The well-known quote by William H. McRaven, “If you want to change the world, start off by making your bed,” emphasises the idea that commencing each day with a small achievement serves as a constant reminder that success in the grander endeavours is made possible by consistently getting the smaller details right!

In Term 4, our focus has been on promoting student learning and engagement and we have witnessed remarkable efforts in various aspects of this. These endeavors require a substantial commitment from numerous parties, including students, parents, both teaching and non-teaching staff and our wider community. The development of our character and resilience is a collaborative effort and we gain valuable insights through our experiences.

As we enter a phase of assessments, it is a crucial time for all students to:

• Clearly define academic goals, which encompass short and long-term objectives, to establish a sense of direction and purpose.
• Confront challenges head-on to attain achievements.
• Create a well-structured study schedule, allocating time for each subject or task.
• Manage time effectively, taking into consideration deadlines and priorities and utilising tools like calendars, to-do lists and digital apps.
• Maintain a separation between work spaces and phones and set specific timeframes to mitigate procrastination and distractions.
• Develop efficient study habits, including finding a quiet and comfortable study space, breaking work into manageable segments with short breaks and using active learning techniques like summarisation, questioning and teaching others.
• Stay organised, regularly reviewing and revising notes, keeping study materials orderly and establishing a system for tracking important dates.
• Seek assistance when needed, demonstrating independence in this learning process.
• Foster critical thinking skills through inquiry, critical evaluation of information and making connections between different concepts.
• Preserve a healthy work-life balance by allocating time for relaxation, exercise, social activities and enjoyment to enhance productivity.
• Prioritise physical and mental wellbeing, focusing on adequate sleep, a balanced diet and a composed approach as essential elements for academic success and critical thinking.
• Maintain intrinsic motivation, setting self-directed goals with achievable milestones.

By starting each day with a small task, such as making one’s bed, individuals take the first step towards achieving their goals. Breaking down large objectives into manageable tasks reduces the feeling of being overwhelmed and contributes to the path of success.

Leah Cristiano
Level Leader: Year 7