From the moment that a student sets foot in a Catholic school, he or she should have a sense of entering a new environment; one enlightened by the light of faith and having its own unique characteristics.

A Catholic school should first of all be a good school, a place where formation of the whole person occurs through a living encounter with a cultural inheritance. Thus, the school’s education program is intentionally directed towards the growth of the whole person.  It is essential to the nature of a Catholic school that this formation process is profoundly centred on Jesus Christ and his Gospel.

A good school will be a community where values are communicated through the entire network of relationships and structures that form the basis of school life, and also through a vision or outlook on life shared by the community and its members.  In a truly Catholic sense, the values of Jesus’ Gospel and the Catholic Tradition should permeate all areas of school life and curriculum, not just Religious Education.  Thus the existence of a loving God, who has taken to Himself a human nature and so entered into human history, is not just assumed but is something explicitly stated.

The name Terra Sancta “Holy Land” (or more loosely, “Sacred Ground”) expresses the spiritual insight at the heart of the College’s religious culture - this earth itself, created by the hand of God, is sacred.

As the Christian Tradition spoke of the land of Palestine as Terra Sancta, the place of God’s saving acts on behalf of the people of Israel, the place where Christ himself walked, so we name this land as holy.  Our land is full of the signs of God’s love.  It is the place where God is being revealed to us, literally, the ground of our being and of our relationship with God and one another.  It is the place that joins us to Christ in his Incarnation.  This land is caught up in the cosmic rebirth initiated by Jesus in his death and resurrection. Truly, for us Australians, the Way to the Father’s house passes through this land.

School term dates and holidays are generally the same as government schools.

* Yet to be proclaimed

** Not a state-wide public holiday

# Possible substitute holiday to be considered by Government

Words and music by Amanda McKenna

Verse 1

Here in this place we find the face of God revealed
Here in the company of friends
Learning each day to see the beauty all around
Making our journey here on sacred ground.

Chorus

Coming together from every land
We are making our way to the Father,
And our way passes through this land
Together in Christ, our love will light the way, light the way.

Verse 2

Here in this place we learn to face the world with love
Here we are guided by the light
Learning to make the choice to live a better way
Learning to make the best of every day.

Used with Permission.

Word of Life International Licence No 2272  

Brady House

John Brady was the first Parish Priest of the Riverstone area.  During his time there, he did a lot for the Aborigines of the district.

The Banner:  The earth is a symbol of all God’s creation, every living thing that must be cared for.  The hands cradling the world show how we care for the earth and each other.  The trees are a symbol of the environment and life.  Without trees we could not survive.  The rainbow serpent represents our connection to Aboriginal spirituality, and thus to John Brady.

Locke House

Maria Locke was the daughter of the Aboriginal Chief, Yarramundi.  She was born in 1808, studied in Parramatta, and in the final exams in 1819, she won first prize.  She married a man who had been a convict and their children were baptised by Father Brady at Windsor.  Maria brought them up as Catholics.

The Banner:  The black and white hand shaking symbolizes Maria’s marriage.  The cross represents her Catholicism.  The chain shows that her husband was a convict but, being broken, it also symbolizes freedom.  The colours in the banner are those of the Aboriginal flag.

Marycross House

Mary MacKillop founded a school for children who had no educational opportunities.  She worked tirelessly throughout Australia on behalf of under-privileged children.  Marycross is a shortened form of “Mary of the Southern Cross”.  The order of St. Joseph’s, the order of nuns begun by Mary, have a novitiate in Farnham Road, Quakers Hill.

The Banner:  The crucifix and the “M” represent the Sisters of St. Joseph of the Sacred Heart.  The colours of blue and brown are the colours of the Sisters.  The Southern Cross symbolizes that Mary will become our first Australian saint.

Therry House

Father John Therry was one of the first official priests in the colony of New South Wales.  He was a strong, vigorous man who rode all over the colony on horseback to visit the Catholics.  The community of Quakers Hill named their original place of worship the Therry Centenary Hall in 1922.

The Banner: The major part is the cross of St. Francis of Assisi and represents Terra Sancta College.  The rainbow is a sign that often occurs after rain, symbolizing new life and God’s promise to creation.  The rainbow also lets us remember the rainbow serpent and its importance in Aboriginal creation.

