Issue 4 2025 - Student Services
Student Services
Brad Woodruff
Year 11 Study Skills Program Supported Student Success
Earlier this term, a group of Year 11 students participated in the annual Study Skills Program, led by our school psychologist, Abigail Fretwell. This valuable program aimed to equip students with practical strategies to help them manage the academic demands of senior school, and it was very well received, with all students sharing positive feedback about how helpful and engaging they found the session.
Throughout the program, students explored a range of essential study and wellbeing topics, including:
Choosing a consistent time and place to study
Establishing a daily study routine
Planning their time effectively using schedules and goals
Identifying their individual learning styles
Reviewing and revising regularly to aid retention
Taking breaks to maintain concentration and energy
Asking for help when needed
Staying motivated through long-term goals and self-discipline
Looking after their wellbeing, with a focus on sleep, physical activity, and balance
Using effective note-taking methods
Ms Fretwell’s supportive and practical approach resonated with students, many of whom commented on how the sessions helped them feel more organised and better prepared for the upcoming challenges.
This program is a regular feature of the school’s support for senior students, and we continue to see the long-term benefits as students apply what they’ve learned across their subjects and study routines.
Parents and carers were encouraged to talk with their child about the strategies introduced and to support them in putting these habits into practice at home.
For more information about the program or resources to support learning at home, families were invited to contact a member of the Student Services team.
Transition Out: Preparing Year 12s for Life Beyond School – Term 3 Program
This year, our Transition Out program for Year 12 students will take place throughout Term 3, with a range of events and activities scheduled across the term rather than in a single week. This flexible format allows students to engage with important life skills content while balancing their academic commitments.
Transition Out was initially developed by the Student Services team following conversations with past Year 12 students about the challenges they faced after leaving school. Common concerns included:
Budgeting and financial management
Accessing government grants and allowances
Renting and share housing
Meal planning and food preparation
Applying to TAFE and navigating post-school pathways
In response, a variety of sessions will be delivered by college staff, local professionals, and government agencies. Planned sessions include:
Food Sensations® for Schools – a hands-on nutrition and cooking program delivered by health professional from the Department of Health.
Money Matters – budgeting and study assistance information
Accessing Government Services – how to apply for financial assistance and use online platforms, delivered by staff from Denmark CRC
Health Q&A – a student-driven health discussion with a School Nurse
Renting – tips and legal advice from a local real estate company.
RU Legal? – a Legal Aid WA session on the justice system and legal rights for young adults
To ensure the program is relevant and student-led, Year 12 Prefects have been actively consulted. They are seeking feedback from their peers on which topics they’d like to see added and what activities they’d like to see included. This collaboration helps shape the program to reflect the real interests and needs of students.
In addition to these informative sessions, Transition Out will also include a number of fun and memorable events to celebrate the final year of schooling.
A function in The HIVE, hosted by Student Services
A BBQ in the Paddock with farm staff and students
The Year 12 Dinner at Boston Brewery
A Long Table Lunch with Year 12 students seated at the centre of the dining room
Transition Out aims to equip our students with the knowledge, confidence, and life skills they need as they prepare to leave school, while also recognising and celebrating this significant milestone.
A very useful resource - Rebecca Sparrow – “Friendship Whisperer”
Rebecca Sparrow, widely known as the Friendship Whisperer, has provided valuable insights for the Student Services team that have helped support students navigating the complex world of friendships and social dynamics.
Her guidance has included:
Practical strategies for addressing peer conflict, exclusion, and building healthy, respectful friendships
Helpful resources such as books, articles, and podcasts tailored to young people
Advice on language and approach, enabling staff to have more effective and empathetic conversations with students
Conversation tools and templates for use in wellbeing sessions
Importantly, Rebecca’s advice is not only beneficial for educators and student support staff, but it is also highly valuable for parents who are supporting their children through friendship challenges at home.
Parents are encouraged to explore her resources and insights by visiting:
Rebecca’s work continues to inspire and strengthen our approach to student wellbeing and social development at the college.
Brad Woodruff
Program Coordinator - Student Services
WACOA – Denmark