Head of Students News

Masks

A reminder that masks are still required at school for the foreseeable future. In particular, masks are required:

• When social distancing of 1.5m is not possible
• When lining up to enter the classroom (students can remove masks when seated)

Students are required to have a mask on them at all times. MCA masks are available for purchase from the tuckshop and canteen for $10.00 each.

Year 12 students – External Exam Block Expectations

As per the email sent to all Year 12 students and families this week, we still expect our Seniors to uphold our uniform and behaviour standards. This includes:

• Their behaviour in coming to and from school – with driving in particular
• Uniform and grooming – including being clean-shaven and hair kept to College standards

Our boys still have access to their Year 12 teachers if they require assistance. We need our seniors finishing the year strong, and as a Marist young man. One of the major hallmarks in becoming a young man is the ability to do the right thing when no one is watching, or checking. We look forward to our boys finishing their exams strongly and in the right spirit. Best of luck, gentlemen!

Marist Schools Leadership Forum

Over this weekend, Our senior school leaders (Ethen Tsiamalili, Connor Lyons, Jeremy Vanderbyl, Sam Mead, Doug Cowlishaw) represented the College at the Marist Schools Australia Leadership Summit. They were joined by senior leaders from other Queensland Marist schools. Over the weekend, they engaged in topics of spiritual leadership and made some valuable connections to other Marist schools. Even more pleasing were the contributions from Old Boys of the College - part of the Marist Youth Ministry who facilitated the Summit. Our 2022 captains certainly did us proud, and we look forward to our five bringing the learnings and reflections back to benefit their leadership of the whole student cohort.

Managing Overwhelm

The passage below is from SchoolTV:

Due to the pandemic, the world we now live in is a very different place. The hyperconnected nature of our current environment means that we are constantly being reminded of the challenges we face via numerous media and social media channels. Our connectivity to the digital world exposes us to a barrage of messages that can leave us feeling overwhelmed. As a result, many children and their parents are reporting higher levels of stress and anxiety.

Unfortunately, our brains have not evolved fast enough to adapt to this digital landscape. The combination of constant access to information and having little control over the situations presented, can be stressful and overwhelming. It is therefore important for adult carers to check in with their children and be aware of what information they may have been exposed to. It may not necessarily be the information itself that is harmful, but more their inability to process and make sense of it. Providing children with the skills and strategies to cope will enable them to flourish and thrive, socially, emotionally and academically.

The blueprint for parenting, based on our own experiences, is no longer fit for purpose in raising kids as citizens of tomorrow. This can be inherently stressful and overwhelming, not only for parents and carers, but children alike. If left untreated or unmanaged, constant stress and anxiety can lead to a number of behavioural issues or health consequences.

This report suggests a number of strategies to help manage any feelings of overwhelm that you or your child may be experiencing. We hope you take a moment to reflect on the information offered, and as always, we welcome your feedback. If this raises any concerns for you, a loved one or the wellbeing of your child, please seek medical or professional help.The link to the report is https://marash.qld.schooltv.me/wellbeing_news/special-report-managing-overwhelm