• Please keep your diary in a neat and tidy state all year.  No graffiti or other misuse is allowed.
• If your diary is defaced you will be required to buy a new one.
• Have your diary in your possession at all times while in class.
• Use this diary to record set homework, project and assignment work, additional study and revision.
• Do not use inside cover for storage.
• Parents/caregivers are urged to use this diary as a means of communicating with members of staff.
• Your diary will be used by teachers as a means of communicating with your parents/caregivers.  It must be brought to school each day.
• Your Homeroom Teacher will sign your diary each week.
• You are personally responsible for obtaining a parent/caregiver signature in your diary each weekend.

Counselling is available to students on both campuses.

Parents/caregivers are welcome to phone or make an appointment to discuss any concerns.

Students are given the opportunity to:

• Talk about a range of issues such as study, exams, teachers, friends, relationships, bullying, family conflict, feeling angry, worried or depressed, etc.
• Take the chance to talk with someone independent of the family
• Learn how to solve problems and achieve goals
• Find out how to help a friend or family member in trouble
• Bring a friend if coming alone is too difficult
• Discuss privacy at the first meeting to clarify any concerns
• Find the counsellor by asking at the office

School Counsellors: Mr Martin Graham and Miss Emma Pratt on 9208 7200

Helplines and Websites for Students and Parents/Caregivers

In a Catholic community such as Terra Sancta College, there should be an underlying philosophy of care, based on respect for self and for others. At all times our behaviour should reflect a caring and respectful attitude to our peers, to our school, our families and the community.  This attitude could be identified in behaviour which would be courteous and honest, being aware of others, striving to reach one’s potential, thus resulting in a positive school spirit.

Expectations, rules and procedures are reflections of this underlying philosophy and are the day-to-day applications of this spirit.

A student’s behaviour should be based on self-discipline so that his or her responses are appropriate even when no authority is present.  However, when a student fails to meet the expectations of the College, then a number of methods of discipline will be introduced.

Detentions are generally held during lunchtime or after school, and are most commonly organised by Learning Community Facilitator or the Leader of Learning for that Stage.  Parents/caregivers are given at least 24 hours notice of detention.  Conduct report cards are used to monitor the progress in class of students who have experienced continual behavioural problems in class.  They record the performance of the student during class over a specified time period.  Suspension, from school or from class, is used for serious offences or for continuing failure to meet the College’s expectations in behaviour or attitude.

Parents/caregivers will always be informed of these matters and invited to assist in overcoming the problem.

• We want to base our relationships on the teaching of Jesus:
• "Whatever you do to the least of my brothers and sisters – you do unto me”.
• We want a safe, secure and welcoming place in which everyone is treated with dignity and respect.
• We do not want bullying.  This means that no one should be hurt, threatened, frightened or harassed by physical or verbal means.
• We do not want bullying, therefore gossiping, name-calling, teasing, intimidation, excluding, swearing, humiliation, stand over tactics, throwing objects, taking or using possessions without permission, hitting, pushing, fighting or anti-social behaviour – have no place in our school community.
• We want everyone – teachers, students and parents/caregivers – to deal with bullying, which may involve reporting it, whether they are victims or onlookers.
• We want to ensure anyone can protest against bullying and get support from the school.

When Bullying Happens Between Students …

If you are being bullied you have several options for responding to the situation.  Whatever you decide to do, act promptly to prevent the problem getting worse.

If You Bully Someone Else…

• You will receive an initial warning and be asked to stop it immediately.
• Your Leader of Learning will monitor your behaviour closely for an extended period of time.
• Either your Leader of Learning or the Assistant Principal will contact your parents/caregivers.
• Serious disciplinary consequences will be implemented in cases of repeated and/or serious bullying.
• You may be required to get help to change your pattern of behaviour.
• In extreme cases, students may face suspension from classes or school.

Use of these substances by students is considered an extremely serious breach of school regulations.  No student may engage in these activities at school, whilst in uniform, or when attending official school functions.  It is an offence for a student to come to any school function under the influence of alcohol or drugs, or to bring any of these substances onto school premises. Breaches of the law will be referred to the local police for investigation.

Mobile phones must be used in accordance with the Acceptable Use Policy of the College.  It is expected that students will not disrupt classes by using mobile phones, iPods or other electronic devices in any way that has not been authorised by the teacher for the educational purposes of the lesson. Students who are found to be using an electronic item inappropriately will first be warned and subsequently will have that item confiscated.

