We are now more than half way through the year and it is an excellent time for our students to re-focus on their goals for the year. At present our senior students are talking with their mentors about their progress to date and exploring ways to ensure that they reach their goals. Junior students are also being encouraged to check their progress in each of their achievement objects. In order to help them with this and make their progress visible, teachers are helping students to fill in their 15++ forms which they will then discuss with their mentor teacher. Parents often ask ‘How can I help my child to succeed?’ Some suggestions are that there be a quiet space be set aside for homework and study, set times negotiated when this will take place, and technology issues discussed so that time is not wasted on social networking sites or games. Filling in a study timetable can also be extremely beneficial. Discussing goals and how to achieve them is a useful conversation starter. During the July and September holidays revision classes will be held at several venues for NCEA students. These courses will be advertised nearer the time; they do incur a cost but are beneficial for revision, the embedding of essential and important information and tips and strategies for exams. Our students will have a great opportunity to explore their vocational options when they attend the Selwyn College Careers Expo next Thursday. The three way partnership between parents, teachers and students is vital for academic success.