FROM THE PRINCIPAL
Dear Parents
We are now taking enrolments for 2020. This week I have interviewed several students for Kindergarten next year. Those who have already lodged applications will be contacted in the near future to establish an interview time.
If you are aware of any families considering McAuley for their children could you please encourage them to enrol on-line or pick up an enrolment pack from the Office.
For those interested in enrolling into Year 7 2020 an Information Meeting will be held in the Hall Classroom at 6.00pm next Tuesday 11th June. Please refer to separate section of this newsletter for full details.
With the end of the Semester assessment period just completed and student reports being compiled, it is a good time for a review to our approach to teenage learning and even an opportunity to inspire an adolescent to greater success.
We used to think IQ was fixed at puberty but we now have data that show adolescence is a window where teenagers have incredible neural plasticity, and they can increase their IQ.
That means, secondary school teachers are teaching students at a time when their brains are being modified in really profound ways. Adolescents can be encouraged to build synapses and become experts. This is a time they can hone academic and athletic skills.
Knowing this can inspire teenagers to make the most of this special time in their lives.
SOME MISCONCEPTIONS ABOUT ADOLESCENT THINKING AND LEARNING
1. Adolescents are adults with fewer miles on the odometer.
Actually, teens’ brains are more malleable than adults’, meaning learning is quicker and easier for them.
2. The brain finishes developing by age 12.
Actually, it’s not fully mature until the mid- to late 20’s.
3. Teenagers are more resilient than adults.
In fact, they are more sensitive to stress; the same hormones that make adults calmer make teens more anxious.
4. Teens’ IQs are established when they are children.
Actually, with at least two thirds of people, IQ changes significantly in the teen years.
5. Adolescents won’t get addicted to alcohol and other drugs.
In fact, teens get addicted more easily than adults do, and it’s harder for them to quit. Also, cognitive impairment from smoking marijuana lasts longer in teens – up to four days.
6. Teenagers are basically lazy.
Actually, they sleep late because their circadian clock is set differently, releasing sleep-inducing melatonin at 11 p.m., versus 8-9 p.m. in adults.
I take this opportunity to remind you all to subscribe to our e-newsletter via the school's website. We will continue to print some hard-copies, however the quality of the printed version is limited.
Enjoy your long weekend. No school this Monday 10th due to the Public Holiday.
Kind regards to everyone,
Rodney Little, Principal.