In addition to our long-standing policy on this matter, parents/caregivers and students are reminded that taking pictures or recording on a camera phone is strictly prohibited as it represents a genuine threat to personal privacy in a range of situations around the school. 

Mobile phones are a common target for theft and this can be an expensive lesson for our students to learn. In regard to this matter - we remind students and parents/caregivers that we take no responsibility for the loss or theft of mobile phones at school.  Students who bring these items to school are responsible for their security.

The College curriculum has been developed to challenge every student to reach his or her potential.  Thus every student has the opportunity to develop their talents to the fullest, both in the classroom as well as in other school activities.  Students are expected to do their very best and to take pride in their achievement.

Any behaviour or attitude that limits the opportunity to succeed for the individual or for others is discouraged.  Students are expected to be involved in activities, including representing the College.

Regular attendance is a legal requirement and is a specific condition of the awarding of the School Certificate and the Higher School Certificate.  Students must satisfy attendance requirements and show evidence of progress in their study in every subject to be eligible for a School Certificate and/or Higher School Certificate.

Special days that occur during each year, such as Sports Carnivals and Terra Sancta Day, are an important part of the education offered at this College.  Students must attend these days as they would normal school days.

Absences on these special days are recorded specifically in the student’s files for future reference.

Parents/Caregivers are required to explain all absences in writing on the day their child returns to school. Unexplained absences are investigated and then recorded on student reports each semester. Truancy will attract serious consequences.

Necessary medical and dental appointments should be made outside school hours wherever possible.  Any requests for extended leave must be made in writing to the Co-operating Principals.

Leave during the School Day

If a student needs to leave the school during the day, parents/caregivers should make the request in writing to the appropriate Leader of Learning - Stage.  Usually permission will not be granted to leave the school to do messages, banking or work on family business.

Lateness

Any student who arrives late for school must report to the office to swipe their ID card on the Attendance System. The lateness will be recorded and a late slip will be printed and given to the student. This slip must be shown to his or her teacher before joining Homeroom or if it is after 8.10am the lesson that has already commenced.

If a student is late to a lesson(s) during the course of the school day, he or she must have a note from the previous teacher or school office explaining the delay.  Where there is no acceptable reason for lateness to school and/or class, appropriate consequences will result.

• No food or drink should be consumed inside buildings
  
  
• Chewing gum is strictly forbidden on school premises
  
  
• Liquid paper and metal rulers are not permitted
  
  
• For obvious safety reasons - cigarette lighters, knives, elastic bands, projectiles, sharp implements and aerosol cans should never be brought to school. 

To ensure the best environment is provided at the College, the following directions must be observed:

• Staff areas of the Administration Buildings are out of bounds to all students.  Contact with staff may be arranged through the office.
  
  
• Students should always display courtesy to others and keep noise to a minimum in class and in their movements between class.
  
  
• No student should ever be in a classroom without a teacher.  This includes recess, lunchtime and time between lessons.
  
  
• Students should never leave bags or valuables unattended.
  
  
• During the last period of the day, students are required to ensure that their rooms are left in a tidy fashion, with rubbish placed in bins, desks and chairs placed in rows, windows closed and lights turned off.
  
  
• Any damage around the school is to be reported to the Assistant Principal immediately.
  
  
• Students are required to wait for teachers in the yard before each lesson.  They should do so quietly, and no games are permitted while they are waiting.
  
  
• Students in Years 7 to 10 are provided with lockers.  No food is to be stored in the locker.  No valuables are to be left in the locker.  Students are to have two keys for their locker.
  
  
• Students are only to access lockers during morning homeroom/administration time.
  
  
• Students outside classrooms during class time should have a note of explanation in their diary.
  
  
• Students who are ill must report to the front office with a note in their diary from their teacher.

In the event of an accident, students should immediately report either to the nearest teacher or directly to the school office. Generally, students should not move or handle an injured student unless give specific instructions to do so by a teacher or ancillary staff member.

With a large number of students living in a relatively confined area, it is important that we always have the safety of others and ourselves in mind.  Dangerous items should never be brought to school by students. Running and pushing are never allowed.  Care should be taken carrying bags over shoulders as well as in closing and opening doors and windows.  In some subjects there are special safety requirements that students must observe – these subjects would include technology subjects, Science and Physical Education.

