From the Deputy Headmaster
At our Headmaster’s Assembly last week, I referred to the advice left by some of our highest achieving boys from our class of 2023. As we approach the final challenges of Term 1, it is a timely moment to share some of the words of wisdom from our newest Old Boys:
Lachlan Mills, now studying a Bachelor of Paramedic Science at Queensland University of Technology
‘Get the most out of your class time by paying attention and asking questions. Show your teacher that you are paying attention and willing to learn; they will always offer their advice and encouragement. Think about your end goals and how your efforts are bringing you closer to achieving them. Try to space your study out so that you do small blocks of work consistently, rather than a huge amount of work all at once.’
Leo Callaghan, now studying a Bachelor of Economics / Laws (Honours) at The University of Queensland
‘Churchie provided me with a plethora of resources that enabled me to succeed academically and gain entry into my first preference at university. To prepare for exams and assignments, my advice is to start early, make a weekly study schedule and not use AI dishonestly. As a visual learner, study skills I enjoyed using included brain dumps and drawing diagrams, graphs and flowcharts. Find what suits your style of learning and exploit that for maximum rewards.’
Toby Garraway, now studying a Bachelor of Science / Laws (Honours) at The University of Queensland
‘My advice to younger students for academic success is to use the resources provided to you, including Study Hub tutoring and teachers. Don’t be hesitant to reach out for help. I found the Pomodoro technique helpful. To keep motivated, put aside distractions and just start working. If you have nothing else to do but your work, your mind will focus quickly and you will be productive.’
Angus McPherson, now studying a Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) / Design at The University of Queensland
‘As counterproductive as it sounds, stay busy. My best work was done when I was under the pump, as I had no time to get distracted on my phone or procrastinate. Be nice to your teachers—they always go that extra mile to give you a hand, especially in the lead-up to external exams. Start your assignments early—there is no better feeling than going to bed early the night before an assignment is due.’
Across all our highest achieving students last year, very clear themes emerged from the advice they offered. Start tasks early, especially for revision before examinations. Ask lots of questions to check for understanding. Have clear and achievable goals to help with motivation. Stay organised to get the most out of every moment. Study hard but always in a smart way—know how your brain works and take advantage of effective study routines.
Evoking Jim Rohn’s famous line, here is one final sentiment that I always find especially powerful:
Charlie O’Connell, now studying a Bachelor of Advanced Finance and Economics at The University of Queensland
‘The pain of discipline hurts far less than the pain of disappointment.’
In his own version of the same idea, Rohn went on to explain the difference between these two ideas, that ‘discipline weighs ounces while regret (or disappointment) weighs tons’. As ever, the former seems much more appealing.
NAPLAN
Across the country over the coming days, over a million students in Years 3, 5, 7 and 9 will be undergoing the annual suite of NAPLAN tests. As always, Churchie sees these testing opportunities as useful to further understand student growth and development, both for individual students and across whole cohorts over time.
Please see this page from the Australian Curriculum, Assessment and Reporting Authority (ACARA) for more information on NAPLAN. Of note:
Education ministers agreed that NAPLAN results would be reported using proficiency standards from 2023. Together with the move to an earlier NAPLAN in March, these changes meet an initiative of the 2019 National School Reform Agreement.
The proficiency standards are reported on a reset NAPLAN measurement scale that makes better use of the online adaptive tests.
A new NAPLAN time series begins from 2023. Results from 2023 onwards cannot be directly compared to results from 2008 to 2022.
Australian Curriculum, Assessment and Reporting Authority (ACARA)
At Churchie, it is important for every student to be involved in NAPLAN. However, results only provide a ‘point in time’ gauge on student capability. They are not a final or definitive indicator of overall potential.
We thank our staff for all their work in managing our NAPLAN tests, particularly with the technological complexities that come with NAPLAN’s new digital interface. The new world of online assessment is certainly a sight to behold.
Cocurricular news
Last Saturday at Lake Wyaralong, the GPS Head of the River rowing championships showcased some remarkable talent from our rowers, and also reflected the extraordinary support of our broader rowing community. While the day may not have translated favourably across all our crews, there were some significant highlights and all our students, particularly our Year 12 students, should be immensely proud of their efforts and dedication. We offer our particular congratulations to the following crews who won their divisions:
- Year 9 Division 11
- Year 9 Division 6
- Year 10 Division 4
- Year 10 Division 3
- Open Division 4
VIEW ADDITIONAL PHOTOS ON PIXEVETY
Of note, there were 14 podiums across all age groups with our Year 9 and 10 boys reaching 12 of these podiums. This also placed us in third place for quad races with only 2 points separating the top 3 schools. Our programme is in a strong position for next season.
We also extend our sincere congratulations to our volleyball community with the Firsts completing their 2024 season undefeated on Saturday, with a remarkable depth of talent across the rest of the programme as well. In the coming days, we look forward to the final stages of GPS Debating and Cricket seasons, both programmes featuring significant talent and success from our Churchie boys. End of season functions are always a wonderful way to acknowledge success and hard work, and for students to convey their appreciation to all our staff and parents who support our various programmes in such selfless and inspiring ways.
Richard Wheeldon
Deputy Headmaster