As a secondary school, we are well and truly into Term 4 learning. HSC students have been preparing for their final exams and making the most of the new senior study centre, which has been relocated to the hospitality space. The HSC exams are a significant undertaking for our senior students and represent the culmination of 13 years of schooling. We had our first bell ringing of the season on Tuesday afternoon. The tradition at the college is for students to ring the bell (located to the left of the entrance to reception) after their final HSC exam to signify the end of their schooling journey. Whilst it is not the end of learning for our students, there is a substantial shift in how learning is undertaken at this point in our young people's lives.

Last week, the PDHPE department ran the inaugural PAC PDHPE Day. Students had the opportunity to participate in a range of different activities that promote lifelong physical activity. Before school, about 40 students arrived early to join Run Club, where they ran for about 30 minutes before enjoying a cooked breakfast. Just Dance, touch football, table tennis, the beep test, volleyball, and a push-up challenge were held throughout recess and lunch. All activities were well attended, and the music selection gave the day a positive, active vibe. The PDHPE department is thanked for its organisation and initiative in getting this event up and running. Plans are already underway for 2025 to enhance the day and further engage students in being healthy and active.

Last Tuesday, 22 October, we invited students and their parents to a Peripatetic Music Concert, which commenced in the Light House Theatre with our Intermediate Band led by Mr David Thurlow. Five of the amazing music tutors at the college held mini concerts with their students across all areas of the Performing Arts, with their families proudly watching. Across the afternoon, we heard flautists, drummers, saxophone players, vocalists, and an amazing group of young pianists. We also had a group of up-and-coming violin players. There was a very supportive audience for every student who braved the stage. For many students, it was their very first time performing to an audience and they should be commended for their bravery and professionalism.

At the secondary staff meeting on Monday, staff spent time exploring pressures on teens by discussing the Common Sense Media report, “Unpacking Grind Culture in American Teens: Pressure, Burnout, and the Role of Social Media.” Staff developed an understanding of the significant pressures impacting young people and explored the issue in an Australian context. This has helped us as a staff to better understand our students and the pressures they face, so that we are able to provide guidance and care when pressure turns to distress. For parents, https://www.commonsense.org/ is an exceptional website that provides helpful reviews of media content such as TV shows, movies, games, apps, and other digital media. I use it in my family when my children ask to engage with certain types of media, that I am unfamiliar with, as it provides a balanced assessment of the media and makes suggestions about the appropriate age group. Much of their work is in advocating for digital media content creators to consider the needs of children in their designs. I encourage families to take the time to explore this resource and see if it would be helpful for them.