Dear families, as we approach a significant milestone in your child’s educational journey, we want to acknowledge and support our Year 9 students as they prepare to sit their first formal examinations at San Clemente Catholic College.

This is an important time of growth for our young learners—not just academically, but personally. Sitting formal exams for the first time can bring a mixture of emotions: excitement, nerves, and anticipation. At San Clemente, we aim to ensure this experience is both positive and formative, helping students build confidence, employ their individual strengths and develop essential skills in time management, organisation, and independent study.

Here are a few practical ways you can support your child at home during this period:

• Create a study-friendly space: Ensure they have a quiet, distraction-free area to revise.
• Encourage a study routine: Help them plan their time and set achievable study goals.
• Promote wellbeing: Remind them to balance study with rest, sleep, healthy meals, and physical activity.
• Talk it through: Check in regularly—sometimes just having someone to listen eases pressure.
• Celebrate effort: Acknowledge the hard work they are putting in, not just the results.

What can Students Can Expect?

Students will have received a clear timetable and guidance from their teachers, along with revision resources. The exams will be held under formal conditions – predominantly in The Veritas Centre (College Hall) to help familiarise them with the protocols they’ll encounter in future years, including the HSC. These assessments are a stepping stone, not a final judgement—what matters most is the learning and growth that comes from the experience.

This is a Shared Journey

We are incredibly proud of the way our Year 9 students have embraced their learning so far this year in Stage 5. As a Catholic community, we walk with them through this time, guided by the values of resilience, respect, and reflection, and of course the love of Christ.

Thank you for your continued partnership and support. If you have any concerns or questions, please don’t hesitate to reach out to myself or subject teachers.

Together, let’s encourage our students to approach these exams with courage, calm, and a commitment to doing their best.

Families might like to consider the following questions when checking in with their children during and/or post exams, also asking non-judgemental, open-ended questions is key to helping students reflect on their performance without feeling pressured or criticised. Here are some examples of supportive questions parents can ask post examinations:

General Reflection questions;

1. How did you feel about the exam today?
2. What part of the exam felt easiest for you?
3. Was there anything in the exam that surprised you?

Effort and Preparation questions;

1. Do you feel the way you studied helped you?
2. If you could change one thing about how you prepared, what would it be?
3. What study techniques worked well for you?

Learning and Growth questions;

1. What did you learn about yourself through this exam process?
2. Was there a subject or topic you feel more confident in now?
3. Is there anything you'd like to try differently next time?

Wellbeing and Emotions questions;

1. How did you manage your nerves or stress during the exam?
2. What helped you stay calm or focused?
3. Is there anything we can do at home to support you next time?

These questions focus on process over outcome, which encourages self-reflection and resilience. They also promote a growth mindset – a fixed mindset can be extremely limiting - helping students see exams as part of a broader learning journey rather than a final judgement.

A final thought on the importance of perspective and balance when it come to educations and examinations;

“Faith gives you an inner strength and a sense of balance and perspective in life”

Good luck to all our Stage 5 students as they begin their Semester One examinations this week. I would like to extend this positivity to the families and carers tasked with maintaining both balance and perspective at home during this time – your support, care and love (I know) is very much appreciated by your young people, despite sometimes an explicit message of gratitude or the absence of simple ‘thank you’.

Families, as always, should you wish to discuss an issue concerning your child please do not hesitate to call The Office on 40147300 or email me directly - mitch.allan@mn.catholic.edu.au

Warm Regards,

Mitch Allan – Leader of Wellbeing and Engagement Year 9