Optima Assemblies

This week we should have celebrated our End Semester One celebration assemblies however due to the lockdown we will reschedule them as soon as we can. Students from Year 7-9 are recognised for both academic achievements as well as excellent consistency in effort and behaviour during the first half of the year.

Maximising Learning at PBC

At PBC, we encourage all students to achieve their best, whatever their ‘best’ might be. Students working to improve are urged to apply the following techniques across all their subjects:

• Set a goal for each subject

Use the OPTIMA planner in your diary and know what you are aiming for this term

• Know what is required

Understand what your assessment tasks require and the criteria by which you will be assessed. Focus on these in your work.

• Manage your time

Know your due dates and be sure your family knows them too. Break big tasks into smaller tasks, such as researching an assignment, writing a draft or reviewing the notes of a section of a course. Set yourself regular deadlines.

• When you need help, seek it out

There is so much help available in the Middle School at PBC, from individual assistance form the teacher, to Tuesday Tutorials, to peer mentoring. Don’t settle at ‘I don’t get it’ – find help until you do!

• Follow up

Review your notes, write down your questions, do your homework, read around a topic. Such strategies will help improve your factual recall and your understanding

Junior Secondary Rewards 

We know that students respond well to positive acknowledgement, not only through major awards but for small successes and actions in the classroom and playground. There have been wonderful opportunities to celebrate success with so many students in Junior Secondary to start this term positively. 

A total of 294 letters were sent home to congratulate students who improved their grades, effort, behaviour results from Term 1 to Semester 1 report card. Year 7 -  91 students ; Year 8 – 120; Year 9 – 83 students. This is a fantastic effort on the part of teachers, students and parents/caregivers to see success.   

At the end of last term 60 Year 8 students were treated to a pizza lunch by Junior Secondary Administration team for being nominated by their teachers as “just being great kids in class to work with”. This term (Week 5), 60 students from respective year levels in 7 and 9 will have their lunch. 81 Year 7 students and 141 Year 9 students were nominated. All these students also had Optima Postcards sent home. 

Acknowledgement of the hundreds of students who “Rise Every Day Stronger” (R.E.D.S) and trying their best, helps to create a positive, productive learning environment.