For the safety of the students and smooth daily operation of the school the following directions must be observed:

• Students are to observe the Hands Off rule at all times. This policy is designed to protect the safety and property of all members of the school community and enhance their learning environment. Please be very clear about the intention and consequences of this policy – intimidation, bullying and anti-social behaviour often result in great stress and upset for the students involved and can all too easily lead to serious injury. Any action that breaks these guidelines for safe and non-violent behaviour will be dealt with firmly.
  
  
• No running, kicking of footballs or overarm throwing games are permitted anywhere other than the oval.
  
  
• Rubbish is to be placed in the bins provided.
  
  
• Students should never be in the yard without a supervising teacher during class time or at recess and lunch.  Senior students with study periods should work in the library.
  
  
• Students are not permitted to loiter near the toilets or the canteen.
  
  
• Visitors must report to the front office first.  Guests to the College will normally be accompanied in the yard by a teacher.  Any stranger in the yard should immediately be reported to the supervising teacher or to the office.
  
  
• No students are to be in classrooms during wet weather without a teacher.

Students should always remember that they represent the College when travelling to and from school. Often this is the only contact the public has with the College and these first impressions are long lasting.  Students should enter buses or trains in an orderly manner, allowing the public to enter and be seated first; noise should be moderated and bags should not block the corridor.  Where students need to wait for public buses, every effort should be made to minimize inconvenience to local shops and passers-by. If a student chooses to wear their uniform in public outside of  school hours it should be full and correct and not in combination with any other pieces of clothing.

Students are to travel directly to and from school.  They are not permitted to congregate at stops or shopping centers waiting for friends.  In the afternoon, school specials must be used in preference to public services on the same route.  Special permission slips must be obtained from the Leader of Learning - Stage to use public services in the afternoon.

Due to safety concerns, all students are required to enter and exit College premises through the designated pathways and gates. At Schofields - all students must use the bus gate entry. At Nirimba – all students should enter and depart through the forecourt and past the front office.

For safety reasons, parent/caregiver vehicles are not permitted to enter the Schofields campus.

Revision at home is an important aid to learning at school, so regular homework will be set in all subjects.  The College offers the following hours as a guideline for the average student:

Details of homework and assignments are to be recorded in the College Diary and signed each week by parents/caregivers.  Close monitoring of homework and study by parents/caregivers is extremely important.

Reports 

Two official reports are produced each year outlining the formal progress in his or her studies and behaviour.  At the end of Terms 1 and 3 parents/caregivers will be informed where there are concerns about their son or daughter's progress in more than one subject.

Parent/Caregiver/Teacher interviews are available in the middle and at the end of the academic year.

Any parent/caregiver feeling concern about their child’s performance should feel free to make contact at any time with individual subject teachers or the appropriate Leader of Learning - Stage or Learning Community Facilitator.

Newsletter

The College Newsletter is produced regularly and is distributed to the students at school.  It is the student’s responsibility to discuss all relevant information contained in the newsletter with their parents/caregivers. The newsletter is also placed on the College website.

Diary 

In most cases the College Diary is the most appropriate way of communication with all teachering staff, although contact by phone may sometimes be necessary.

Also see: Communication with the School

This is a place of quiet, active and purposeful learning.  Playing games on any of the computers is strictly forbidden.  Students using the library for a study period must first sign in at the desk.  No student is permitted to leave the library during the period without a teacher’s permission.  A student with overdue books is not permitted to borrow further titles.

All property, whether belonging to students or the school, should always be treated with respect.  Care should be taken not to damage desks or chairs and no graffiti should appear on books, walls, diaries or bags.

• Students are forbidden to use electronic or small electrical during class time.  This includes walkmans, cameras,iPods, discmans, game consoles or similar items. These items will be confiscated and returned to the student after a short period of time by the class Teacher, Leader of Learning - Stage or Assistant Principal. 
  
  
• Valuables or large amounts of money should not be brought to school.  Students should take every precaution to avoid loss of property, especially by keeping valuable items on their person.  When cash is brought to school, such as for fees and excursions, it should be deposited immediately at the school office.

All lunch orders are to be made by recess each day and placed in the box provided in the canteen.  Students are required to stand in orderly lines while waiting to be served and must follow any instructions given by the canteen and/or playground duty staff.  Students must move away from the canteen area as soon as purchases are completed.

