Student Wellbeing

Child Safety Standards Presentations

In the remaining weeks of term 1, all students from Years 7-12 will take part in a Child Safety presentation that highlights the standards and expectations that we have as a staff and community to keep all of our girls safe over the course of the time they are in our care.

This includes a reminder about the ways in which they can be empowered and given a voice in keeping themselves safe as well as a reminder about the procedures that the school community follows if any student raises concerns about their own safety. We remind all of our families of our mandated expectation to respond to any concerns raised by our school community.

National Day against Bullying and Harassment

Friday 18 March 2022 was the National Day of Action against Bullying and Violence (NDA). Australia’s key bullying prevention initiative celebrates 12 years of action, connecting schools and communities to find workable solutions to prevent bullying. 

The theme for 2022 is Kindness Culture. By building Kindness Culture together, we can promote inclusion, respect and community belonging for all students in schools across Australia.

Each Year level focused on the issue of Bullying and looked at our Bullying and Harassment Policy and the ways in which we can ensure that all members of our community are included, feel safe and build a positive community for all.

Uniform Reminders

We remind all students and families that the changeover to winter uniform occurs at the beginning of Term 2.  Please ensure that you are aware of the appropriate wearing of the winter uniform. 

The uniform shop is now operating at school from recess to the end of lunch on both Wednesday and Friday each week. Students are also able to obtain uniform items by attending the Noone shop at Hoppers Crossing.

We will also send a direct message to all of the students to remind them of these expectations before the end of the term.

If you have any concerns regarding uniform for your daughter – please do not hesitate to contact me.

Wearing of Masks on School Buses or Public Transport

In keeping with Government guidelines the College has altered the expectations about wearing masks. However, on the Marian buses and public transport students are expected to wear a mask and practice social distancing where possible.

As these expectations are still in place we would expect all students to provide their own masks.

Year 7 – 11 Reflection Day and Year 12 Study Day – Tuesday 22nd March 

On Tuesday 22nd March we will hold our annual Year 7-11 Reflection Day where each year level will unpack our theme for the year of Compassion – Walking with and having empathy for all. 

Year 12’s on this day will have STUDY day as they prepare for the assessments that they will have before the end of the term. We look forward to giving you an insight into the work of each Year Level at their Reflection Day in the next edition of the Marian.

Take Away Food Deliveries

Over the last couple of weeks, the Main Office has had some concerns with both parents and students organising the delivery of take away food to school. This includes the delivery of UBER EATS. 

We need to remind all families and students of the expectation that is clearly stated in our Information Booklets. For security reasons families to not bring in or order take-away food for their daughters. This document can be provided on request.

Concerns raised about the dropping off and pick up of students in the St. Paul’s car park

A number of our parents have raised concerns about the issue of dropping off and picking up students in the St Paul’s car park.

Many parents stop in the driveway of the car park rather than driving into a parking space. Stopping in the driveway blocks the flow of the traffic and causes traffic build-up in the car park and on Glengala Road. Please be aware of this and be considerate of others when dropping off or picking up your daughters.

Mobile Phone Concerns

Over the last couple of weeks we have had a number of concerns raised in terms of the inappropriate use of mobile phones. This especially refers to the recording or filming of other students and staff without permission and then posting images on social media platforms. We are speaking to the Community Police about presentations to the student body about the concerns around bullying and the use of social media platforms. We will keep you informed in further editions of the Marian of this work.

Peer Support Leaders for Year 7

Over the last couple of weeks our Year 10 students have had the opportunity to complete an application form to be a Peer Support Leader with our Year 7’s. Training for these students will begin in the next two weeks as we intend to begin the program with the Year 7’s at the start of term 2.

Wellbeing

As we approach the end of the term, we encourage our families to monitor their daughter’s in terms of the stress and concerns that work expectations, tests and School Assessed Coursework cause many individuals. Responses can vary from being quiet, to tears to even changes in behaviour. If you have any concerns in relation to this please do not hesitate in contacting your daughter’s homeroom teacher or Year Level Leader to discuss any issues so that they can be addressed and strategies can be put in place to support each and every one of our students.

Kerrie Williams

Assistant to the Principal – Student Wellbeing