From the Principal

Dear Parents and Carers, 

As you would already know, the Victorian Government announced the extension of restrictions in place for metropolitan Melbourne and these have been strengthened and extended until 11:59pm on Thursday 2 September.

This means remote and flexible learning will continue until and including Thursday 2 September. 

The college is well placed to continue delivering online learning and will communicate with parents regarding student attendance if required. I’m encouraging students to have their cameras on during classes, but I understand this may be challenging for some students. If cameras are not working, students may elect to use their phones to log into their google meet each lesson. 

Wellbeing

Over the next few weeks it will be important for everyone to check-in with family members' and their wellbeing. Over the past few years the school has been working with the Resilience Project Team on some simple messages to support students in developing basic coping mechanisms and reflecting on the important elements of their life right now! 

I would encourage parents & carers to visit the Resilience Project website, spend a few moments listening to Hugh as he discusses the importance of Mindfulness and strategies to support you and your family.  

While the Resilience Project is not for everyone, the key principles are important strategies for all of us to consider during lockdown to support our wellbeing and those of our families.   

The Resilience Project principles

Gratitude – Paying attention to the things that we have right now, and not worrying about what we don’t have. We practise this by noticing the positives that exist around us. 

Empathy – Putting ourselves in the shoes of others to feel and see what they do. We practice this through being kind and compassionate towards other people.

Mindfulness – Our ability to be calm and present at any given moment. We practice this through slowing down and concentrating on one thing at a time. This could be our breathing, completing a colouring sheet or noticing the noises we can hear. 

The next two weeks will be challenging for some, my message to parents and Carers is to support our young people as best we can. Try to maintain routines, create opportunities to get fresh air and exercise together. Reduce the amount of time in front of a screen, by playing cards or other fun (non electronic) games at the end of the day. 

Reach out to the college if you need support or guidance. Our wellbeing teams are available to support you and your families during this period. 

Tragic loss

Tragically, a Year 10 student from a local school, was struck and killed by a car over the weekend.

Our thoughts and prayers are with the family. I have communicated with the Principal and conveyed our condolences. 

If any of our young people would like support, please contact Lorrain East at eas@cheltsec.vic.edu.au

Parent Opinion Survey 

Some families were randomly selected to participate in the 2021 Parent/Caregiver/Guardian Opinion Survey (previously known as the Parent Opinion Survey). If you received an invite to complete the survey and have not yet completed could I please encourage you to do so. The results will be used to inform and direct our future school planning and improvement.

Please be assured that your responses are completely confidential. The survey is conducted anonymously, and it is important to us that you complete the survey as honestly as possible. 

VCE Students

The Department of Education and Training is very aware of the impact lockdowns are having on our VCE students particularly our current Year 12 students who have endured two years of their VCE being impacted by Lockdowns. 

We will communicate any further information as it is received. 

Please take care of yourselves and your families. 

Kind regards

Karl Russell