From the Principal 

Respect, Responsibility, Personal Best, Sense of Community and the Learning Environment 

At Cheltenham Secondary College, we take great pride in nurturing a positive and respectful learning environment where students can thrive academically, socially, and emotionally. As we continue to uphold our core values of Respect, Responsibility, Personal Best, Sense of Community, we would like to emphasise the importance of demonstrating these values in our daily interactions within the classroom.

Respecting fellow students and teachers is paramount in creating a positive and engaging learning environment. We encourage all students to treat each other with kindness, empathy, and understanding, fostering a sense of belonging and inclusivity within our school community. Whether it's actively listening to their teachers and peers during discussions, collaborating effectively on group work, or showing appreciation for the efforts of their teachers, practising respect in all interactions enriches the educational experience for everyone involved.

Additionally, being prepared for each lesson is essential for every learner, and we need to take advantage of every learning opportunity to ensure the best outcome is achieved for every student, no matter their pathway.  Arriving at maths class without a calculator or ruler or a humanities class without a charged laptop, or any class without the necessary materials demonstrates an unwillingness to engage in learning.

I encourage all parents to support the college by ensuring all students arrive at school on time (8.30am) and have all the necessary materials for each lesson, to complete assigned tasks on time, prepare for assessments, and actively engage in learning. By fostering these habits, students not only enhance their own learning experiences but also contribute to a positive and productive classroom environment for their peers.

As we work together throughout the school year, I want to remind parents and guardians of our commitment to each student and the importance of our college values; Respect, Responsibility, Personal Best, Sense of Community in preparing our young people for life beyond Cheltenham. 

By working together and upholding our values both inside and outside the classroom, we create a more supportive and enriching environment where all students can thrive and succeed.

Safety concerns regarding student behaviour near crossings

In recent weeks, our crossing guard and motorists have raised serious concerns about the near misses that have occurred due to students ignoring road rules and crossing in front of traffic. This behaviour not only puts our students at risk but also endangers the safety of others on the road. It is imperative that all students understand the importance of following road safety protocols, especially when crossing streets.

Furthermore, we would like to remind students that bikes, scooters, and skateboards should not be ridden on school grounds. This rule is in place to ensure the safety of all students and staff members. We urge parents to reinforce this message at home and encourage their children to walk their bikes, scooters, or skateboards while on school property.

The safety of our students is our top priority, and we appreciate your cooperation in helping to enforce these important rules. By working together as a community, we can ensure that our school remains a safe and welcoming environment for everyone.

College House Swimming Carnival 

Congratulations to all the students and staff for making yesterday’s swimming carnival a fantastic success! It was truly wonderful to see so many students proudly sporting their house colours and enthusiastically participating in the events. A special congratulations to Kieran Knox, Paul Sanders, Karly Hargreaves, Joel Mazurek, Ben Smart and all staff involved. 

School Council Election

I would like to thank the five parents who have been nominated to stand for School Council.  As there are only four positions available, an election will take place. Students were given a ballot paper on Monday 26th February to take home to parents/guardians. Please return your completed ballot paper to the College office by 4.00pm on Tuesday 12th March. If you require a ballot paper, these can be collected from the College office. 

Warm regards

Karl Russell

Principal