Wellbeing 

Dear Parents/Guardians,

As we reach the end of another busy semester, it feels like a good moment to pause and reflect on the journey your daughters have been on so far this year.  No doubt there have been highs and lows, real moments of success alongside harder stretches, from demanding schoolwork and assessments to the usual ups and downs of friendships, and for some, simply the challenge of juggling everything else going on in their lives outside school.

Through my role overseeing Wellbeing at the College, and through the countless conversations I have each day with staff, students and parents, I have seen so many of our students grow into new versions of themselves this semester.  Some have found their voice in public speaking for the first time.  Others have shown real compassion supporting a friend through a tough time or gone out of their way to welcome a new student into our community.  Some have simply pushed through a subject that, back in February, felt impossible and have come out the other side more confident.  These moments matter as they are all genuine milestones, even if they never show up on a semester report.

The holidays ahead are a chance for your daughters to rest and reconnect with what matters most.  I encourage you to think of this break not just as time off from school, but as a chance to look after the whole family's wellbeing.

Small things can make a real difference to how refreshed everyone feels by the time school starts back. 

A consistent sleep routine helps growing minds process and consolidate everything they have learned.  Keeping an eye on screen time and social media use, and making space for some regular physical activity, supports both physical health and emotional balance.

But more than anything, it is the time spent together as a family, away from the pressures of school, that will hopefully help your daughter return reinvigorated and motivated.

As we look ahead to next semester, it might be worth having a conversation at home about a few small, achievable changes that could help your daughter thrive. Some examples could be setting up a better study space, picking up a new interest, or finding a simple routine that helps her manage stress.

And if things are tough, please know that asking for help is a sign of strength, not weakness.  Whether your daughter is finding academics difficult, navigating friendship issues, or working through something more personal, our staff are always here to support both of you.

Your daughter's wellbeing matters, and every small step you take to nurture it helps build the foundation she needs to keep growing and flourishing.

Uniform

While most of the students have been wearing the winter uniform correctly over the course of this term, there are still a few students who need to address the following:

• Jewellery – no ankle bracelets, wrist bracelets, inappropriate and/or multiple earrings (one earring in each lobe of the ear is permitted) necklaces, nose rings, etc.
• Shoulder length hair or longer should be always tied up;
• No extreme hair styles or colours;
• Skirts should be at mid-knee length or longer; 
• Top shirt buttons buttoned up;
• Tie not worn at ‘half-mast’;
• No make-up;
• No eye lash extensions; and
• No fake nails

I would ask you to encourage your daughters to ensure their uniform always looks its best, including whilst they are travelling to and from school.  I would also encourage your daughters to use the holidays to address any items of uniform that may not be up to standard.  Students will continue to receive infringements and detentions when their uniform does not meet the Academy standards, and I would prefer not to go down the path of sending students home if they are continually out of uniform.  Your support with this matter is much appreciated. 

Attendance

We have been in touch with several students and their parents over the course of this semester where we have some concerns about their daughter’s attendance at the College or the regularity of them arriving late.  Regular attendance at school is crucial for several reasons which have been outlined below:

• Attending school regularly ensures that students do not miss out on the building blocks of a good education. 
• Learning is a cumulative process, and missing school disrupts the continuity of learning. 
• School is not just about academics; it also provides a crucial environment for social interaction and the development of social skills. 
• Regular attendance at school also cultivates discipline and responsibility in students. 
• At Academy, we provide various resources and support systems for students. Regular attendance ensures that students have access to these resources and can take full advantage of the educational and extra-curricular opportunities available to them.  Additionally, our teachers and support staff can provide the best individualised support and guidance to students when they attend regularly.
• Attendance is often a factor used in evaluating students' performance and progress. Regular attendance allows teachers to assess students' understanding, provide feedback and identify areas where additional support may be needed.  It also helps Mentor Group teachers and Wellbeing Leaders to monitor students' overall engagement and well-being, enabling them to intervene if any concerns arise.

Early in Semester 2, we will contact parents where we have significant concerns over their daughter’s attendance.  Regular attendance does set the foundation for lifelong learning and personal growth and therefore we ask parents to ensure that students attend school, in a timely manner as close to 100% of the time as possible. 

Black Dog Institute

Parents and carers play a pivotal role in recognising the wellbeing of their teen, yet many struggle to understand how they can support their young person with their mental health. The Black Dog Institute is running a free information session for all parents and carers. Co-designed with parents and delivered by a clinical psychologist facilitator, this presentation is an opportunity for secondary school parents and carers to learn more about teen mental health and how to best support and connect with a young person during tough times.

Please see further details below:

Who is this for?

Parents, Carers and Guardians of teen-aged youth.

What will parents learn?

• Understanding mental health in adolescence, including insights from the Future Proofing Study;
• What is mental health and when to be concerned;
• Key strategies to support adolescents;
• Having the conversation – what to say and how to create a supportive environment;
• Getting help – health professionals, online and digital support for parents and adolescents; and
• Promoting healthy habits – including building connections, sleep and screen use.

How long is the webinar?

90 minutes, including Q&A

Available dates

Thursday, 25 June, 7.00pm (AEST).  Register at Webinar Registration - Zoom

I wish all students and families a happy Term 2 break.  For those lucky enough to be escaping the freezing conditions in Victoria, enjoy your time away.  For those who are remaining in Melbourne, rug up and experience what this beautiful city has to offer.  Most of all, regardless of what you are doing and where you are going, remain safe and we look forward to seeing you all back at Academy at the beginning of Term 3.

As always, please remember never hesitate to be in touch should you have any queries or concerns.

Mr Sam Di Camillo

Deputy Principal - Wellbeing & Operations