From the Deputy Principal

Welcome back to Term 2

I trust that students and families had a joyous Easter season and a restful break. It was wonderful to see students and staff return last week with fresh energy and enthusiasm. This term, we look forward to continuing rich learning experiences across the College, in addition to many activities including Mother’s Day celebrations, Drama performances, House Week celebrations, various cocurricular pursuits and Nano Vision. On this note, I thank students and staff for a wonderful K-12 Presentation Day Cross Country.

Remembering Pope Francis: technology and family life

With the passing of Pope Francis, much has been said about his humility, compassion, and commitment to justice, care and the 'care of our common home'. (Pope Francis)

Only weeks before his passing, Pope Francis issued his final monthly prayer intention, urging people to have a more ethical, inclusive and humane use of technology. He voiced a deep concern regarding the increasing reliance on digital screens at the expense of caring for one another. His call for digital mindfulness was underpinned by a call to promote genuine relationships and preserve human dignity.

Without question, technology is a wonderful tool that has positively transformed our lives. However, it is a gift that must be used responsibly. In the Pope’s eyes, technology should bring people together, not tear them apart. 

'The use of the new technologies will not replace human relationships, will respect the dignity of the person, and will help us face the crises of our times.' – Pope Francis

Pope Francis urged us to consider the negative consequences of technology, alluding to isolation and the lack of authentic relationships: 'Something’s wrong if we spend more time on our cell phones than with people.' I am confident that we would agree that scrolling can be addictive, perhaps at the expense of spending quality time in conversation with others. On this note, Pope Francis asked us to 'look less at screens' and 'look each other in the eyes more'. In this way, we would be able to 'discover what really matters: that we are brothers, sisters and children of the same Father,' and act accordingly.

As we wait for the announcement of a new Pope in the coming week, we give thanks for Pope Francis and ask the Holy Spirit to guide the Church during this time of transition. 

Term 2 general reminders | College uniform

Students must wear the uniform correctly and with pride as it represents our whole community. Please note the following expectations:

FORMAL UNIFORM: The uniform for students in Kindergarten to Year 2 is the College PE uniform. Year 3–12 students wear the full formal uniform to school.

• The blazer must be worn as part of the formal uniform to and from school, on formal occasions, in the Cathedral and for assemblies.
• Skirts, tunics and dresses are to be just before or at the knee.
• Brown school shoes are to be worn with the formal uniform, and shoes should be clean and polished regularly.
• The blue bucket SMC hat must be worn when outside in the sun at lunchtime or during activities in Terms 1 and 4. Kindergarten students wear a red bucket hat.
• Scarves must be bottle green, sky blue or chocolate brown.

SPORTS UNIFORM: The PE uniform is worn to school on PE days, if the student has a Sports Pass, or when otherwise advised by the College.

• Shoes worn with the PE uniform must be sports shoes (no street shoes).
• If a student does not have the full PE uniform, then the full formal uniform must be worn to and from school.
• The half-zip sports jumper is part of the PE uniform and may be worn under the blazer to and from school.
• The softshell jacket is part of the PE uniform and may be worn over the blazer to and from school, weather permitting, with the College polo top.

HAIR: Hair should be off the face and tied back if it grows below the shoulders. It should be a natural colour without fashion extremes.

• Hair accessories include sky blue, chocolate brown or bottle green ribbons and hairbands. Fashion hair clips are not permitted.

JEWELLERY AND PIERCINGS: Students may wear two pairs of small plain metallic studs (max 5mm) or small plain metallic sleeper earrings worn parallel in the earlobes (no pearls, diamantes or gemstones). No other piercings are permitted.

• Bracelets, bangles and necklaces are not permitted except for a gold or silver chain holding a cross which is not visible.

MAKEUP: Minimal makeup and natural nail or French nail polish are permitted. No makeup is to be worn by Junior School students.

HOODIES: Hoodies are not to be worn with the College uniform (formal and PE) unless advised by the College for specific events and times, e.g., rowing, musical and leavers' jumpers. Please refer to our Uniform Policy for further information.

We thank parents and carers for supporting our Uniform Policy. House Leaders, Year Level Coordinators, Directors and teaching staff monitor students regularly to ensure that uniforms are worn correctly each day. When students are not doing so, a uniform infringement will be issued, with multiple infringements resulting in a lunchtime and/or after-school reflection. A letter will be sent to parents and carers if a student’s dress, skirt, or tunic needs to be altered to meet the uniform expectations.

Learning improves when we minimise distractions. By getting the uniform right from the moment students walk out of the front door, they can focus on the core business of school: learning.

Mother's Day 

May this Sunday be one of happiness, joy and grace. Happy Mother's Day!