From the Head of Character and Culture

Senior School update

As we move steadily through the term, it is remarkable to think that we are nearing the midpoint of Term 1. Across the Senior School, students are beginning to prepare for their first formal assessments. This is a significant moment in the academic calendar, particularly for our Year 7 students as they experience Senior School expectations for the first time.

For many Year 7 students, assessments can feel unfamiliar and, at times, overwhelming. However, they also provide an important opportunity for students to demonstrate their learning and reflect on their growth. Establishing strong habits early is key. I encourage our Year 7 students to make consistent use of their school diary — recording assessment dates, breaking revision into manageable sections, and planning ahead. Thoughtful organisation reduces stress and builds confidence.

Across all year levels, students are reminded of several important strategies as assessments approach:

Seek support early. Teachers are always willing to clarify content or provide guidance. Proactive communication is a sign of maturity and engagement.
Prioritise wellbeing. Adequate sleep, regular physical activity and downtime are essential components of effective learning.
Adopt a growth mindset. Assessments should be viewed as part of the learning process — an opportunity to improve, refine skills and build resilience.
Set meaningful goals. Whether focused on improving a study habit, refining time management or strengthening subject-specific skills, clear and achievable goals help maintain motivation and direction.

Shortly, families will receive their child’s Effort and Dedication Report via Astra. These reports provide valuable insight into students’ approach to learning, including their organisation, participation and commitment in class. Recognising effort is just as important as celebrating achievement. The reports are designed to reinforce a culture of perseverance and encourage students to take ownership of their progress.

Mobile Device Expectations

To maintain a focused learning environment, we remind families of the School’s Mobile and Electronic Personal Devices expectations (click here to see the Policy).

Years 7–11

Mobile devices must not be accessed between 8.30 am and 3.30 pm, including during assemblies, ceremonies, class time, between classes, recess and lunchtime.
Student laptops may be used during class time only.
Mobile phones must be switched off or set to silent and secured in lockers or allocated storage.
A mobile device may only be used in a lesson when required for learning support and under direct staff supervision.

Year 12

Mobile devices must not be accessed during assemblies, ceremonies, class time or between classes.
Devices must remain switched off or on silent throughout the school day.
Year 12 students may keep their phones on their person if secure storage is unavailable.
Access to mobile devices is permitted during recess and lunchtime.

Consistency in these expectations ensures minimal disruption to learning and supports a positive school culture.

Late Arrivals and Reception Process

Thank you to families for your ongoing support as students continue to adjust to the Senior School bell schedule, including the introduction of Warning Bells and Travel Time. These changes are designed to protect learning time and create clear, consistent routines.

We appreciate feedback regarding late arrivals due to traffic or other family-managed circumstances. To ensure students are marked correctly:

Students arriving late must report to Reception before attending class.
If lateness is due to traffic, appointments or other family-related reasons, students should provide either:
a written note, or
a brief verbal explanation to Reception staff.
Students delayed due to public transport should also notify Reception staff upon arrival.

Reception will issue a Late Pass so the student’s attendance is recorded accurately and not processed as an infringement. This process supports fairness while maintaining clear expectations around punctuality.

Uniform and Presentation Reminders

We also take this opportunity to reinforce key uniform and presentation expectations:

Hair

No hair dye is permitted.
Hair that touches the bottom of the shirt or dress collar must be fully tied back, secured behind the ears and off the face.
Only plain burgundy or navy hair accessories (e.g. ribbons, ties or narrow headbands) may be worn.
Students must be clean shaven, without visible facial hair (unless a religious exemption applies).

Jewellery

A maximum of one small, plain stud or hoop earring (gold, silver, pearl or gem — not novelty) may be worn in each earlobe.
Hoops must not exceed 10mm in diameter.
No upper ear piercings.
No facial or other visible piercings.
A wristwatch is the only additional permitted jewellery item.

Maintaining high standards of personal presentation reflects our shared commitment to pride in self and pride in community.

Thank you for your continued partnership as we support our students to develop independence, responsibility and a strong sense of belonging within the Senior School.

Mr Marcus Smalley

Head of Character and Culture