Newsletter - Term 2, Week 8 - 13 June

For these next words and to those who are enamoured by this genre of TV…I apologise. But seriously, reality TV: a genre that gives us the philosophical depth of a toaster and the emotional range of a sponge. Where once, television aspired to Shakespearean drama, thought-provoking documentaries and perhaps the occasional cooking show where no one cried over overcooked risotto, we’re now faced with tissue thin or non-existent plots and even thinner unmemorable characters.

These thoughts made their way around my head a few nights ago as I turned on the TV to be presented with the reality show Gold; a show where a group of talented, and perfectly capable women line up like prize cattle at a country show, vying for the attention of a bloke who owns a few paddocks and a ute.

Now as much as it pains me, I see a parallel between this and something about to happen at Eddies over the next few weeks; Senior Education and Training (SET) planning. Forget the idyllic farm vistas and the romantic hopefuls. Our scene unfolds here on The Hill. Instead of farmers showcasing their fertile fields, our Heads of Department present their wares: the intricacies of Modern History, the allure of Mathematical Methods or the practical wonders of Certificate 1 Construction. There will be the promise of unravelling the mysteries of the universe in Chemistry or Physics or Biology. In English there’s the chance to embrace the power of words, painting vivid pictures of literary journeys. In the often-misunderstood Accounting, there’s the thrilling possibility of balanced books, multiple spreadsheets and financial stability.

There are certainly questions for parents and students to pose to potential academic suitors; what ATAR do I need, are there any prerequisite subjects, can I do this Certificate subject and the inimitable, how do I get my QCE (Queensland Certificate of Education). Ultimately the question is “Will this course get me a job?"

The process is a delicate dance and certainly no party. The moment of truth; subject selection, is where the "tough choices" really hit. Just like a reality show there might be obstacles and challenges. A favourite subject may only be offered once due to timetabling constraints. There may the heartbreak when two dream electives occur on the same line or perhaps the realisation that a chosen pathway requires a subject you genuinely dislike; these can be a real blow. Carefully constructed academic relationships need to be considered seriously and built carefully on firm foundations

It's pertinent to remember that even in moments of disappointment, there is learning, and transferable skills are being developed. Resilience is learned as plans are adjusted; critical thinking solidifies as alternatives are weighed. Negotiation skills and communication skills and adaptability will fair well, should our young men run the gauntlet of a staged reality show confrontation.

In the end, the SET Plan that culminates in the "ultimate pairing” is a meticulously crafted Senior Education and Training Plan. The SET plan isn't just a list of subjects; it's a map. It outlines planned courses of study, vocational training and future aspirations, whether they be entry to university or TAFE, taking up an apprenticeship, or direct entry into the workforce. It's a living document, a commitment to a two-year academic "marriage" that, while not set in stone, provides a crucial framework for their senior schooling journey.

The beauty of a SET Plan, much like a successful reality show relationship, lies in its potential for growth and evolution. Our Eddies Men learn that their initial "match" can be refined, and that pathways can diverge. It’s a journey of self-discovery where, with the support of our Eddies Team, the complexities of their academic future are navigated without too much fuss. Unlike the often-fleeting romances of reality TV, the skills, knowledge and self-awareness gained through the SET planning can be for life.

I encourage all Year 10 parents to engage actively with their sons in this process. Logging into the TrackOne online portal and sitting down to a sincere conversation about directions, possibilities and futures can be crucial in allowing our men to make informed decisions. Whatever reality show is flavour of the moment, cooking, dating, surviving, here’s to the SET planning process. May the academic "marriages", Pathway futures and SET plans that arise, be long and prosperous and filled with the success that each of our Eddies Men deserve.

Term 2 - Week 9

Monday 16 June

• Years 7 - 10 Assessment Period
• Year 5 Eureka Excursion

Tuesday 17 June

• Years 7 - 10 Assessment Period
• Combined Colleges' Leader Games at St Mary's

Wednesday 18 June

• Years 7 - 10 Assessment Period

Thursday 19 June

• Years 7 - 10 Assessment Period
• Year 11 Leadership Retreat - Day 2

Friday 20 June

• Interhouse Choir Competition
• Term 2 Concludes

# Please always refer to the College App for times and locations.

In each newsletter, we will bring you an article from SchoolTV. It’s never been more challenging for parents and caregivers to raise happy, healthy and resilient children. The SchoolTV platform provides an extensive range of wellbeing resources for parents and caregivers, so together with the College, we can all work together to ensure better wellbeing for all students.

Setting a schedule is vitally important. Students need to schedule everything from sleeping and eating, to studying and exercising. It is one of the best ways to manage inevitable exam stress. Students need to look after themselves when they have big demands in their life.

When it comes to productive study, sometimes less is often more. It is recommended that students hit the books in 50-minute stints, broken up by 15-minute breaks. This gives the brain, and body, a rest. Adolescents will often underestimate the amount of sleep they need. Getting enough sleep is key to successful study practices.

Research shows that physical activity also has a very positive impact on mental wellbeing. Eating well is another crucial factor in maintaining concentration and staying focused on the task ahead.

Helping your child cope with exam anxiety

With exam season just around the corner, it’s no surprise that a majority of students here — and parents too — are feeling anxious right now.

What can parents do to help soothe their children and not let them go down the dark path of anxiety? The first step is to look out for the signs of anxiety, say experts.

“Anxiety often is accompanied by signs of restlessness or fatigue during waking hours, problems in concentration or sleepiness during the day, accompanied by muscular tension or trouble in sleeping at night,” said Irena Constantin (M.Phil), an educational psychologist at Scott Psychological Centre.

“It’s important to pay attention to your child’s feelings and signs of anxiety and to stay calm when your child becomes anxious about a situation like exams.”

CHANGES IN BEHAVIOUR

Dr Sara Delia Menon, a clinical psychologist at Alliance Counselling, suggested that parents determine if the anxiety is proportionate to the stressor and compare their child’s response to past behaviour.

So, for instance, greater anxiety can be expected for national or other milestone examinations, compared to class tests.

It’s also important to look out for changes that are out of character. She cited examples such as mood changes, changes in social interaction or differences in activity level.

If these changes are temporary — lasting no more than a few hours — and related to a specific trigger, such as being scolded by a teacher or parent, and infrequent, the stress response is likely to be normal.

“However, it warrants further exploration if the changes in your child’s behaviour are more long-lasting, are not associated with specific triggers and occur on a regular basis,” said Dr Menon.

If your children are indeed going through an anxious phase, you should let them know that you are there for them. Constantin said one can provide support by accepting your child’s feelings and empathising with his or her situation.

“Anxiety is a very scary feeling and your child needs the reassurance that you’re together with him,” she said.

“Make sure you’re taking the child’s feelings seriously and providing a good balance between learning and playing, together with healthy food and enough sleep.”

Constantin also pointed out the importance of recognising small accomplishments and not punishing mistakes. In fact, allowing your child to make mistakes can actually be used as a motivator.

“We do learn from our mistakes,” she explained. “Mistakes force us to rethink and reflect what went wrong so we avoid doing the same ‘learning mistakes’ next time. Reflecting is a good tool and will help your child decrease his anxiety levels and to gain control over the exam situation.

“Keep going on as a parent to believe in your child and encourage him to go ahead even if they have failed,” she added.