Partnering to Promote a Safe & Respectful School Community

Wow – where have those ten weeks gone? Are we really in April already?

This term has been a fantastic success for our Bluff Road Campus. Our students have tackled NAPLAN, camp, their first round of assessed learning tasks, parent-teacher interviews, and an exciting house competition, just to name a few highlights. 

It’s been a term filled with achievement, engagement, and school spirit!

As I reflect on areas for improvement and growth for our campus, Term 2 will focus on three key areas to strengthen our school community.

First, respecting our environment, particularly by reducing litter and taking pride in our shared spaces, in alignment with our SWPB All Spaces Matrix, ensures that our campus remains a clean and welcoming place for everyone. 

Second, punctuality—arriving on time and ready to learn—helps build positive habits that set students up for success. Being just three minutes late to the same class four times a week adds up to 12 minutes of lost learning each week. Over a 10-week term, that’s 120 minutes—more than two complete lessons missed. 

Over a year, this grows to 480 minutes, or nearly 10 entire classes gone!

Research from the Australian Institute for Teaching and School Leadership (AITSL) and the Centre for Education Statistics and Evaluation (CESE) shows that even small amounts of missed class time can negatively impact student achievement. Tardiness disrupts learning and affects engagement, social connections, and overall academic success. Every minute in the classroom matters—consistent attendance and punctuality set students up for stronger learning outcomes and future success. Let’s work together to make every second count! 

Lastly, we are focusing on how we communicate with one another, both online and in person, fostering a culture of respect and kindness in all interactions.

We are committed to fostering a culture where every student feels safe, respected, and valued. Our proactive approach includes:

🔹 Educational Programs – Step Up and Mentor lessons on responsible online behavior and respectful interactions.

🔹 Small Group Support – Wellbeing-led sessions addressing social media use and its impact.

🔹 School-Wide Positive Behaviours – Reinforcing kindness, inclusion, and respect across all aspects of school life.

Talking with your child about positive interactions can help build empathy and confidence. Here are some questions to guide discussions:

1. What does bullying look like? (e.g., mean words, exclusion, online harassment)
2. How do you think someone feels when they are bullied or when they bully?
3. Have you ever felt uncomfortable because of someone’s actions online or in person?
4. What can you do if you see bullying? (e.g., tell a teacher, support the person being targeted)
5. Who are the trusted adults you can talk to at school?

Helpful Resources for Parents

🔗 Bullying. No Way!🔗 eSafety Commissioner📞 Kids Helpline | 1800 55 1800

These simple yet essential habits help create a more positive, respectful, and productive learning environment. I encourage all community members to reflect on these goals, discuss them, and work together to make our school the best it can be!

Finally, we want to thank you all for your hard work and dedication. I hope you take this break to rest, recharge, and enjoy time with family and friends.

We wish you all a wonderful Easter. I look forward to seeing you back at school in your winter uniform (don't forget the new winter shirt) on Monday, April 22nd.

Take care and see you next term!

Upcoming Parent Night: Helping Students Identify Their Anxious Thoughts

At Toolbox Education, we understand that teens often fall into the trap of unhelpful thinking, leading them to worry about what others think or imagine worst-case scenarios. This workshop will equip parents with practical tools to help their teens identify and challenge these anxious thoughts.

What Will You Learn?

1. Strategies for Supporting Students – Learn practical techniques to help your teen challenge their unhelpful thinking styles.
2. Evidence-Testing Approaches – Discover gentle methods for guiding students to examine and unpack their thoughts, helping them develop healthier perspectives.
3. Practical Tools – Leave with a set of strategies that you can apply to help your teen recognize and manage anxious thoughts before they spiral.

Join us for this insightful evening and learn how to empower your teen to manage their thoughts confidently.

Delivered in person from 6.30 - 7.30 pm on Tuesday, 6th May 2025, at the Bluff Road Campus. 

Please Book Your Spot Here: https://compasstix.com/e/ch1cfl8jls