Curriculum
Welcome back to Term 2
A warm welcome back to all Shalom families. We hope that the Easter break was restful and that all students are feeling refreshed and ready for learning. Term two can seem particularly busy with many events, including the Core Studies Learner Conferences, Anzac Day March, Athletics Carnival, and Shalom Formal scheduled for this term. Taking time to review your child’s preparedness for the term and reflect on their organisational and study strategies for homework and assessment is a worthwhile step for encouraging a successful term.
Parents are encouraged to work with their students to develop appropriate homework and study plans – the Record Book is a helpful tool for this purpose. A Homework Study Plan and a Term Planner is included for each term (see p.74 - 77 for Term Two). A monthly or term overview for your child’s study location at home is also a good strategy.
Heads of Department assign assessment tasks in each faculty area and class teachers adapt these to specific days/lessons when applicable. Please be aware that some tasks with multiple components may be duplicated in the Due Work Calendar. Early each term, teachers review term planning and set dates for the term’s assessment. Parents can access upcoming assessment dates for their children via Sia. Each student has a “Due Work Calendar” that shows upcoming dates for checkpoints, drafts, and exams. To access this calendar for your child in the Sia Smartphone App please select “My Shalom” and then “Due Work.” On the webpage, an option to select Due Work will show under your child’s photograph on the home page.
Term 2 Tutoring Timetable
The tutoring timetable is on SIA New for all students to access. It is also included in each edition of our newsletter.
Elevate Education Parent Webinars for Term Two
Last term over 130 parents attended the Elevate Education online webinars. This put Shalom in the top 20% of schools when it comes to parent attendance. This is excellent! It is wonderful to see our parents and hopefully students engaging in these practical and very worthwhile sessions.
For any new parents to Shalom, Elevate Education delivers high-impact workshops that help to develop student study skills, motivation, and exam preparation. Again, you are invited to register your participation in the term two parent online webinar series. This can assist you to support your child at home by reinforcing the skills that will support their learning at school.
Term 2 Webinars are:
• How To Get (And Keep) Your Child Motivated -Wednesday May 8, 6:30-7:30pm (AEST)
• How You Can Help Your Child Prepare for Exams - Wednesday May 22, 6:30-7:30pm (AEST)
• How You Can Support Your Child During Exams - Wednesday June 5, 6:30-7:30pm (AEST)
• Ask Me Anything (Live Q&A) - Wednesday June 19, 6:30-7:30pm (AEST)
To register please visit: https://go.elevateeducation.com/auschoolwebinars
Griffith University Research Project
The Griff Linc Reading Research team have developed a new tutoring method for middle years students. They are seeking students (years 8 – 14) to participate in this research project. If you are interested in having your student participate in the project, please see the attached flyer for contact details. The project being led by Professor Beryl Exley and Dr Frances Hoyte. Note that this research opportunity for students is not being managed or overseen by Shalom College.
Mrs Gail Norris
Assistant Principal - Curriculum
gail_norris@shalomcollege.com