PRINCIPAL

Dear Parents/Carers, Families and College Community

Welcome back to a new term to our students, staff and families. I hope that those of you who had a break over the Easter period found it restful and an opportunity to recharge batteries after a busy and at times challenging first term.

Thankyou to those parents who attended interviews at the end of last term. I hope the opportunity to speak to staff was valuable and has an impact on your child’s performance and progress. I am always looking for opportunities to improve communication with families, so any feedback about the interview process would be very welcome.

This term we have our Open Day to look forward to on Saturday 27 May 2023. Our expectation is that all students are part of the day to showcase the College to the public. In return the College will be closed Friday 2 June 2023 for an extra long weekend. 

Country Week preparations are also well underway for the final week of the term.

Staff changes

We welcome a number of staff to the College in different roles and for different lengths of time.

Craig Bates- Trades Teacher, Emma Strand- Kitchenhand, Catherine Staszewski- Cook, Nicole Lawerence- Education Assistant, Nerida Sullivan- Farm Training Officer, Janine Antonovich- Residential Supervisor, Monette Coulson- Front Office Administration. 

In addition, I thank Craig Sullivan for taking on the role of Farm Manager while Geoff Howell is taking some leave.

ANZAC

My thanks to Montana Holly, Shanaya Blatchford, Amelia Ietto, Logan Haines, Tyson Baggetta, Tia Boylan and Harry Boylan for representing the College at the Harvey ANZAC Service last week. 

Also Mr Stewart, Sam Waters, Rachel Smith, Michael Kilrain, Montana Holly and Ella Gardiner for planning and conducting the ANZAC Service at the College. 

Vaping

Last week we had two incidents of vaping which resulted in suspensions. Our response to vaping will be to suspend those caught vaping or those in possession of vapes. In most circumstances, those in company of students vaping will also be suspended because we know that students tend to share vapes. 

This week we came across a student with a significant quantity of vapes which he intended to sell. That student has been suspended and the Police informed and his Residential Status is being reviewed.

Attendance

An audit of Term 1 attendance has recently been conducted. Congratulations to the following students for achieving 99% and above attendance; M Griffiths, K Heliams, S McHutchison, S Ross, A Stone, M Wilson, C Alexander, X Camarri, E Gardiner, R Smith, T Wallinger, K Edwards, K Ellis, L Fielding, T Geller, R Hart, E Ivankovich, W McLarty, T Metcalf, J Pich, B Smith, T Walton, R Bennet. 

Parents are reminded that when a student’s unapproved absences exceed 10% of total available days, they lose their Good Standing and with that the opportunity to have a vehicle on site or attend non-essential activities.

Weekend off-site events

A reminder to parents that parties and gatherings outside of the College are not the responsibility of the school. Parents need to be aware that alcohol and risky activities are often involved and that they clearly understand what their child is getting involved in; particularly in the case of those under-age. 

My personal strategy when my sons were young was to contact the adult host to enquire about the level of adult supervision and access to alcohol. Whilst your child may complain that “you are ruining their lives”, you can take heart that many parents have the same concerns and it is important to make sure your child is safe.

Regards

Steve