Armidale Secondary College Newsletter

Connections and Wellbeing

R U OK DAY

R U OK? is a national charity which encourages everyone to develop connections with those around us and to support anyone struggling with life. Looking out for one another and lending support are key life skills for all age groups. This year, R U OK? Day is 10 September. 

 

At ASC we are committed in providing a safe and healthy environment for every student every day. We urge anyone needing help to speak to someone they trust at school, which may include:

  • classroom teacher
  • Year Advisor
  • Head of Wellbeing
  • Teachers' Aide/School Support Officer
  • Aboriginal Educational Learning & Engagement Centre
  • School Counsellor
  • Youth Outreach Worker
  • School Chaplain.

We are here to listen and support. For more information,  visit the student wellbeing section on our ASC website. 

 

Anna Cooper

Student Support Officer/Youth Outreach Worker

Attendance 

The Education Act (1990) states that children must attend school unless there are justified reasons for an absence. All absences must be explained to the school within seven days of their occurrence. 

  • Why must I send my child to school? 
NSW law states that all children 6-17 years old are required to attend school regularly. It is the responsibility of parents or caregivers to make sure that their children attend school every day.
  • Must I send my child to school every day?
YES unless…… 
1. your child is too sick to go to school, has an infectious illness (e.g. chicken pox, mumps, or measles), or is waiting for a Covid-19 test result (specific advice about Covid-19 is provided on the Department of Education website);
2. your child has been injured;
3. there is a serious family situation which requires their involvement, including religious ceremonies.
  • Must my child attend school sport?
YES, sport and other exercise help the healthy physical development of children. Sport is part of normal school activity which students must attend. At ASC we take great care to design a rich sport programme while keeping in mind the current Covid-19 requirements. Not attending sport will affect your child’s attendance report. 
  • Can I pick my child up early from school?
Every minute at school makes a difference to your child’s educational success. Therefore, please avoid picking your child up early from school. We encourage you to try to make appointments with people like dentists or doctors before or after school.
  • What should I do if my child has to stay away from school? 
It is important to let the school know when your child will be away and why your child was absent. A written note/ email/SMS addressed to the school which explains the child’s absence should be provided by a parent/carer with seven (7) days of the absence occurring.

Susan Hoddinott

 Deputy Principal (Stage 6) 

Inclusive education

The NSW Department of Education has released an Inclusive Education Statement for Students with Disability. 

 

This is the next step in the Department’s Disability Strategy commitment to improve learning and wellbeing for students with disability in every public school. The Disability Strategy was released in February 2019, and sets out the Department’s plan for providing children and young people with disability, their families and the broader community with an education system that meets their needs.

 

The statement is about strengthening inclusive education for all students with disability in mainstream schools and their support classes, and schools for specific purposes.

 

Inclusive education

Inclusive education means all students can access and fully participate in learning, supported by reasonable adjustments and teaching strategies tailored to meet their individual needs.  Inclusion should be embedded in all aspects of school life, and is supported by culture, policies and everyday practices. 

 

Have Your Say

 

The Department will listen and work with students, parents and educators over 2020 on what support is needed to strengthen inclusion of students with disability. This feedback will inform an Inclusive Education Policy and practice resources.

 

If you would like to find out more about this work or give feedback please email the team in the Department of Education working on this. They can be contacted on  disability.strategy@det.nsw.edu.au.  

Carolyn Lasker

Principal

SRE classes resume

Students have now returned to regular SRE clasess after the long pause during Term 2 because of Covid-19 restrictions.

 

This term students in Year 7-8 SRE have been exploring three key questions: Why is the news about Jesus good news? Who is the good news of Jesus for? How have people responded to the good news of Jesus?

 

In Years 9-10 students are exploring whether Christianity is good news or good advice. There have been some fruitful discussions around suffering in the world and whether Jesus’ mission was a failure.

 

The Years 11-12 SRE seminar for Term 3 considered the question: Why do I like Jesus but struggle with Christians? Students recognised people’s failure attempting to follow Jesus, and the grace of forgiveness on offer. This was Year 12’s final SRE lesson, and so I’d like to thank those Year 12 students for continuing to question and explore the Christian faith throughout 13 years of schooling. 

 

All the best for your HSC and beyond!

Matt Mulready

SRE Teacher