Gratitude and Support for Our Year 12 Families and their Students

As your child nears the conclusion of their journey at Damascus College, we want to take a moment to express our heartfelt thanks for your incredible support over the past six years. This milestone, shared by your child and family alike, marks a significant achievement, one born of patience, hard work, and the love you have shown as they have navigated their school life.

We recognise that this final stretch, leading into exams, can feel both exciting and daunting. However, as always, you are not alone in this process. We want to reassure you that all Year 12 teachers are available to support students undertaking VCE and VCE VM. Our teachers are ready and provide guidance during their allocated times, as per each student's timetable. We ask that you encourage your child to proactively seek help should they feel the need, ensuring they can take full advantage of these resources.

Your Role in Supporting Exam Preparation

We know that families often wonder how best to help their student during the exam and final assessment period, so we have compiled some evidence-based study techniques that can make a significant difference in their preparation:

1. Spaced Repetition: Research consistently shows that long-term retention is best achieved by spacing out study sessions over time. Encourage your student to review material regularly, revisiting key concepts in smaller chunks rather than cramming the night before. This allows the brain time to process and integrate information into long-term memory.
2. Active Recall: Passive reading can give a false sense of mastery, so it is important that students engage with material through active recall. Encourage your student to quiz themselves, write down answers from memory, or explain concepts aloud. This practice helps them retrieve information more efficiently during exams.
3. Practice Exams and Timed Conditions: The most effective way to reduce exam anxiety and improve performance is through practice. Encourage your student to work through past exam papers in timed conditions, not only to simulate the pressure of exam day but to refine their time management skills. This will also help them identify areas that may need further revision.
4. Healthy Habits: During this time, it is important that your student maintains a healthy routine. Adequate sleep, regular exercise, and nutritious meals all contribute to cognitive function and overall well-being. Encouraging breaks during study time is equally important sometimes, stepping away can give clarity to a challenging topic when they return.
5. Goal Setting and Structure: A common struggle during exam preparation is a lack of direction. Encourage your student to set clear, achievable goals for each study session, breaking down larger tasks into smaller steps. Whether it is mastering a specific topic or reviewing a chapter, having a focus will make each session more productive and give them a sense of accomplishment.
6. Stress Management and Mindfulness: Exam periods are notorious for causing stress. You can help your child manage this by promoting mindfulness practices, whether through breathing exercises, meditation, or simply taking a walk to clear their mind. Emotional resilience is a crucial aspect of exam success, and calmness under pressure often leads to better results.
7. Positive Reinforcement: Sometimes the best thing you can offer is reassurance. Remind your child of how far they have come and the hard work they have already put in. Acknowledge their achievements, no matter how small, and help them approach this period with a balanced mindset, one where effort is just as valuable as the outcome.

Wisdom for This Transition

As your student embarks on this final stage, it is important to remember that exams are not the sole determinant of their future. Life’s journey is rich and varied, with success defined by more than academic results. Encourage them to keep perspective, knowing that every experience, whether challenging or triumphant, shapes their growth and resilience.

As the philosopher Seneca once said, “Luck is what happens when preparation meets opportunity.” This exam period is not just about the knowledge they’ve acquired but also about the life skills they have developed: perseverance, adaptability and self-discipline. These are the traits that will carry them forward, no matter the path they take after Damascus.

Once again, thank you for your dedication and support. You have helped cultivate young adults who will make their mark in the world, and we are honoured to have been part of that journey with you. We look forward to celebrating their achievements together in the coming weeks.