Assistant Principal Students
Mrs Jayarani Salerno, Assistant Principal Students
As we settle into Term 3, it has been wonderful to see so many students embracing the wide range of opportunities on offer at St Stephen's while continuing to engage positively in their learning. Our staff have once again gone above and beyond to provide valuable experiences for students, and we thank them for their ongoing commitment.
This term has already been a busy one, with students participating in the Calanna Public Speaking Competition, Year 7 Camp at TEEC, District Track and Field, Fowler's Cup Netball, the Allan Rockley Inter-school Touch Football Competition, Rugby League 9s and the Year 9 Camp at Echo Creek Adventure Centre. It is always pleasing to see students stepping outside their comfort zones, developing new skills and representing the College with pride.
It has also been fantastic to see the strong uptake of the new St Stephen's jacket. As a student-driven initiative, it has been well received, and students look very smart wearing this additional uniform option.
Our Student Agency Team continues to play an active role in shaping aspects of College life. Currently, students are gathering feedback from their peers about stationery lists and identifying best-practice approaches to organisation and learning. At a recent Student Agency Team meeting, our College Captains shared examples of how they organise and store their books, prompting valuable discussion among students. The team is also seeking feedback on potential laptop bag options. It is encouraging to see students having a genuine voice in decision-making processes, and we appreciate the thoughtful feedback being provided.
Planning for the implementation of Vertical Pastoral Care in 2027 is also progressing well. This term, the Middle Leader Pastoral team visited St Andrew's Catholic College to observe their Vertical Home Form model in action and gain valuable insights from staff and students. As St Andrew's is now in its fourth year of operating under this model, the opportunity to speak with their Deputy Principal, Middle Leaders, Home Form teachers and students provided practical advice to assist our planning.
The initiative was also recently presented to parents at the College Family Connect meeting. As planning continues, further consultation with staff and students will occur, including a student visit to St Andrew's later this term.
We look forward to seeing our students continue to take on new challenges, make the most of the opportunities available to them and develop the skills that will support them well beyond the classroom.
Kind regards,
Jayarani Salerno