• Every student is expected to be properly dressed in full College uniform at all times.
• Students should feel a sense of great pride in their personal appearance and be proud to belong and be part of Terra Sancta College.
• No variations in uniform are permitted.
• We expect that students will be well groomed at all times
• Extreme hairstyles and excessive jewellery and accessories are not permitted. Students are supplied with clear guidelines about these items in their school diary.
• Oversize shirts or trousers are not acceptable.

• Boys must wear the style of trousers approved for use at Terra Sancta College and sold by the College uniform shop. No variations in style, material or colour are permitted.
  
  
• Shoes must be black, hard leather, lace-up, closed school shoes.  Laces should also be black.  Heels are to be no more than 2.5cm. Students are not permitted to wear soft leather casual style sports shoes. Open or buckle styles are not permitted under OH&S regulations. Similarly slip on or non-supportive shoes are not permitted for sport and/or PE lessons.
  
  
• In summer girls wear plain white anklet socks (above ankle).  The boys are to wear the approved short grey socks (no stripes) when wearing either short or long pants.
  
  
• Neither girls nor boys may wear T-shirts beneath an open neck shirt or blouse.
  
  
• The girls’ skirts are to be worn between knee and mid-calf length.
  
  
• The only jewellery permitted is a watch and a plain signet ring.  Chains with small Christian medals or crosses may be worn around the neck but the chain must be long enough that they are not seen above the “V” of the shirt or blouse. Coloured bracelets and wristbands are not permitted.
  
  
• Girls may wear one pair of non-decorative sleepers or small studs in their ear lobes.  Boys may not wear earrings. No other visible body piercings are permitted - including nose, facial, brow, tongue or upper ear piercings.
  
  
• Hair is to be worn off the face. Shoulder length or longer hair must be tied back with a scrunchie or ribbon that blends with the uniform.  Hair must be of a single natural colour.  Extremes of length or fashion are not acceptable.  For example – styles such as undercuts, rat’s tails, mohawks, dreadlocks, or scalp designs are not permitted. The College reserves the right to rule on other styles that may be extreme or offensive.
  
  
• In the winter terms the school blazer must be worn with or without the college jumper. Parkas, school tracksuit tops or sloppy joes may not be worn with the school uniform. Scarves are permitted during winter but they must be in plain Terra Sancta College colours. Multi-coloured or patterned scarves are not permitted.
  
  
• Boys are expected to wear a black plain belt when wearing trousers or shorts. The belt should be of a suitable length so as to ensure there is not an excess of the belt hanging off the trousers when it is worn correctly. The belt should have a relatively plain buckle. Whilst it would be preferential for the belt to be of leather material, other materials are acceptable as long as they are of a flat make - that is rope belts are not acceptable even if black. The belt must not have additional chains attached to it.
  
  
• Full sports uniform is to be worn for Integrated Sport and for timetabled PE lessons. 
  
  
• Sunglasses are permitted during recess and lunchtime but should never be worn indoors.  Students are encouraged to wear sunglasses at outdoor sporting events, especially during summer months.
  
  
• Students should not wear make-up or nail polish at school.  Students wearing make-up that is clearly visible or excessive will be sent to the front office for its removal.
  
  
• It is expected that boys will be clean-shaven at all times. Boys who are clearly unshaven will be sent to the office to shave.

Under no circumstances may coloured tracksuit tops be worn on any day. 

If for any reason the sports uniform is not available then full school uniform must be worn.

All items of uniform can be purchased through the College Uniform Shop.

Open hours are:   
Tuesdays   8:00am – 2:30pm
Thursdays  9:00am – 3:30pm   

Any variations to these times will be advised through the College newsletter.

The College Uniform Shop is situated next to the Schofields Campus in the adjacent cottage.

Parent/caregiver contact with the College may be related to a very specific issue or to a complex set of circumstances; but for reasons of courtesy and efficiency, it is best that all communication be made through pastoral and administrative structures already operating within the school.  All staff members at Terra Sancta College are highly trained and totally committed to the well-being and development of the students and will be only too happy to assist you with any problem or injury.

Preferred contact procedures are as follows:

These are required for any of the following reasons:

• Absence from school for any reason or for any length of time. 
  Parents/Caregivers are asked to ring the school office on 9208 7200 by 8:00am to indicate absences from school.
  
  
• Permission to leave the school any time after students have arrived.
  
  
• Lack of full school uniform.
  
  
• Failure to do or to complete homework or assignments.
  
