Principal

'Every Day Counts'

During the week, I reviewed the average attendance data for all of our students, which currently stands at 89%. This means that on average, each boy has had 20 days off (that is, four school weeks). Of course, most boys have an impeccable record of attendance, but the average attendance declines with the significant number of students who have gone on leave, usually for longer vacation breaks with family. Family is very important, but I ask parents and carers to reflect on the indisputable link between overall academic achievement and attendance. I would like to share an article that I have recently read from Dr Justin Coulson.

There’s a relationship between how much your child attends school and their overall academic achievement. Regular school attendance is strongly correlated with academic success and chronic absenteeism, or prolonged periods of school absence, can have a negative impact on a child’s educational attainment.

There is also a relationship between attending school and social and emotional outcomes. On average, we see that regular interaction with peers and teachers fosters social skills, emotional intelligence, and a sense of belonging. Children who consistently miss school may experience feelings of isolation, struggle with forming positive relationships, and face challenges in developing essential life skills. School is often a place where students receive emotional support from educators and peers.

Additionally, completing education is often associated with better employment prospects, higher earning potential, and an improved overall quality of life. Children who miss substantial amounts of school may face difficulties transitioning to higher education or entering the workforce. This can limit their options and hinder their ability to pursue fulfilling and rewarding careers.

Based on research from around the country and the world, most Australian states have a mantra (and a marketing message) that every day counts. QLD Education, for example, states on their website that:

'Every Day Counts' is a state-wide initiative that aims to assist in improving student attendance at school through a shared commitment by students, parents, caregivers, schools, and the community.

Multiple days of absence from school, especially consecutive days, can be problematic for students. But a day here or there is less about impacting learning outcomes for kids and more about:

• Making life harder for teachers who have to continually repeat work and try to help students catch up on missed content.
   
• Helping students with consistency.
   
• Allowing parents to complete their responsibilities, which can often be completed only when kids are at school.

So, when the kids are asking for days off, what’s the best way forward? Understand Root Causes

If kids are pulling a “sickie”, understanding what’s really going on is vital. It’s obvious, but often we miss the mark on this. Sometimes kids choose not to tell us what’s really going on. This is where we get curious, not furious. 

Do they need your attention because things aren’t good at home? Do they need your attention because things aren’t good at school? Are they saying they’re “sick,” but they’re struggling with a teacher, a peer, or a bully? Are they complaining about school, and feel nervous about being at school at a sensitive time?

Pausing to really explore and understand is key.

Explore, Explain, Empower

When faced with the dilemma of kids wanting a day off, explore, explain, and empower. Discerning the underlying reasons, communicating a clear rationale for what you’re asking, and developing solutions together will usually be the best way forward. And if it’s something deeper (that could lead to school refusal), this process will generally help you discover that issue faster.

In doing these things we gain perspective, and we open a dialogue with our child that is more likely to lead to productive conversation and resolution.

National Survey of Parents of Students in Catholic Schools

The Catholic School Parents Australia (CSPA) 2024 Parent Survey on Student Wellbeing and Learning is seeking your perspective as parents/carers of children who attend a Catholic School in Australia.

You are invited to share your views on existing and emerging affirmations and/or challenges in relation to your child's/children’s wellbeing and learning. Please consider completing this anonymous, confidential, and completely voluntary online survey.

More information about the study, how to participate, and how to have questions answered, can be found here. Thank you for your interest.

Staff News

• In 2025, Ms Gillian Daley will be supported by two inaugural Heads of Identity, Matthew Herro (Senior School, First Nations) and Brittany Fogliani (Middle School, Sustainability), who is joining us from the current staff of St Dominic’s College, Penrith.
   
• Commencing in Term 4, two First Nations men will be joining our staff. Firstly, Kyle Wallace who will be joining us as a part-time Aboriginal Education Worker.  He is a proud Gomeroi, Anaiwan and Guamaynggirr man currently engaged in university study to become a teacher. In his words, “….I am passionately committed to growing a relationship with and supporting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander boys” at SPC. We have also been fortunate to secure the services of a new Learning Support Officer, Karl Newman, who was born in Wellington and currently supports teachers and students at a small central school. Both of these new appointments will serve our community well.
   
• It is with mixed emotions that I announce that our Instructional Coach (Literacy) in 2025 is Denise Lombardo. Mixed emotions because I am delighted to know that we will have an expert in the field of Literacy working with staff. Sadly, I will miss having such an expert, trusted colleague on the Leadership Team. We will commence recruitment for her leadership team position shortly.

Outstanding School Fees

Thank you to those families who have made, and continue to make, tuition fee payments. 

If you are overdue on any payments, please make payment of the overdue amount immediately or contact the College to arrange a payment plan.

A gentle reminder to Year 12 families: unless you have a formal payment plan in place with the College, all school fees must be settled immediately.  

Regrettably, the College precludes attendance at the Year 12 Graduation Dinner if any outstanding accounts have overdue balances without an agreed payment plan.  

It would be financially irresponsible for the College to allow families to attend this event without having settled their accounts. If you already made payment for graduation tickets and are unable to attend due to outstanding fees, we will refund the cost of the tickets. We would appreciate that those monies go towards the settlement of outstanding fees.

The College is committed to assisting families experiencing genuine financial hardship. If you require financial assistance, please email the Finance Department at fees@spc.nsw.edu.au to request a Concession Application.

Please do not hesitate to contact the College Finance Office or the Director of Business Services if you have any questions or concerns regarding your school fee account.

In Memoriam

We keep in our prayers Matthew Gibson (Year 12) and his family on the recent loss of his grandmother, Mary Gibson, who passed away in New Zealand last Friday. 

Dr Vittoria Lavorato

Principal

SPC boys can do anything! 

**except divide by zero