Wellbeing 

WELCOME TO TERM 2

Welcome back to Term 2. I do hope that during the break, which seems a little while away now, you were all able to find some time to rest, relax and catch up with friends and family, whilst also reflecting on the significance of Easter. I am very pleased to say that Term 2 has commenced well with a feeling of calmness and extreme positivity amongst the student cohort. We are very hopeful that this dynamic will continue in the coming weeks as the expectations around school work and study continue to build as the year progresses as does the sense of connection

COVID: Update

Just a reminder of some changes to COVIDSafe measures for schools that will apply from the start of Term 2. 

As we approach winter and flu season, the vaccination of children and booster shots for students 16+ remains the best way to ensure protection for students and staff. If you have any concerns about getting your child vaccinated, please get in contact with your GP or another health professional who can answer your questions.

Thank you for your ongoing support in keeping our school safe.

Please go the the iNFORMATION page for full details.

Parents’ Association

It was fantastic once again to see well over 20 people attend this month’s Parents’ Association meeting on Monday of this week.  Key Agenda items discussed included:

• Principal’s Report 
• COVID Update 
• Re-visioning Wellbeing
• Year 7 Vaccinations
• Child Safety Presentations
• Year 9 Synergy ‘Barak’ Presentation Evening
• National Day of Action Against Bullying & Violence
• House Athletics Carnival
• Year 11 & 12 Reflection Days
• Themes/focuses for the year
• Webinars for Parents
• Cyber Safety – Susan McLean
• Drugs & Alcohol – Paul Dillon
• Year 7 & 8 Parent Meet & Greet
• Mother’s Day Mass and
• Fame Rehearsals and Fundraiser

Meet your year level Parent Representatives. This year the Parents’ Association would like to trial the idea of having a parent representative for each year level. The year level representative will act as a point of contact for other parents to suggest ideas and to promote events that take place throughout the year. 

We have created a special introduction page further in this newsletter: Meet Your Rep. Please read, and feel free to contact them as needed. Thank you to the parents for volunteering for this role. 

The next Parents’ Association Meeting will be taking place on Monday 23 May at 7:00pm. Finally, we will be able to meet onsite. If you are not part of the current email distribution list and would like to be added so you can be reminded of future meetings, please email me directly at Sam.DiCamillo@academy.vic.edu.au

Uniform: Piercings

While most of the students follow the required protocols and only have one earring in each ear lobe of their ear, a few students have been presenting at school with multiple earrings in each ear as well as nose piercings. Students are generally given an initial opportunity to remove extra earrings or a nose piercing without too much fuss, but in recent times a few students have indicated that these piercings are ‘fresh’ and therefore cannot be removed for 4 – 6 weeks as there is a risk of infection and the hole closing over. 

The school policy around earrings and piercings is clearly articulated in many places, including the Student Planners. Students also sign a Statement of Acknowledgement each year. We ask for parental support in this matter as we would definitely prefer not to send students home until extra earrings or piercings are removed.

Changeover: Winter uniform

A reminder to parents/guardians of the uniform requirements for Term 2.  Due to the variable weather conditions, students have been able to either the summer or winter uniform in the first TWO weeks of Term 2. However, the winter uniform is compulsory for all students from now, Monday 9 May. Navy tights have now been part of the winter uniform for those students wearing a skirt for the last 12 months. Students do have the option of wearing navy pants instead. We ask that all students be respectful of the College expectations around this and wear their uniform correctly but also with pride. 

As always, please remember never hesitate to be in touch should you have any queries or concerns.

Mr Sam Di Camillo

Deputy Principal, Wellbeing & Operations