Assistant Principal -

Wellbeing

From the Assistant Principal’s Desk: Preparedness, Presence, and Pride

Dear Parents, Carers, and Members of our College Community,

As we move into the second term of the school year, I would like to take this opportunity to reflect on three simple yet powerful principles that underpin student success: presence, preparedness, and pride. These principles are not just about rules or expectations – they are about building the foundations for lifelong learning and shaping young people who are confident, capable, and compassionate.

Attendance Matters

One of the most important contributors to a student’s academic success is their presence at school. Every lesson counts. Every conversation, every task, and every shared experience in the classroom helps students grow intellectually, socially, and emotionally. Regular attendance builds habits that carry into adult life – commitment, routine, and resilience. The data is clear: students who attend school consistently are far more likely to achieve successful outcomes both in their studies and beyond.

The Impact of Missing One Day a Week A graphic showing the cumulative effect of poor attendance:

• 1 day absent each week = 40 days missed per year
• That’s 8 weeks of learning lost annually
• By the end of Year 10, that’s over a full year of schooling missed

This visual serves as a stark reminder: even occasional absences add up quickly. Consistent attendance truly matters. 

On Tuesday Mr Gibney and myself met with our Year 12 cohort to emphasise the importance of getting to school on time, being marked present in PAC as this is reflected in their attendance rate. We have also made it known that those students who consistently sign in late will not be able to sign out for any study periods at the end of the day as of May 7. Research shows that one of the most impactful ways to improve academic performance is to be at school.

Prepared to Learn

True learning happens when students come ready for the day. This means more than just showing up – it’s about being mentally and physically prepared. Having the right equipment, a charged device, and an open and curious mindset allows students to engage fully in their learning. Punctuality also plays a vital role. Arriving on time respects the learning environment, sets the tone for the day, and ensures that students don’t miss out on key learning moments. Students are expected to be ready to enter classrooms by the second bell after each break, and they should be ready to learn.

Pride in Our Community

Finally, I want to acknowledge the importance of how we present ourselves – both on campus and in the broader community. Our college uniform is more than just a set of clothes; it’s a symbol of our shared values, identity, and commitment to excellence. When students wear the uniform with pride, they show respect for themselves, for each other, and for the legacy of our college. Whether walking through the gates or walking through town, our students are ambassadors for our school – and we are proud of the way they represent us. All families would have received a letter from Mr Gibney addressing some of the concerns we have around the way our students are currently presenting themselves on a daily basis.

We began this term with a valuable Professional Learning Day where our dedicated staff participated in Day 3 of the Berry Street Education Model training. This session focused on building student stamina and fostering engagement in learning. The professional development of our teachers ensures that we are continually enhancing the ways we support and inspire students in every classroom.

We also gathered as a college community to honour the ANZACs in our annual ceremony. This solemn occasion provided a meaningful moment of reflection, and I was deeply moved by the reverence shown by our students. Their respectful participation demonstrated a deep understanding of the significance of remembrance and our shared history.

And as I write this article, we are waving off our Year 7 students as they depart for camp. There’s always a buzz of excitement and a few nervous faces, but we know these experiences are incredibly valuable. Camps are moments where friendships are strengthened, confidence is built, and memories are made – and we look forward to hearing their stories when they return. I would like to thank those staff members who willingly leave the comforts of their own home and families to ensure these memories are made. Mrs Amanda McFarland has worked tirelessly to ensure the activities are challenging, that we have the right teachers going, that all communication to families and the camp administrators has happened. She has been well supported by Mrs Carleigh Eastlake, Mrs Felicity Magann, Miss Kara Spicer, Mr Luke Andrews, Mr Steffan Fastier and Mr Bruce Myers.

In partnership with you, we aim to support every student to thrive in a safe, respectful, and engaging environment. Thank you for continuing to reinforce these values at home. Let’s keep encouraging our young people to be present, prepared, and proud.

With every blessing,

Mellissa Bell

Assistant Principal Wellbeing