A Message from the Leader of Learning Mathematics
Chris Tomasella
Welcome to Term 2!
We hope all families had a restful and refreshing break. Term 1 was filled with exciting challenges, strong progress, and some fantastic achievements across all year levels. Term 2 is already shaping up to be a very important part of the school year, with formal assessments, new content, and opportunities for students to develop consistent study habits that support long-term success. We’re excited to continue this journey with our students and families.
Celebrating Success from Term 1
We’re incredibly proud of the hard work and progress our students have made so far this year. Each year group has been engaging with challenging concepts, applying them in new ways, and developing valuable problem-solving skills.
| Year 7 completed their very first high school mathematics term, focusing on Fractions and Decimals. They learned how to apply these concepts in everyday situations like cooking, shopping, and dividing quantities fairly. Their enthusiasm and willingness to learn has set a strong foundation for future success. |
| Year 8 worked through Rates, Ratios, and Equations. Students explored real-life applications such as speed, time and distance, unit pricing, and simple algebraic problem solving. They’ve demonstrated increased confidence and are building strong mathematical habits. |
| Year 9 CORE and ADV explored Financial Maths and Data. This included creating budgets, understanding how tax works, and calculating interest—important skills for becoming financially responsible and independent. Meanwhile, our Year 9 Maths in Trade students got hands-on experience through practical experiments involving cement mixing and ratio calculations, applying mathematical skills to construction-style tasks. |
| Year 10 CORE continued developing algebraic skills and solving linear equations, laying the groundwork for future mathematical study. Year 10 ADV began their journey into Functions—a key Stage 6 concept that helps students visualise and model relationships between variables. Year 10 Maths in Trade focused on understanding how to run a successful business, including managing profit, costs, and productivity using real-world maths applications. |
| Year 11 tackled their first term of Stage 6 Mathematics. They’ve adapted to the faster pace and greater complexity of senior maths with persistence and maturity, setting themselves up well for the rest of the year. |
| Year 12 has now passed the halfway mark in their final year of school. With content wrapping up by the end of Term 2, students are shifting their focus to revision, consolidation, and preparing for their HSC exams. It’s an exciting milestone, and we are incredibly proud of their effort and commitment so far. |
Study Routines
Term 2 is a busy time with formal assessments for all year levels. To do their best, students should develop good study habits now.
We encourage students to:
- Review classwork regularly to stay on top of the material.
- Practice daily, even if it's just for 15-20 minutes.
- Ask for help early if they’re unsure about something.
- Use class notes and feedback to focus on areas they need to improve.
Parents can support by:
- Providing a quiet study space at home.
- Helping to create a study schedule and checking in on progress.
- Encouraging communication with teachers if help is needed.
By working together, we can ensure that every student feels supported, prepared, and confident as they move through a busy but rewarding term. Let’s continue to build strong habits and finish Semester 1 on a high note!