Week 2 has seen students settle into the daily routine of IFS. I was most impressed with our student’s behaviour during our Open Day Celebrations. Our students are to be commended with how they are adopting and adapting to the way we do things – which for some can be a challenge.
The Open Learning Space (OLS) is a space the Teachers give a great deal of thought to. It will change over time in terms of how it is set up and how this space will best meet the needs of our students. The idea behind the OLS is that it is a work place, which to some extent reflects life outside of college. Our students are being challenged to be focused at all times and to take responsibility for their learning. It takes self-discipline to avoid distractions and get on with the task at hand. This change in learning environment will be welcomed by most, and others will need support as they adjust to a new way of doing things and accepting more responsibility. Our expectation is that students will settle quickly into their new college life.
It is also a challenge for students to call their teachers and coaches by their first names. Being on a first name basis, helps to create a sense of community and allows for relationships to begin to be built. Its important to know, that it is not to build familiarity in that teachers and students are buddies, but to build a relationship on mutual respect which starts with knowing a person’s name and who they are.
Our teachers have been spending time with the various year groups in the high college and getting to know each year group. In Week 3, students will be placed into their mentor groups.
In the High School, Mentor groups consist of students from Year 7 – 10. IFS does this so that students develop relationships across the year groups. It also allows for teachers to provide pastoral care across the board, rather than focusing on a particular year group.
Every Tuesday afternoon, for 30 minutes, students groups will meet with their mentor for a general check in, discussion and activity. An example of one of the programs that will be running during these sessions is SenseAbility – created by the beyondblue Foundation. This is an excellent program, which positively supports student’s mental health in a variety of ways. It is so important that our young people develop resilience and are equipped with the skills in order to cope with the variety of challenges that life presents us with.
Every Thursday, students will have the opportunity to have a one-on-one meeting with their mentor. The purpose of these individual meetings is so that teachers can check in with students, see how they are travelling and coping with work and discuss any issues or concerns that may have arisen.
Mentor groups and their assigned teachers will be sent out to parents via email during week 4.
Whilst we are still in the process of obtaining lockers, we do share our college site with the public, and therefore we are aware of the need to keep our students and their possessions safe. Please know, that although we encourage our students to stay in a particular area during breaks, students have access to their bags in case their need their water bottle, sunscreen, hat or any food they may wish to eat. Also a reminder, that it is important that our students need to eat a nutritious and filling breakfast before they come to college. I have been surprised to learn that so many students are skipping breakfast – students cannot physically or mentally remain focused and keep up their stamina throughout the day if this the case. Please encourage your child to eat breakfast. It may also be a good idea to bring in more food for morning break to ensure they get through the first academic session of the day.
I am very impressed with the way the college is running and to be able to share such a fantastic opportunity with my son.i really respect and appreciate these ideas that are gradually being introduced into the college curriculum and respect that all the IFS teachers,coaches and other students have for one another,keep up the good work!
Laura I am so pleased with the reports I am receiving from Shayne about M’s behaviour and learning. He is so happy and finally loves going to college!!! Thank you so much 🙂