From the Deputy Principal

Every day we all make countless decisions. In fact, research suggests that on a daily basis people make on average 122 informed choices. Naturally, our goal is to make positive decisions that allow for a positive school climate where all students feel safe, supported and respected. Unfortunately, the decisions we make may have unintended consequences. We seek to work with the students, to encourage them to open their eyes to the consequences of their decisions and allow them to reflect and learn from their experience. 

I would like to take this opportunity to reinforce the following College expectations:

Attendance

• All students are expected to arrive at school and be ready for the day. Non-attendance or ongoing lateness to school significantly impacts students, both academically and socially.
• Please do not hesitate to contact your child’s Class Teacher in the Junior School or Homeroom Teacher in the Senior School if you have concerns about attendance issues. Senior students are expected to attend Homeroom at the beginning of the school day. We understand that on the odd occasion, your son or daughter may be late for school or need to leave early for an appointment. In these instances, please notify the College. 
• I would also like to reinforce the need for students to act appropriately when walking to and from the College, and when travelling on buses. It is expected that all students display exemplary behaviour.

Uniform

• Congratulations to the many students on their efforts in wearing the uniform in keeping with the College’s guidelines. As previously communicated for Year 3 to 12 students, the PE uniform may be worn to school on PE days, when required for a specific class (e.g., Outdoor Education) or when advised by the College. If a student does not have the full PE uniform, then the full formal uniform must be worn to and from school.  
• Hair should be off the face and tied back if it grows below the shoulder. Students may wear a watch and two pairs of small plain metallic studs (max 5mm) or small plain metallic sleeper earrings worn parallel in the earlobes (no pearls or stones). No other piercings are permitted.  
• Students who are unable to adhere to the guidelines will receive a uniform infringement and repeated infringements will result in a lunchtime Reflection. Please refer to the College Uniform Guidelines on our website for further details.

Mobile Phones and ICT Guidelines

• The widespread ownership of mobile phones and devices among young people requires that parents, carers, students and staff take steps to ensure that they are used age appropriately and successfully as a communication tool.
• Years 3–6: Mobile phones and devices are to be handed to the class teacher before the commencement of the school day and collected at the end of the school day. Before school, mobile phone and devices (including iPads) are not to be used once students are on school grounds. After school, mobile phones and devices are only to be used for communicating with parents and carers. 
• Years 7–10: Mobile phones and devices are to be switched off and placed securely in a student’s locker before Homeroom begins at 8.35am and are not to be accessed until 3.15pm (from bell to bell) unless purchasing items with their device at Murphy’s Café at recess or lunch time only. 
• Years 11–12: Mobile phones are a student’s responsibility during the school day. They must be switched off during lessons and when stored in lockers. Mobile phones may be used in the Common Room.
• Students must behave in an ethical manner when using digital devices to access resources, communicate and interact with others. At all times, online behaviour should demonstrate a respect for the dignity of each person. It is never acceptable to use school or personal devices to harass, bully or humiliate others. Please refer to the College’s Mobile Phone and Device Usage Guidelines and ICT Guidelines for further details including consequences for breaching the guidelines. 

In conclusion, I take this opportunity to remind parents and carers of the College’s Communication Flowchart if you need to speak to a staff member in relation to a pastoral or academic matter. 

The Communication Flowchart (pictured below or available on our website here) outlines the order in which staff should be contacted.

Caroline Wilson-Haffenden

Principal