Principal’s Word
As we approach the end of Term 3, we reflect on how quickly time has passed.
Last Friday morning, we celebrated Father’s Day with a special breakfast at the Junior School. We were delighted to have such a wonderful turnout, and I would like to extend my heartfelt thanks to all the fathers, grandfathers, and friends who attended and made this morning so memorable. Earlier this week, we also held our Early Learning Centre Father’s Day celebration with a pancake and coffee morning. It was heartening to see so many dads and granddads sharing joyful moments with the children through reading and play. At Unity, community is at the core of everything we do, and your continued support is deeply appreciated.
On the topic of community, I am thrilled to share my experience with the Ag Program at Unity this year, which has been incredibly rewarding. Agriculture is a significant part of the Murraylands community, and it’s wonderful to see the program growing as more students choose to participate. Our Ag staff are doing an outstanding job in guiding students through the process of preparing steers, dairy cattle, goats, and sheep for the Adelaide Show. This requires tremendous patience and dedication, and their efforts are truly commendable. We’ve had some excellent results from our Steer Team so far:
- Alecia Bormann – SAYBB Intermediate Champion Handler
- Ollie Matthewson – SAYBB Novice Reserve Champion Handler
- Kali Hincks – SAYBB Best Presented School Steer
I would also like to take a moment to thank our breeders for their ongoing support of Unity’s program: Caithness, Granite Ridge, Lancaster, and Warrawindi. Your contributions are greatly appreciated.
In other exciting news, I’m pleased to announce that the refurbishment of our Secondary Resource Centre (library) is progressing well. Once completed by mid-Term 4, this beautiful facility will provide a welcoming space for students to engage in podcasts, studying, reading, and formal lessons—all in a calming environment conducive to learning.
Our Year 12 students are entering the final phase of their formal education at Unity. They are currently engaged in completing their last assessments and preparing for their Mock Exams, which will take place during the first week of the holidays. Please join us in keeping them in your thoughts and prayers, as we hope each student can reach their full potential as they near the end of their journey.
I’d like to share a few practical tips to support them during this critical time:
- Focus on the Basics: Ensuring your child is well-fed, hydrated, and well-rested is fundamental to their ability to study effectively. By providing a calm and organised home environment with nutritious snacks and regular meals, you can help them maintain the routine they need to succeed. As exams approach, consider offering smaller, lighter meals throughout the day to keep their energy levels balanced.
- Set Study Goals and Prioritise: Encourage your child to tackle their most challenging subjects first when their concentration is strongest. Breaking down study sessions into manageable chunks with clear goals will help them avoid feeling overwhelmed and improve their retention of information. Regular breaks for movement and relaxation are key to maintaining focus.
- Monitor for Exam Stress: Be mindful of any signs of stress in your teenager, such as disrupted sleep, changes in eating habits, or increased frustration. If you notice any of these, revisit the basics and consider seeking advice from a healthcare professional if needed.
- Communicate Openly: Regular check-ins can go a long way. Ask your child how their revision is going and offer positive feedback to help them stay motivated.
- Look After Yourself: Supporting your child during exams can be emotionally taxing. Make sure you take care of your own well-being so that you can remain a steady and positive presence for them. A positive environment at home will greatly benefit their study efforts.
This exam period may be intense, but it is temporary—and with your support, your child can emerge from it successfully.
I would like to inform you about an update from the Fair Work Commission:
A new section has been introduced into the Fair Work Act 2009 (Cth), specifically about employees’ right to disconnect outside of working hours. As these impact teacher-parent communication, please note that teaching staff will now only respond to parent communications during working hours, with responses to after-hours queries being addressed the following day (disconnect 5:00 pm – 8:30 am.)
Our communication procedures, which were shared earlier in Term 3, have been updated to reflect this change. See the link below for changes.
Unity College Communication Procedures
A Thought from the Heart:
As you navigate life’s challenges, remember these words of comfort:
“Yes, my soul, find rest in God; my hope comes from Him. Truly, He is my rock and my salvation; He is my fortress, I will not be shaken.”
When you trust in God, you will find strength, and He will guide you through every obstacle you face.
Wishing you all peace and blessings
Mr. Francois Pienaar
