As we continue to settle into the term, we would like to thank our families and wider community for the partnership you show our College. Schools work best when we are aligned in our shared purpose: ensuring every young person is safe, supported and able to thrive academically and personally.
At Elevation Secondary College, we are committed to creating a calm, orderly and inclusive learning environment where students feel known, valued and challenged. With that in mind, we would like to highlight several important areas where your support at home makes a significant difference.
Attendance and Punctuality
Regular attendance and punctuality remain among the strongest predictors of academic success and wellbeing. When students attend every day and arrive on time, they benefit from consistent routines, strong peer connections and uninterrupted learning.
We understand that illness and family circumstances arise. However, avoidable absences and repeated lateness can quickly accumulate and significantly impact progress and confidence. Even missing one lesson per day equates to a substantial loss of learning over time.
We appreciate families reinforcing the importance of being at school, on time, every day. If there are barriers impacting attendance, please contact your child’s Coordination Team so we can work together to provide support.
Sleep and Wellbeing
Sleep plays a critical role in learning and emotional regulation. For short-term memory to consolidate into long-term memory, young people require approximately 9–10 hours of sleep per night. Teenagers who sleep well are generally happier, more focused and more engaged at school.
One of the most common barriers to sufficient sleep is technology. We know devices are part of modern life, however late-night use can significantly reduce sleep quality and duration. Several families have found success by charging devices in a central location in the house overnight, keeping bedrooms technology-free. If this is not currently part of your routine, it may be worth trialling. Small adjustments to sleep habits can make a significant difference to wellbeing and learning.
Equipment, Exercise Books and Readiness to Learn
Being ready to learn means more than simply attending school. Students require a charged laptop and the correct materials for each subject, including a separate exercise book per subject.
We have noticed that some students fill exercise books quickly or occasionally misplace them. Purchasing a few additional books and spare pens costs only a small amount but ensures your child is prepared for every lesson. Being organised builds independence and reduces stress for students.
Encouraging students to pack their school bag the evening before is a simple but powerful routine that supports readiness and confidence.
Toilets and Time Out of Class
As the weather has been warmer, we are pleased to see students bringing water bottles and staying hydrated. This is important for health and concentration.
However, we have observed a significant increase in students leaving class to access the toilets. On one recent day alone, 114 students accessed the toilets during lesson time. While we always support students with genuine need, frequent time out of class interrupts learning and can, at times, lead to social congregation rather than urgency.
We are therefore reinforcing the expectation that, wherever possible, students should use bathroom facilities during recess and lunchtime. Students with medical or specific needs will always be supported through individual arrangements. If there are health concerns, please contact your child’s Year Level Coordinator so appropriate supports can be put in place.
Conversations at Home: “What did you learn today?”
One of the most powerful ways families can support learning is through simple daily conversations. If you ask, “What did you learn at school today?” and the answer is “nothing,” we can be confident that this is not entirely accurate.
Consider following up with:
· “What subjects did you have today?”
· “What did you learn in English, Maths or Music?”
· “What is one thing you know now that you didn’t know yesterday?”
The first few times you may receive only a short answer. However, the more these conversations occur, the more insight you will gain into your child’s learning. Schooling works best when families and schools operate in partnership. These small but consistent conversations help create a shared understanding of your child’s progress and experiences.
At Elevation Secondary College, we take a relationship-focused approach that combines care with clear boundaries. Young people thrive when expectations are predictable, consistent and fair. Together, through strong home–school partnership, we can ensure every student is supported to succeed.
Thank you for your continued support,
Mrs. Loudon, Mr. Mangione, Mrs. Conboy, Mr. McKenna and Mr. Schutz