  
• Lateness for school.
  
  
• Any other circumstance that would prevent a student from full participation in normal school activities.

All notes are to be written by parents or caregivers. 
Please make sure every note is set out as follows:

• Address of sender and date.
• Homeroom and teacher.
• Statement of days and dates of absence and full reason.
• Signature of parent or caregiver.

N.B.  A medical certificate does not replace a note for absence or lateness.

 N.B.  Notes explaining your son or daughter’s absence should be written in the above format on a neat piece of paper and placed in an envelope addressed to the Homeroom Teacher.

(Catholic Education, Parramatta)

Letter of agreement

The policy outlining the acceptable use of technology across the diocese is available from:

1. The College intranet (CENet): www.terrasancta.ceparra.catholic.edu.au
2. The Diocesan website: www.parra.catholic.edu.au

As part of their use of technology students will discuss the aspects of the policy in class.

By signing below you are indicating you have read the policy.

Student

I understand and will abide by the above Acceptable Use Policy. I further understand that any violation of the above is unethical and may constitute a criminal offence. Should I commit any violation, my access privileges may be revoked and disciplinary and/or legal action may be taken.

Name:        ______________________________________________________________     

Signature: ___________________________________         Date:  _________________

(If you are under the age of 18, a parent/caregiver must read and sign this agreement.)

Parent or Caregiver

As the parent/caregiver of this student, I have read the Acceptable Use Policy. I understand that these resources are designed for educational purposes. I also recognise that it is impossible to completely restrict access to controversial materials. I hereby give permission for my child to be given access to information and communication technologies as deemed appropriate by the school, including access to email and the Internet.

Name:        ______________________________________________________________     

The College participates in the Metropolitan Catholic Schools Sports Association and the Metropolitan Combined Catholic Schools Association.

Competition is held on Thursday afternoons during school time but some representative sports return after normal school hours so alternative transport arrangements need to be made on occasion.

The College also competes in NSW Combined Catholic College knockout competitions in these sports and is a member of the Parramatta Diocese Secondary Schools Sports Council (three one-day carnivals in Swimming, Cross Country and Athletics).

The PDSSSC (Parramatta Diocesan Secondary Schools Sports Council) is the pathway to State selection for our girls and they can compete in Cross Country, Swimming and Athletics Carnivals throughout the year.  The boys’ MCS Association allows them to achieve State selection in the Combined Catholic Colleges (CCC) teams for the same carnivals.

Furthermore, all students, if not participating in representative sport, take part in various “internal” sport activities.  These are chosen each term.

Students are permitted to wear their sports uniform on days when they are scheduled to have a PE lesson. It may also be worn for Intergrated Sport.

• Students must not wear their College jumper with Sports Uniform
• Students must not wear tracksuit top with Collegel Uniform.
• Students must not wear their sports uniform on days when they do not have sport or a PE lesson.
• Students must wear the College cap for PE lessons and sports/activities.

Students who fail to bring appropriate uniform or equipment may be excluded from PE or sporting activities and assigned written theory work.

Also see: Uniform & Grooming

To reach your potential at school, it is necessary to supplement your class work with regular homework and study.  This will not occur unless you are sufficiently motivated to organise your time between your study and your other commitments.  To be properly motivated, you need to set realistic goals and to maintain a positive and disciplined mental attitude.

Study is a habit – the more it is developed, the less difficult it becomes and the more fruitful it proves to be.  Regular study during the term reduces anxiety at exam time.

Time is the most valuable resource a student has.  With proper use of time students can maximize their learning and progress.  Without careful attention, a student may find weeks have passed and little learning has occurred.

Initially, a student needs to draw up a weekly study timetable, balancing their study with other commitments.  The recommended hours for study are listed under “College Expectations” in this diary.  If you find that there is insufficient time for study, then this may require a reassessment of your other commitments.

The timetable should be realistic and specific; it should contain variety and rest breaks. All subjects should be covered properly, not just ones you enjoy.  It should fit your style of study, e.g. some like to study early in the morning before breakfast.

There should be a longer-term timetable covering assignments when they are due and revision for exams.

You should study in a place away from the distraction of family activities, TV and radio.  Avoid telephone distractions by telling your friends when you are available or to ring back after your study.

