Hazel Glen College Primary Years

Assistant Principals' Report

KIDS FIRST PARENT SESSION

We are pleased to share that Hazel Glen College has partnered with Kids First Australia to support the wellbeing and safety of our students and school community. Kids First Australia is a proudly independent national child, youth and family services provider and early education specialist. Their vision is for all children and young people to thrive in resilient, strong, and safe families and communities. Kids First is an evidence based organisation who partners with universities to measure and evaluate their programs.

 

Term 3 Student Sessions

In Term 3, students from Year 2 to Year 6 will have the opportunity to participate in Kids First sessions focused on personal safety. These sessions aim to equip students with the knowledge and skills to recognise and respond to unsafe situations in an age-appropriate and empowering way. A Compass event will be released later in the Term for consent and payment.

 

Parent Information Session

As part of this partnership, Kids First will be delivering a Parent Information Session on Tuesday 3rd June (Week 7) from 5:30pm to 7:00pm. This session will be held at the College in the Performing Arts Centre (PAC).

 

The session will explore protective behaviours education and how parents can support this at home with your children. It will also cover online safety, including measures and strategies you can implement to help protect your child when using the internet at home. Kids First trainers will also discuss the program in which our Year 2–6 students will participate during Term 3. All Primary Years parents are welcome to attend this session.

If you are interested in attending, please complete the TryBooking registration as soon as possible to secure your place. 

 

https://www.trybooking.com/DBFHF

 

We strongly encourage all parents and carers to attend this valuable session.

 

We look forward to seeing parents and carers at the event.

 

ESAFETY PARENT SESSION 

The eSafety Commission offers free webinars for parents and carers around strategies for helping children stay safe online. Below is an upcoming Webinar for parents supporting boys navigating the online world. There are many other webinar offerings for parents so please see the link above to explore.

 

Exploring the online experiences of boys and young men:

For boys and young men, the internet can be a place where they seek connection, validation and guidance as they explore what it means to be a man today. However, it also exposes them to risks like harmful content, online exploitation and the growing influence of misogynistic ideologies.

 

This 45-minute webinar will help parents understand:

  • the social and cultural influences shaping boys and young men
  • how boys engage online, build relationships and how they may be vulnerable to manipulation or exploitation
  • the impact of social media, gaming, and influencers on their attitudes, behaviours and sense of identity.

This presentation will share practical strategies to build critical thinking, challenge harmful narratives, and create open conversations that empower boys and young men to navigate the online world safely and respectfully.

 

Term 2 (Australian Eastern Standard Time)

CANINE COMPREHENSION PROGRAM

We are excited to announce that Hazel Glen College is launching an 8 week wellbeing program in collaboration with Canine Comprehension starting next week. As part of this initiative, we will be welcoming two Therapy Dogs, Cooper and Ollie, into our community. These dogs will visit various classrooms to support student learning and wellbeing. They can be easily identified by their working harnesses, and their mentor will be in uniform.

 

Both Therapy Dogs are specially trained, up-to-date with their vaccinations, and receive regular health checks. They will be on-site on Tuesday and Thursday mornings, accompanied by their Mentor and our Wellbeing Leader, Tara Xuereb.

 

Benefits of the Therapy Dog Program:

 

Emotional Support: Interaction with therapy dogs has been shown to reduce stress and anxiety levels. The presence of these animals can provide comfort and emotional support, helping students to feel more at ease and focused.

 

Social Interaction: Therapy dogs can help to improve social skills and encourage positive interactions among students. They can be a catalyst for communication and social engagement, fostering a sense of community and belonging.

 

Enhanced Learning Environment: A calm and relaxed state of mind is conducive to learning. The presence of therapy dogs can help create a more positive and productive learning environment, benefiting both students and staff.

 

Encouragement of Empathy and Compassion: Interacting with therapy dogs can teach students important values such as empathy, kindness, and compassion. These interactions can help in the development of emotional intelligence and interpersonal skills. We understand that some families may have questions regarding this program. 

 

Please feel free to speak to your child's classroom teacher if you have any concerns.

 

 

EVERY DAY COUNTS AT HAZEL GLEN COLLEGE

At Hazel Glen College, we place a strong emphasis on the importance of attending school every day. As we begin Term 2, it’s the perfect time for a fresh start and a renewed focus on building positive attendance habits.

 

Why Attendance Matters

Every day at school plays a vital role in your child’s growth and success. Regular attendance helps your child to:

  • Build strong foundations by developing essential skills and knowledge across all learning areas
  • Grow socially and emotionally through friendships and daily interactions that boost confidence and a sense of belonging
  • Stay on track with their learning, reducing the risk of falling behind and feeling overwhelmed

Understanding Attendance Categories

To help families monitor attendance, we use the following categories:

  • Repeated Absences: 5–10 days absent per term
  • Ongoing At-Risk Absence: 11–15 days absent per term
  • Chronic Absence: 16–25 days absent per term

Arriving late also adds up. If your child is 20 minutes late each day, it can amount to nearly a full year of lost learning by Year 12. Please ensure your child arrives on time, ready to begin their day at 8:45am.

 

We understand there are times when absences are unavoidable—such as due to illness. However, regular attendance and punctuality are key to your child’s academic progress, social development, and overall wellbeing.

 

Supporting Your Child’s Attendance

Setting up positive routines and addressing attendance concerns early can help your child feel more engaged and connected at school. Here are some practical ways you can support regular attendance:

  • Talk to your child about school. Ask how they feel about school life—what they enjoy and whether anything is worrying them.
  • Watch for common issues, such as:
    • Bullying or cyberbullying
    • Feeling isolated or disconnected
    • Struggles with schoolwork or feeling overwhelmed
    • Lack of engagement with subjects
    • Difficulties with friendships or teacher relationships
    • Competing commitments or lack of motivation
    • Feeling misunderstood or culturally excluded
  • Celebrate attendance milestones—acknowledge and encourage consistency and punctuality.
  • Model commitment by showing how you follow through with your own responsibilities.
  • Encourage involvement in school activities, such as sports, clubs, or other interests. These can help build friendships and a stronger sense of belonging.
  • Establish consistent routines, including:
    • Getting a good night’s sleep
    • Finishing homework
    • Packing school bags the night before
    • Having breakfast and getting ready on time
    • Organising travel arrangements, such as walking with a friend

Let’s Work Together!

Remember—every day counts. If you have concerns about your child’s attendance, please reach out to their classroom teacher to discuss a plan moving forward. Together, we can work towards a positive, consistent school experience for your child.