SCHOOL OF INNOVATION

La Trobe University will be at St Anne's College on the following dates to conduct UniGames. Please see below for the game descriptions. 

Year 7 - Thursday 5 September 

UniBuddies: University can seem like a strange place to students. It has different rules, expectations, and language to school. UniBuddies aims to demystify university by introducing school students to real-life university students. By hearing from and asking questions of university students, school students learn what university is like, and about the many differences between being in high school and studying at university.Research shows that familiarising students with university from a young age is highly impactful, raising aspiration and allowing students to see university as a future option.

Year 8 - Wednesday 4 September

Year 9 - Thursday 5 September

Graduate Game: Students play through the ‘Graduate Game’, identifying what they already know and what skills they have that would help them undertake university study. This includes information not only about getting to university but also successfully navigating university life through problem solving and social interaction. Winning team gets to wear the university gown and graduate. This game builds on what students learnt in the UniBuddies session last year.

Students in the School of Innovation (SOI) received a presentation in each of their year levels from Victoria Police Multicultural Liaison Officer Leigh Johnson. The Year 7 students received information about cyber safety and respectful behaviour online. The Federal Police’s ThinkUKnow presentation formed the basis of the discussion where students were informed about being aware of images and sharing images online and online privacy. 

The focus of the Year 8 and 9 presentations was on the topic of bullying and which began with a startling fact that 30% of students worldwide are bullied each year. 

Leigh engaged the students very well, sharing stories about his own schooling years and witnessing bullying. He spoke to the students about how important their mental health is and ways they can improve their mental health.

The students went through the definition and different types of bullying and the key takeaway from the talk was the fact that everyone has the right to be treated with respect and to be treated as equals.

Representatives from Headspace in Shepparton also spoke to the students about their service and ways they can access the service if required.

A huge thank you to Leigh and Headspace for their time and providing the students with such informative presentations. A special thank you to Year 11 student Kowther who took leadership and initiative in attracting Leigh as a speaker for the SOI students. 

Class Resources

Our iPads! Please ensure any damage is reported to Pastoral Group Leaders and IT staff to ensure it can be rectified as soon as possible. iPads must be fully charged each day and it is encouraged that we adopt good habits to assist us with this. 

Important Pastoral Group Information

At St. Anne’s College, all students within the School of Innovation are allocated to a Pastoral Group. These groups are overseen by a Pastoral Group Leader and currently comprise students from their respective houses: Montessori, Charles, Cooper, and Majella houses.

Each morning, students commence their day within their Pastoral Groups. This time involves participation in morning prayer, a welcome to country, and updates about the day's news and events at the College. This period holds significance in allowing our students to establish strong connections with their peers and their Pastoral Leader. Consequently, our students are able to cultivate a strong sense of community at St. Anne’s College.

Our Pastoral Leaders also seize this opportunity to implement the three core principles of Gratitude, Empathy, and Mindfulness (GEM), which stem from our school-wide program conducted by the Resilience Project. These principles encourage our students to contemplate and recognise the positive facets of their day-to-day experiences both at the College and at home. This practice ensures that our students embark on each day well-prepared for successful learning and meaningful connections with others.

Given that this session only spans 10 minutes each morning, it is imperative that students are punctual and actively participate within their designated Pastoral Groups. If students miss this period or arrive late, they will forfeit this crucial initiation to the school day.

We extend our gratitude to all parents and caregivers for your sustained support in ensuring that this routine is upheld for the continued success of our students.

Important Uniform Information

A reminder that all School of Innovation students are required to wear their academic uniform items each day, except for sports days or other nominated days when their sports uniform items can be worn. Please ensure your student is in their full academic uniform. If this is not possible on a particular day, please send a note, including the date your student will be able to be in full school uniform.

A dress code, in particular a uniform, provides a visual connection to identify students as members of St Anne’s College community. The way a uniform is worn makes a statement about our college and it represents the fact that the student is a part of the community.  The benefits of a school uniform include:

• Allows all students to feel equal

• Helps prevent bullying and competition on the basis of clothing

• Ensures students appearance reflects the expectations of St Anne’s College

• Enhances the profile and identity of the College and its students in the wider community

• Strengthens the spirit of community within St Anne’s College

• Enhances individual student safety and group security

• Ensured all students are dressed safely and appropriately for school activities

• Encourages students to develop pride in their appearance

• Prepares students for the expectations in workplaces

• Encourages students to present themselves appropriately for a particular role

Thank you for your support.