Clyde North Campus News
Welcome to week four, almost halfway through the term. Time is moving quickly as we settle into school life. The term has started very positively for students and staff as new goals have been set and Classroom Routines embedded, thereby providing positive, predictable, and productive learning experiences for all.
We were all disappointed with the postponement of the Swimming Carnival due to extreme heat, but we have secured another date for this wonderful event, Monday 25th March. The year 12 students were thrilled to learn that they will have the opportunity to dress up and experience their last Swimming Carnival along with Houses vying for valuable points towards the Rosemary Graham Shield.
Harmony Day is another exciting and important date in the school calendar, and this year we will celebrate it on Tuesday 19th March. Along with these wonderful events, we have also celebrated Opening School Mass, Academic Assembly a celebration of the hard work of senior students during 2023, and Welcome Evening for our new families particularly year 7 students but also including new students across the other year levels.
This year we welcomed two new House Leaders to the campus. At the end of last year Kolbe House farewelled Mr Ernie Rijs as he has now joined the Student Counsellor Team on the Clyde North Campus. Replacing Mr Rijs as Kolbe House Leader is Ms Cherie McSweeney, who has started the year in great form. Romero House also underwent a change in House Leader this year as we welcomed Mr Ehsan Islami as Acting House Leader for 2024.
The Welcome Evening provides a significant opportunity for parents, students, House Leaders, and Learning Advisors to begin building firm foundations for the development of a positive, resilient and mutually beneficial relationship leading to the best possible outcomes for each and every student. With this in mind, I asked Ms McSweeney as new House Leader and new member of staff to share her reflection and learning from her first Welcome Evening at St Peter’s College.
As a new staff member and House leader, attending the House Welcome Evening was an enlightening experience that offered invaluable insights into the dynamics of our school community. This event served as a bridge connecting the school, the students, and their families, fostering a sense of partnership and collaboration essential for supporting each student's learning journey.
It was interesting to see how the evening facilitated a deeper understanding of our students and how the Learning Advisors were able to gain so much knowledge in a short yet valuable amount of time. While the Learning Advisors were having meaningful one to one conversation, I was able to mingle with the families, which provided me an opportunity to gain context to their personalities, interests, and backgrounds, which can significantly inform our approach to supporting their academic and personal growth.
The evening also provided a platform for parents to establish connections with the staff entrusted with their child's care and education. This opportunity for personal interaction goes beyond mere formalities; it lays the foundation for a supportive network where parents feel assured and involved in their child's schooling experience.
For the students, the event was a chance to showcase their pride in their school environment. Walking proudly through their House space and showing off their organised, or in some cases not so organised lockers, they eagerly shared their school environment with their families, reflecting a sense of ownership and belonging. Witnessing their excitement and engagement further emphasised the significance of creating a positive and nurturing school environment.
Overall, the House Welcome Evening really showcased the importance of fostering strong partnerships between the school and its community. I am eager to continue building upon these connections, working together to support our students as they navigate their educational journey and transition into secondary schooling.
Ms Cherie McSweeney, Kolbe House Leader
Overall, a busy four weeks and with energy, enthusiasm, and optimism the rest of the term will be equally productive, rewarding and fun. And please ensure your child is on time for school, it does matter.
Remember with gratitude, optimism is sustainable.
Mrs Julie Banda
Head of Clyde North Campus