From the Principal 

Firstly, I wanted to take the opportunity to welcome students and staff back for the start of Term 3. I hope everyone is well rested and ready for yet another busy term. 

If you have not already done so, please purchase your tickets for the school musical – Grease, via this link.  Students and staff have been working extremely hard in their preparation for opening night on Wednesday 3rd August. 

Expectations of students

Towards the end of Term 2, staff were reporting an increase in disruptive student behaviour within the classroom. 

Some of these behaviours are just immature or thoughtless including:

• deliberate lateness to school and classes
• inappropriate use of phones or not following the mobile phone policy 
• making silly noises
• inappropriate language
• unpleasant remarks to peers and teachers
• talking while the teacher or others are talking, and
• not following teacher instructions.

These behaviours are having a real impact in the classroom and on students, including: 

• disrupting the beginning of the lesson
• distracting other students and the teacher
• making it difficult for other students to engage in their learning, and
• reducing the opportunities for students to receive support. 

Encourage students to take ownership of their learning

During Term 3, we will be expecting all students to take meaningful steps to engage and take ownership of their learning. 

In fact, in classes where students report low levels of poor behaviour, they are actively engaged in their learning, students;

• feel more responsible for coming to class, and to come prepared
• paying more attention in class
• expecting their peer to be more respectful 
• feel more responsible for their peers' learning
• increased sense of responsibility for their own progress. 

Disruptive behaviour, regardless of the student’s intent, is inappropriate and unnecessary within the classroom. 

If you are contacted by a coordinator regarding inappropriate behaviour, I ask you to support your child and the college to ensure every student is able to engage positively in their learning without unnecessary disruption. 

NO student has the right to be disrespectful or disrupt the learning of others.  This is an important message as we take steps to introduce our Statement of Respect, of which some of the feedback from parents can be seen below.  We thank those parents and guardians who read and gave feedback on this important document. 

RESULTS SUMMARY:

Statement 1 - Each person has a right to be accepted and treated with respect and courtesy.

• 100% of parents who responded to the survey Agreed or Strongly Agreed with the above statement.

Statement 2 - Each person has the right to learn; and to develop interests, abilities, and ambitions in a secure and supportive environment.

• 100% of parents who responded to the survey Agreed or Strongly Agreed with the above statement.

Statement 3 - Each person has the right to feel and be safe.

• 100% of parents who responded to the survey Agreed or Strongly Agreed with the above statement.

Statement 4 - Each person has the right to equal opportunity.

• 100% of parents who responded to the survey Agreed or Strongly Agreed with the above statement.

Statement 5 - Each person has the right to have all personal or community property cared for.

• 100% of parents who responded to the survey Agreed or Strongly Agreed with the above statement.

Statement 6 - Each person has the right to participate in the life of the college including relevant decision-making processes.

• 99% of parents who responded to the survey Agreed or Strongly Agreed with the above statement.

Statement 7 - Each person has the right to achieve their best.

• 100% of parents who responded to the survey Agreed or Strongly Agreed with the above statement.

Statement 8 - Each person has the right to experience success; to receive praise for achievement.

• 100% of parents who responded to the survey Agreed or Strongly Agreed with the above statement.

Statement 9 - Each person has the right to a clean, tidy, and attractive college.

• 100% of parents who responded to the survey Agreed or Strongly Agreed with the above statement.

Child Safe Standards

The Victorian Government has announced new Child Safe Standards to further strengthen child safety across organisations, including schools. The new standards recognise the critical importance of families and the broader school community in maintaining and promoting child safety and wellbeing. 

We have reviewed and updated our child safety policies and procedures to ensure they meet the requirements of the new standards. These are available to view on our website.

We are committed to continuous improvement in our approach to child safety and wellbeing and welcome feedback from families and members of our school community on ways we can further strengthen our child safety policies, procedures and practices. 

If you have any suggestions, comments or questions, please contact Brooke Matthews, Assistant Principal. 

Karl Russell

Principal