Welcome to Term 2 

Dear Students, Families, Staff and Community Members,

I would like to take this opportunity to welcome you to Term 2. It has been wonderful to see students return with renewed energy and enthusiasm for learning. Across the College, classrooms continue to be active and engaging spaces where students are participating in applied learning programs, developing practical skills, and building confidence in their educational journey.

At OakTree College, we remain deeply committed to creating a supportive and inclusive environment where every student feels safe, valued, heard and seen. Our college community is built on the belief that every young person deserves access to meaningful educational opportunities, regardless of their background or previous experiences. As outlined in our school philosophy and commitment to child safety, we continue to prioritise student wellbeing, cultural safety and positive relationships across all aspects of school life.

This term, our partnerships with Foundation House (through the UCAN2 Program) and Centre for Multicultural Youth (through the Reconnect Program) continue to strengthen the support available to our students.

The UCAN2 Program supports young people from refugee and migrant backgrounds by helping them build confidence, strengthen social connections, develop work-readiness skills, and engage in education, training and employment pathways. Through this partnership, our students have been participating in workshops focused on CV writing, cover letters, workplace readiness and career planning. The program also provides wellbeing support and opportunities for students to build networks and connections within the wider community.

Our partnership with the Centre for Multicultural Youth’s Reconnect Program continues to provide valuable support for students who may be at risk of disengagement from education. Through individual mentoring, career coaching, wellbeing support and referral pathways, our students are receiving tailored assistance to strengthen their engagement in school, explore employment and training opportunities, and build positive futures.

Additionally, the College continues to benefit from its collaboration with the Refugee Education Support Program (RESP) which has been instrumental in strengthening staff capacity and professional practice. Through this partnership, staff are engaging in ongoing professional learning focused on trauma-informed practice, culturally responsive teaching, student wellbeing, emotional regulation, positive behaviour support and strategies for working effectively with young people from complex and trauma-affected backgrounds.

The collaboration is providing staff with valuable opportunities for reflective practice, coaching and skill development, further strengthening our ability to respond to students with empathy, consistency and understanding. As a result, our staff are better equipped to build positive relationships, support student engagement and

create safe and inclusive learning environments where students feel supported both academically and emotionally.

We also continue to place strong importance on parent and family engagement. Student Support Group (SSG) meetings are ongoing throughout the term, providing valuable opportunities for families, students and staff to work collaboratively to support student learning, wellbeing and attendance. We appreciate the ongoing support of parents and carers and encourage continued communication and partnership with the College.