West Campus News
Student Leadership in Houses
After the positive work completed by staff and students in electing and appointing our 2019 College Captains and Executive we now turn to the process of choosing our House Captains. Numerous students delivered speeches in the Tuesday House Assemblies this week and will be interviewed with a panel organised by the House Leader. The recommendations go to the Principal, Mr Black for endorsement and then all successful 2019 House Captains will be announced at the final House Assembly, period 5 on Thursday, 20 September, the last day of Term 3.
Parents and students are reminded that all the newly appointed student leaders will need to hand their blazer in before the end of Term 3 to ensure that they can be sent away for their new pockets to be sewn on. As Friday, 21 September is a Student Free Day, it would be important that all students in the running for the positions have their blazers dry cleaned and ready to hand to the staff in Student Reception.
SIS Chess
A team of 14 students travelled to Flinders College to compete in the annual SIS Chess Competition. Students competed in 7 games overall and with some outstanding efforts from the whole team, St Peter's finished in a clear 1st position! Notable mentions go to Darcy Paulka, Anthony Ouch and Finlay Moore who all finished undefeated on 7 wins from 7 games.
Placings from the 14 school competition from within the SIS were;
McGuigan Shield House Competition
Augustine House began the Hungry Hippo Competition this week and next week will be the final house competition of the 2018 season with Marian running a Beep Test to find the fittest house on West Campus. Staff and students will certainly get a laugh with the Hungry Hippo named after the well known child’s game but an important reminder of St Augustine of Hippo…not that he was a known participant in this game. It is also good to see a new innovation from the Marian House Forum although I know there will be great sadness in some quarters to see the demise of the famous Marian spelling bee.
For Avila House to lose the competition, they would have to finish last in these remaining two house run competitions and the Term 3 Environment Competition.
RUOK? Day
This week, students have been preparing for RUOK? Day on Thursday, 13 September. VCAL students have worked with their teachers and Student Wellbeing to ensure there are a number of activities to raise students consciousness and encourage them to care for one another.
Students have been making paper chains with positive messages on them in Tutor Group in the hope of producing a work of art by Thursday. There will be food and activities at lunchtime to lift the tone of the Campus and create an atmosphere of positivity.
One of our VCAL students, Brooke Rackham, has put together a video for all our students to look at in Tutor Group. Please view it here.
As noted in last week’s newsletter, we have a presentation from Jake Edwards focussing on education and support in relation to daily challenges particularly in relation to mental health and wellbeing. Being an ex-Carlton footballer, no one doubts that Jake has had to develop some resilience. I share his pain. Information about Jake Edwards and Outside the Locker Room program can be found at this link:
We will finish the day with a colour run around the soccer pitch, hardcourts and oval for about 20 minutes. This is a bit of fun and involves students being doused with coloured powder (that is non-toxic and does easily wash out of clothing). Students are all invited to run, however, they do not have to participate in getting coloured powder over them if they do not wish.
All students are to wear Sports Uniform on this day and if they wish to be covered in coloured powder, they should bring a white shirt to wear on the colour run.
But in all the fun and activities, I would remind us all to simply remember to ask one another if someone is OK? Listen carefully to what is said…and not said. And then refer on to a responsible adult if you are concerned about someone’s health and wellbeing.
Footy Colours Day
At the West Campus, the VCAL students are not only eager to creatively contribute to RUOK? Day but they have set about revitalising Footy Colours Day for the second year in a row. They are referring to it as Active Day and highlighting once again the benefits of physical activity for mental health and wellbeing. This links in well with our Positive Education pillar of striving for Positive Health (PERMAH).
Mr David Hansen
Deputy Principal - West Campus