BAYVIEW Newsletter a
ISSUE 5 Monday 3 March 2014
www.bayview.vic.edu.au Principal’s Message As we approach the halfway point of first term the rhythm of the school year has become a familiar routine for students, staff and parents. We all love our holidays because they take us away from the day-to-day routine. However, there is magic to be found in routines that we can use. Having a routine is very important for staying motivated and on task. I know, for myself, without a routine I would be at the mercy of an easily distracted mind. I have many interests and therefore many temptations to get off the path to productivity at any moment. This is not to say that we should not act on a whim, however a healthy balance in life is important to get things done.
TABLE OF CONTENTS ♦
Principal's Message
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Inter– school Swimming Carnival
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Clean-up Schools Day
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Author talk inspires students
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Community News
IN OTHER NEWS This week’s header photo Samantha Cassie & Ella Eade hold the Handicap Trophy for Bayview College. Bayview College sent a large and enthusiastic group of swimmers to the Interschool swimming sports in Hamilton last week. Individually and as a team we are very proud of the sportsmanship and effort everybody put in. Results and photos on page 2. Buddy activities a beach winner Last week our Year 7 students spent some time with their older buddies down at the fore shore. Given our geography and proximity to the beach we were provided with a wonderful backdrop for students to get to know one another and enjoy an old fashioned ice-cream while building stronger friendships
The familiarity and predictability of routine provides security which enables us to feel confident in what we are doing. In a classroom we know that confident learners are successful learners. So, when students are at ease with the rhythm of the school day their teachers and peers, the atmosphere is more conducive to successful learning outcomes. Successful students also need to develop a routine approach to undertaking their homework tasks; their project work, their wider reading and their regular revision. Just like the school timetable that regularly apportions time to each subject area and to the cycle of learning and assessment, so to each student needs to develop an at home study regime that enables them to reinforce and refine their knowledge and skill development. The structured routines that young people establish at this stage of the academic year will positively impact on their confidence and their outcomes. As parents we partner with our young people in the development of sound independent learning skills in the home environment. We need to walk the ‘fine line’ between hand holding and abandonment, both of which dis-empower our sons and daughters. Encouraging and facilitating a routine that enables our children to be involved in sport and recreation, family activities, independent learning, and part time work will result in a confident, fulfilled and resourceful young person. At Bayview as a guide we recommend the following time allocation, for at-home study: YEAR 7 5 hours per week YEAR 8 6 hours per week YEAR 9 8 hours per week YEAR 10 10 hours per week YEAR 11 between 10 and 15 hours per week YEAR12 between 14 and 18 hours per week. Learning to develop a routine is a skill in itself and we recognise that some young people need personal advice and support in this. In our classroom and wellbeing
programs we are working with our students to help them find a pattern of working that is right for their needs. The secret of your future is hidden in your daily routine. Mike Murdock
Dr M Kearney