College Matters
Student Dress Code Policy updated
Please be advised the Student Dress Code policy has been amended to include the following updates:
- School scarf – to be worn with winter uniform only. Can be worn in winter with physical education uniform but never during practical sessions. No other scarf is permitted.
- School puffer jacket – optional item that can be worn in addition to either summer, winter or physical education uniform.
- Exemptions to student dress code (with Principal approval only)
- If an alternative item of uniform has been approved it must be navy in colour.
Carol Duggan
Assistant Principal
Managing Children's Screen Time at Home
Some guidelines
We are writing to address a growing concern that has been brought to our attention regarding students use of devices outside of school hours. Specifically, we have noticed an increase in incidents occurring online, particularly late in the evenings, which are difficult for the school to navigate and follow up on effectively. We are hoping to provide some preventative measure which can be put in place to better support your children. As educators, we understand the challenges of monitoring online activity and the impact it can have on our students physical and mental wellbeing.
To support you in managing screen time at home, we have created the attached flyer. This resource provides practical tips and routines to help regulate screen time and encourage healthy digital habits, along with some research attached to students with increased screen time. It can act as a conversation starter to have with your child around regulating screen time.For clarity, screen time refers to the use of any device with a screen, including televisions (viewing platforms), smartphones, laptops, social media, and gaming consoles.
Additionally, we are pleased to share a valuable resource, a pre-recorded webinar from the Black Dog Institute which provides access to insights and tips for parents on managing screen time and supporting teen mental health, based on Australian research.While the school provides education and programs on this topic, we believe reinforcement at home is essential. We understand that some families already have boundaries around screen time in place, and as we approach the holidays it may be a good time to reestablish expectations around screen use at home. We encourage you to review the flyer and the webinar, and to integrate these practices into your daily routines.Thank you for your ongoing support and cooperation in ensuring the wellbeing of our students.
Parent Partnership for your child's learning
As the Leader of Teaching and Learning, I’m excited to share some thoughts on how we can all work together to support your academic journey and personal growth. Did you know that effective parental involvement and a strong partnership between the school and home can lead to significant improvements in students' performance across multiple measures? Research consistently shows that students thrive when their parents are actively involved in their education. These students tend to achieve higher grades, exhibit better behaviour, and have a more positive attitude toward school. Parental involvement is crucial not only for academic success but also for fostering a lifelong love of learning.
Here are some friendly tips on how parents can support their child’s educational journey:
Creating a Positive Learning Environment: Ensure your home provides a comfortable, distraction-free space for studying. A quiet, well-lit area can make all the difference in helping your child focus on their homework and projects.
Setting High Expectations: Encourage your children to set academic goals, discuss them as a family, and aim high. When parents believe in their children’s potential, it inspires them to adopt a growth mindset and persevere through challenges.
Staying Informed: Keep up to date with your child's curriculum and academic progress. Attending the upcoming parent-teacher-student interviews, reading school newsletters, and regularly accessing Compass to review Learning Tasks, reports, and individual lesson plans can help you stay informed about your child's learning.
Encouraging Reading: Promote a love for reading by providing access to books, newspapers, and magazines, and by making time for reading a part of your family routine. Reading improves literacy skills, curiosity, and enhances critical thinking and creativity.
Discussing School Activities: Show interest in what your child is learning at school. Teachers have all lesson plans available daily on Compass for parents and students to access, and we encourage parents to log on and have a look at what their child is learning each day. At the end of each day, discuss what they found interesting, and help with homework when needed (this is also listed on Compass for you to access). These conversations show that you value their education.
Supporting Extracurricular Activities: Encourage your child to participate in extracurricular activities like sports, arts, and clubs, whether at school or through external agencies. These activities help develop social skills, teamwork, and a sense of responsibility. They promote a healthy lifestyle, provide a regular routine, and give students something to focus on outside of their studies that is screen-free.
Students, your role is equally important in this partnership.
- Check your Compass lesson plans
- Stay on top of your Learning Tasks and achievements
- Set goals for yourself
- Hold yourself accountable
- Access the resources available to be downloaded
- Talk to your families about what you are currently focusing on in your classes,
- Ask your teachers for help when you are unsure
Take advantage of the support and resources available to you. Parents and teachers want to help you achieve success. Your success is a team effort—you are the star, but we are all here to help you reach your full potential.
Thank you for all the hard work you have already put in this year, for taking an active role in accessing the learning, and for reaching out to teachers and school staff whenever you need support or have questions.
Together, we can ensure that our students achieve their full potential and develop a lifelong love of learning.
Detta Gordon
Assistant Principal