: Gayathiri Murugadas (Year 11)

"I’ll finish by giving three pieces of advice which I hope you’ll find to be valuable:

The first to be proactive. Take charge of your own learning and take advantage of the opportunities that we’re so lucky to have. If class alone isn’t getting you through, talk to your teachers about what you need help with, and actually go to the tutorials on offer. Throughout Year 12, I was very conflicted on what I wanted to pursue after school, and I’m sure many of you will be too. But State High is so incredible because it gives you the chance to figure this out. Go to uni info sessions, or approach your Head of Year. There are so many people here who want to help you to reach your personal best. Taking the extra step and asking for help makes a world of difference.

The second is to teach while you learn. We retain less than half of what we hear and read, but around 90 per cent of what we teach. It’s the fastest and most effective form of learning, so during the next big assessment preparation phase at school, help out your mates and see how you’ll benefit, too.

Finally, to the Year 12s, remember that this year is a marathon, not a sprint – don’t burn yourself out too early. We all have different things that we do to recharge, be it playing sport, reading, listening to music, or just sleeping. Make time for yourself so you can keep the energy going and finish strong."

Advaith Suresh (2019 School Vice-Captain) presenting his speech on Assembly on Monday 17 February

Photo: Gayathiri Murugadas (Year 11)

Advaith Suresh 2019 School Vice-Captain

In closing this week, I wish our Year 12 students all the best with their assessment block next week and I look forward to hearing how they have applied The Learning Scientists’ strategies that we have been working through with all our students to positively enhance their capacity to strive for their personal best. 

Have a great week.