STRONG MINDS, 

GENTLE HEARTS

Thank you to all parents and carers for assisting your sons to start the year in such a positive manner. At this time in Term 1 we have a particular focus on grooming and wearing the uniform correctly (see page 11 in the student diary for further information). This includes using the correct college bags. So far, most boys have been excellent in this regard. Many thanks to you, parents and carers, for your efforts in preparing your sons for the commencement of the year. As we are at the halfway mark of the term, please ensure that your sons' hair meets college requirements which are clearly articulated on page 11 of the student diary. 

Using the student diary and homework 

Using the diary is an important way your sons can stay on top of the demands of their studies. They are asked to write into their diaries subjects for each day and record homework beside each. If no homework is set, boys are expected to write down what revision or other study they plan to do instead. Recommended minimum homework times are on page 13 of the student diary. Homeroom teachers regularly check students' progress in this area. 

There is nothing that can replace parents and carers' encouragement around homework. I recommend a regular talk with your sons about homework, study and assignments. Please look at the diary and expect to see homework written for each subject. If nothing is written, please challenge your sons about what they are doing and expect that they will spend the recommended minimum time doing homework and study. Below is an example of what you should see when checking diaries.

Thank you for continuing to adhere to the following requests in relation to the stop-drop- go zone which makes dropping off and picking up your sons safer. 

• Continually moving forward in the zone – including during morning drop-offs. 
• Picking up your sons 10-15 minutes after the bell. 
• Picking up your sons from Barlow Park. 
• Not entering the bus zone. 
• Keeping the signed area between the bus zone and stop-drop-go zone clear. 
• When the zone is full, take the looping option of right into Draper, Spence, Severin and Scott streets. 

Note that the zone is closed on Wednesdays until 2:40pm to allow most school sport buses to return our students and staff safely to the College.