Head of Students News

Behaviour On Buses

In recent weeks, the College has received notification of a small number of behavioural concerns that have occurred whilst students are on buses. This has included incidents of students being out of their seats, failure to utilise the set belts provided, inappropriate use of mobile devices and verbal and/or physical altercations. The College has worked with respective bus companies, students and parents in addressing these instances, and in most cases, this has involved school-imposed sanctions. In some instances, the College and bus companies have suspended a student’s access to buses, resulting in their family having to find alternate transport to and from school. 

Whilst understandable that students are looking to relax and socialise after a day at school, this does not mean College expectations cease to exist as the bus pulls away from the school. Student behaviour and personal presentation are expected to always be of the highest standard, and any conduct in breach of the student code of conduct will place a student’s ability to access school buses at risk.

Parents are asked to speak with their sons about this as a proactive reminder to always conduct themselves in an appropriate manner when on public transport.

Year 8 Kokoda Challenge Pastoral Days

The Year 8 pastoral days scheduled for this Thursday 13 March (Ridley, Ephrem, Foley, Gilroy) and Friday 14 March (Harold, Ignatius, Rush, Slattery) have been postponed on account of recent weather events. The College is investigating alternative dates and will communicate these.

AIC Swimming Championships

On account of the recent weather events, the AIC elected to postpone the AIC swimming championships to Friday 21 March. As always, the College is eager to support our swimmers and will assess our ability to send along students and staff to support. Further communication will be provided closer to the day.

Use of College Devices – Appropriate Use

With each student at the College issued a device to use in their studies, students are regularly reminded about appropriate use, and that the College has a monitoring system that monitors their use during school hours.

Parents are asked to remind students of this fact, as well as remind them that the College device should be reserved for school-related use only, and this includes at home and outside school hours.

Respectful Language – A School TV Special Report

In today’s world, it is common to hear socially offensive language on the streets, on social media channels, on streaming services and in some forms of modern music. While swearing is becoming more common and less taboo, the use of derogatory language or the act of swearing at someone, or about someone, is a form of verbal violence. It transgresses the usual rules of social interaction by impinging on an individual’s self-image and sense of dignity.

It is becoming apparent that some young people are being influenced by the language they hear. Proliferating the use of swear words can sometimes normalise, glamorise and desensitise their impact for students who may misunderstand the true meaning of some derogatory terms. Whilst some students may use swearing or derogatory terms as a misguided attempt at belonging, others may use it simply because they are still learning how to moderate their language and are not accustomed to making adjustments to suit different situations.

Although many schools enforce a zero-tolerance policy when it comes to swearing and derogatory language, parents need to also play an important part in enforcing this approach. Parents and carers can be proactive in monitoring what their children are viewing or being exposed to. Discussing the use of words or the origin of some derogatory terms and gaining insight into the reason behind their child’s use of such language can help prevent inappropriate or disrespectful language from filtering into the classroom or the schoolyard, which in turn helps to build more tolerant, safe and connected communities.

This Special Report offers a number of guidelines to help manage a suitable approach when discussing the importance of respectful language. We hope you take time to reflect on the information offered in this Special Report, and as always, we welcome your feedback.

If you do have any concerns about the wellbeing of your child, please contact the school for further information or seek medical or professional help.

Here is the link to your special report:

https://marash.qld.schooltv.me/wellbeing_news/special-report-respectful-language