Your desk should be sufficiently large to hold whatever books, folders or resources you will require at the time.  There should be a bookcase or shelf for other materials and books that are not being used.  The chair should be comfortable but should be designed for good posture.  The room should be well ventilated with good lighting.

Do your homework first before commencing study or revision.  Make sure that you record the homework details accurately in your diary at school.  If you are uncertain how to answer the questions asked, at least make an attempt.  If the work is due later in the week, make sure you commence it on the first night.  At the end of your study period, check to make sure that the homework required the next day is in your bag.

Where assignments or the reading of novels are due some time in the future, plan your time carefully to avoid penalties for late completion or a rushed effort at the end.

Developing good habits

Apart from the homework set by teachers, it is essential that you develop your own habit of personal study.  Even if no official homework is set, it is expected that the recommended hours be spent on study.

As a minimum, you should read over the day’s work and at the end peruse the likely areas for the next day’s classes.  It is essential that your produce something from your hours of study.  Summaries, outlines, flow charts, sample answers will help you learn and remember, as well as being handy aids for later revision.

Research shows that immediate revision of work learnt dramatically increases the amount of details remembered.  Regular revision then maintains this level.  Have a system of reviewing the work covered at the end of the week or of the month.

Examination Study

This should be the culmination of months of regular study rather than a last minute cram.  While extra time may be spent on study, it is important to keep eating, sleeping and exercising sensibly.  Working late into the early hours of the morning, greatly reduces the effectiveness of the study.

Students like to predict examination questions so as to reduce the amount of study time required.  However, this method is fraught with danger and turns the exam into a lottery.  Instead, you should use the syllabus as a guide to the information and skills that are required to succeed.  When these are mastered, it is then appropriate to put extra effort into some more likely areas to maximize your marks.  Past papers, newspaper guides, and recommendations from your teachers or educational associations - can all indicate probable or topical issues.

There are many other important areas of study, such as note taking, essay writing and examination techniques that are vital skills for all students.  Also, some students may experience particular difficulties in certain areas such as reading, writing or memorizing.  It is important to identify these weaknesses as early as possible so that remedial action can be taken.  Let your parents/caregivers or teachers know if you believe you have a particular weakness in study techniques.

Syllabus outcomes, objectives, performance bands and examination questions have key words that state what students are expected to be able to do. A glossary of key words has been developed to help provide a common language and consistent meaning in the Higher School Certificate documents.

Using the glossary will help students understand what is expected in responses to examinations and assessment tasks.

O Lord, our God, we are gathered here, and know that
You are here, and so this is holy ground.

Like Moses, we take off our shoes to feel your closeness,
And so sense the goodness of all that you have made.
We take off our shoes to be assured that you carry us.
We take off our shoes so that there is nothing to separate us from you.
We open ourselves to all that you might give us in this place,
Daring to risk being so near to you.

We open our hands to touch you in one another,
And to reach out to all who are near us now, for this is Holy Ground.
We open our eyes to see you here among us,
In the ones beside us, for this is Holy Ground.
We open our ears to hear you speak to us
Through our brothers and sisters, for this is Holy Ground.

It is good to be here on this Holy Ground,
For we know that we are loved and called to this place by you,
And we know that you, our God, want to be so near us.
On this Holy Ground we stand before you,
Knowing our need for healing,
Offering ourselves to love one another as you love us.

We walk on holy ground now.
Help us to keep holy all the ground we walk on.
Whatever we are, Lord, may we stand in awe at your presence,
For everywhere throughout your Creation is Holy Ground.

Public affirmation of good achievement and effort – and the recognition of positive role-models and values within our school community - are both important elements in this system.

This system relies on the commitment of all staff to recognise and appreciate student achievement, effort and service within the school community.

Rationale

• Appropriate behaviour should be recognised and rewarded.
• The Merit System should have an affect on student motivation and effort – primarily in terms of affirmation.
• The Merit System must be popular with both staff and students.
• Merit System also gives recognition to students who get involved in extracurricular activities, and those students who serve others in some way.

Basic Outline

The Merit System is based on the awarding of Merit Certificates to students. Teachers are able to award merit certificates for effort and achievement in all areas of education and school life – including KLA/Achievement, Year Group Achievement, General Community Achievement and Sport/Activities. The accumulation of Merit Certificates will lead to higher awards such as the Leader of Learning Certificate, Assistant Principal’s Award and ultimately the much coveted Co-operating Principal’s Award. These awards are outlined in the table below: