Pastoral Care

This looks to be a busy term with lots of learning and extra curricular activities taking place. There are designated examination periods, a Year 10 activity week, trips to the Great Barrier Reef and Paddock to plate, in addition to our swimming carnival. Please read the newsletter article from your daughter’s Pastoral coordinator for information specific to her year group. 

Upcoming Assessment Blocks:

This term, students in all grades will be receiving numerous notifications for assessment tasks/assessment blocks. Pastoral Care Coordinators have shared assessment planners to the students to ensure that they have these tasks clearly mapped out on their term planners. 

Transport NSW Updates:

In my role as Director of Pastoral Care, I am mindful to provide relevant updates in regards to policy and legislation. One major change recently has been in regards to the use of E-bikes.

On August 21st, new guidelines were released regarding the use of E-bikes in NSW, bringing NSW into alignment with the other states and territories. These regulations are designed to assist pedestrian and rider safety. This means the NSW Police and authorised officers now have powers to seize and efficiently dispose of illegal E-bikes.

Transport for NSW recognises two categories of e-bikes that may be usedlegally in NSW

• Power-assisted pedal cycles: the bike has 1 or more motors with a combined maximum power output of 200 watts and cannot be propelled exclusively by the motor. (This means for it to be legal, it cannot operate by itself, it has to be pedal assisted) 
• Electrically power-assisted cycles (EPACs) – have a maximum continuous rated motor output of 500 watts. Motor assistance must progressively reduce as speed increases and cut out when the bicycle reaches 25 km/h, or when the rider stops pedalling and the speed exceeds 6 km/h.

If it exceeds the legal power limits or has been modified in a way that makes it illegal or increases the risk to the rider or others, it is thus consideredillegal. Families should be aware that older, imported, modified or non-compliant e-bikes and batteries may present increased safety risks. The bike rider must wear a compliant helmet and the bike must not carry more riders than the bike is accommodated for by a seat/s. Students over the age of 16 cannot ride on a footpath. 

Illegal or unsafe e-bikes should not be brought onto school premises and families should be aware of the details about their daughter’s use in the community. If your children own any e-bikes, you should ensure you check that the model is legally compliant. 

Further information can be found below on the link 

https://www.transport.nsw.gov.au/roadsafety/bicycle-riders/ebikes

Sarah Charles

Director of Pastoral Care