IT'S UP TO US

With the current spotlight on the rise in youth crime across the country and the ongoing concern about the impact of violence, particularly domestic violence, it's crucial for us to reflect on how we reached this point and what actions we can take to ensure everyone's safety, both in the short and long term. In my view, it all begins with our youngest community members: our children. It's a collective responsibility for families, schools like ours, sports organizations, and other extracurricular groups where young people gather.

We need to set realistic expectations, provide positive role models, and consistently enforce rules in a supportive environment. At Sandringham College, we closely engage with our students from Year 7 to 12 through our SWPB framework, which outlines expectations, rewards, and consequences. We strongly condemn unkind behaviour and will not tolerate physical violence or verbal abuse. Additionally, fostering an environment where students show respect to their teachers, including “substitutes”  (Casual Relief Teachers), and where teachers reciprocate that respect towards students is paramount. 

Addressing physical altercations can be challenging, especially when both parties feel provoked. Some parents may argue that their child had no choice but to respond physically. In such situations, deciding on the appropriate course of action is tough. However, we strive to teach our young people to consider alternative solutions. Learning at a young age how to recognise the signs that a situation may be escalating and how to defuse this before it results in a confrontation is an important skill to carry into adult hood.

Consistently enforcing a zero-tolerance policy against physical (or verbal) abuse sends a clear message to all young people that such behaviour is unacceptable. It's evident that we must unite and instil these values from an early age, especially considering the pressures young people face in today's social media-driven world. It is imperative that we work together for the future of the next generation's leaders – our children. By fostering environments of respect, responsibility, and resilience within families, schools, and communities, we can empower our youth to make positive choices and contribute to a safer society. We thank you for your support regarding this important topic.  

OPEN NIGHT 

Once again, we had a hugely successful Open Night on Thursday April 15th. This was a time where potential future students and their families can come through the College at the Bluff Rd campus and experience first hand some of the exciting teaching and programs offered by the College. The tours are all student led and each Subject Domain is supported by teachers and students who give up their time to speak to many parents as they walk around with our student led tours. More than 1200 people attended, over two sessions. Thank you to all of those who gave up their time to make this event such a success.   

NAPLAN RESULTS 

NAPLAN 2024 results will soon be available for students in years 7 and 9 and their parents. As soon as they arrive, we will be posting them home for you to review with your young person. For us at your College, NAPLAN plays a vital role in assessing and monitoring student progress, informing teaching practices, and helping drive continuous improvement. While it is just one aspect of the education system, NAPLAN also contributes to the ongoing efforts to improve educational quality and outcomes for all of our students. We look forward to sharing this with you in the near future. 

Our school has been chosen to participate in a trial for the 2025 NAPLAN assessments. This means that one class from both Year 7 and Year 9 will be selected to take two NAPLAN tests on May 23 and 24, under the supervision of the governing body ACARA. We believe in the importance of this process to ensure that future NAPLAN questions are carefully reviewed to provide the best possible information for students nationwide. Thank you for your support as we contribute to this important endeavour. 

ANZAC 

On Monday 22 April, it was fantastic for us to have for the first time a college wide ANZAC Day ceremony. In our fabulous new sport stadium, all students from years 7 to 12 were together to mark this important occasion together. The assembly was student lead by our captains and was supported by our school band and students who are Airforce cadets. It was a very moving assembly and one that celebrated the spirit of the ANZACs with respect. We look forward to more opportunities to celebrate assemblies together a s a college into the future.  

SUCCESS! 

We have had many incredible successes with our 7 to 9 students on the sporting tracks, courts, on the stage, in the classroom and in the pool so far this term. A special congratulations to our divers Evie, Harry and Harry who, with very little experience, gained   through to the States, with Harry H finishing with a Bronze medal in the recent diving competition. Please refer to the Sport tab in this newsletter for more details of Sport achievements.  

Our Kids Lit Quiz team of Kaia, Lily, Fiona, Lila, Remy and Sidh have all been practicing hard in preparation for this prestigious competition which occurred on Friday April 26th at the State Library. We are so proud of this team who were the only State School represented and fended off their fellow private schools across the state to come out winners. They now move to the National Finals where Lily, Fiona, Lila and Kaia will head to Sydney to represent not just our college but also the State. Well done team! 

Also, congratulations to our Dance Academy students who competed in the Regional Competition on Sunday April 28th . We had 6 performances and are thrilled to announce that all 6 went through to the State Finals to be held on June 2nd. Thank you to Kristina Hardner and the Dance Academy teachers for all their hard work with our students and the parents for their ongoing support. 

Just a reminder that we are now in full Winter Uniform. We firmly believe that if an organisation has a uniform, that it should be worn correctly, and we thank parents for their ongoing support with this. Just a reminder that black runners are not part of the uniform. Please refer to Amy Porter’s compass post regarding this. Any student who feels the cold can wear the school jumper and blazer together, as well as any white long-sleeved undergarment under their shirt if necessary. Anyone unable to purchase an article of clothing for the uniform, please contact your Year Level Leader or our wellbeing team for assistance.  

In the absence of Ned Vasey, James Kerr is Acting Head of Sub School at the Bluff Road campus, and we thank James for the incredible work he has been doing leading the Year Level Leader Team. If you have any questions or concerns, please don’t hesitate to call or email your Year Level Leader or James for help or support. They may also  include our wellbeing team into the conversation, if necessary. 

Vivienne McElwee

Campus Principal