Celebrating Persistence and Achievement

Last week, many Australians were captivated by the incredible performances of our national swimming team, the Dolphins, as they broke records and achieved personal bests on the world stage.

These achievements remind us that success is rarely accidental. Behind every medal is a story of dedication, discipline, and persistence. These same qualities are just as vital in the classroom as they are in the pool.

A 2023 Forbes article, Persistence Makes the Biggest Difference to School Grades, highlights that persistence is the strongest predictor of academic success. Students who push through challenges and seek support from teachers and peers tend to perform better—not because they never struggle, but because they don’t give up.

Here are some practical ways we can all foster persistence in our learning:

• Focus on Effort: Success is built on consistent effort, not just natural ability.
• Encourage Support: A kind word or helping hand can make a big difference.
• Model Persistence: Adults can lead by example—showing resilience in our own work.
• Minimise Distractions: Staying focused helps us stay on track.
• Embrace Failure: Mistakes are stepping stones to growth.
• Try Again: Keep going until you reach your goal.

Year 8 Elective Preferences – Shaping the Future

This week, our Year 8 students took an exciting step in their educational journey by exploring elective options for Years 9 and 10. Over two days, they heard from subject specialists about the diverse opportunities available at San Clemente.

The online portal for submitting elective choices will remain open until Wednesday, 13 August. We encourage students to continue reflecting on their options and speaking with staff to clarify any uncertainties.

Starting in Week 5, mentor teachers will meet individually with students to review their selections. Following these meetings, students will receive a letter outlining their chosen electives to take home for discussion with parents or carers. These letters should be signed and returned to mentors to finalise the process.

Once all letters are returned, our Administration Coordinator will begin forming class groups that best support student interests and learning pathways. While we aim to accommodate all preferences, some follow-up conversations may be necessary to ensure the best outcomes for everyone.

NAPLAN Reports – Supporting Student Growth

Last week, NAPLAN reports were sent home to families of Year 7 and Year 9 students. These reports now reflect updated proficiency standards, offering clearer insights into students’ literacy and numeracy development.

NAPLAN is a valuable tool for identifying strengths and areas for growth. At San Clemente, we are committed to using this data to inform our teaching and provide targeted support for every student.

If you have any questions about your child’s report or would like to discuss their progress, please don’t hesitate to reach out.

All the best for Term 3. Please do not hesitate to make contact if we can support you with your child’s learning in any way.

Leticia Wakely, Assistant Principal Teaching and Learning