Principal Message
As we approach the end of our third week, we're pleased with how smoothly the term has started. We'd like to take a moment to remind you about a few important things that require your support.
Year 12 have a week to go in their HSC examinations and the feedback has been very positive. The papers have the usual quirks we expect to see now as NESA aims to set papers with less predictability that assesses what the students know rather than the prepared answers they could memorise. That being said our students have commented favourably so far on the HSC exam experience.
Changes to our mobile phone policy are working well. The school is generally calmer with much less phone related incidents to respond to. Thank you to parents for your support of our move to two types of chronicle notifications - ‘Minor’ and ‘Major’ PBL breaches for phone issues. The major ones are for serious misuse of phones but also for the next step of disrespecting teachers by refusing to follow reasonable directions - the issue is now not just the phone. Please support us by ensuring your child is adjusting to the new expectations which are a minor adjustment to past practice.
As promised to you we have engaged Kirra Pendergast from ‘Safe On Social’. We are conscious you are trying to manage a difficult scenario at home with smartphones and the apps students use. Kirra is an expert who works hand in hand with the ESafety Commissioner. We are hosting a day with Kirra working with Year groups. There will then be a parent evening for all parents and friends to hear from an expert who will provide support for the 80% of a child's time that you, as parents/carers, have direct responsibility for.
Date Claimer: Wednesday 20th February 2025 6.30pm
As students have returned to the warming weather, students are moving into summer uniforms. Can I please remind all that:
- Mondays and Thursdays are Academic Uniforms including black leather shoes (not white joggers).
- Sport Uniform for Years 7-10 can be worn Tuesday, Wednesday, and Friday. Years 11 and 12 may wear sport uniforms if they have a sports prac or a boarder returning home by bus on a Friday. Otherwise they are to wear academic uniform
- The only exception to uniform or phone rules would be supported by a medical practitioner and approved by the Principal.
As part of the school home partnership we assume parent support of college expectations. Thank you for your support of the college.
Congratulations to our boys cricket teams who have progressed successfully through early rounds of the NSWCCC Berg Shield and Downie Trophy competitions. We look forward to their ongoing success and thank Mr McNamara and Mr Price for taking the students away.
Staff have recently been working with Viv Penman and Louise O’Kelly, two specialists in Positive Behaviour for Learning, working on a deep dive into the teaching of behavioural expectations and routines. It was a refresh for many and new information for some, making it a very worthwhile two hour session last Monday. Developing from that we are working with Year groups discussing the data on Chronicle notifications, what they say about disruptions to learning and vital work as we continue our long held commitment to calm and predictable classrooms for learning.
We are incredibly proud of our Junior AFL players for their outstanding performance in Sydney. While they may not have brought home the championship title, their hard work and dedication resulted in a commendable third-place finish. Their two losses were hard-fought battles, but their one victory showcased their ability to rise to the occasion. We commend their efforts and celebrate their achievement as a testament to their talent and teamwork.
In tennis we are extremely proud of our players for their valiant effort in the Foster Cup Tennis Finals. Though they narrowly missed the championship title, their hard work and dedication were evident in every match. Despite facing tough competition from other teams they displayed immense courage, skill, and sportsmanship.
