From the Deputy Principal

Professional Learning - Early Finish Days

As indicated in the commencement letter at the start of the year, to support our staff's professional learning and the College's learning agenda, there will be 4 early finish days in 2025. The first of which is next Wednesday 19 March.

Our goal is to support teachers in meeting the diverse needs of all students. Through ongoing professional learning, we deepen our understanding of effective pedagogical approaches and ensure we are well-prepared to implement these strategies in the coming semester. This initiative reflects the College's steadfast commitment to enriching the learning experience for every student and empowering teachers to unlock each student's full potential.

On these days, students will have 6 x 46-minute periods, with the school day ending at 2:30 pm. The Academic Annexe in the SRC will remain open until 5:20 pm for students. 

A reminder of the 2025 early finish dates are:

Term 1 - Wednesday 19 March

Term 2 - Wednesday 14 May

Term 3 - Tuesday 12 August

Term 4 – Thursday 16 October

School public transport use

At school assemblies, I remind students of the need to tap on and off each time they use their school Opal card.  This ensures that bus services can be planned and provided appropriately. 

Code of conduct on public transport

I also remind students that, as part of receiving free travel to and from school, they must abide by the code of conduct as part of this free travel.  I include the buses Code of Conduct below for your information.  

Behaviour on buses

• Use appropriate language not offensive or racist language

• Fighting, spitting, feet on seats, throwing things in or from the bus is not permitted

• No eating or drinking (other than water) - unless for medical reasons or the bus operator gives written permission.

• Offer seats to adults including people with a disability, elderly or expectant mothers

• Do not push or shove other people

• Do not bully or harass other passengers or the driver

• Avoid attracting the attention of the driver except in the case of emergency

• Do not play music at such volume that it may distract the bus driver or other passengers.

Safety on and near buses

• Obey reasonable directions from the driver (for example, where to sit or to remain in the bus)

• Remain in your seat - do not move around the bus unnecessarily

• If standing, remain behind the front passenger seat and always keep a secure hand hold

• Keep bags and other items clear of the aisle

• Do not allow any part of your body to protrude out of the bus at any time

• Wait for the bus in a quiet and orderly manner - including at bus interchanges

• Stand away from the roadside until the bus comes to a complete stop

• Allow other passengers to leave the bus before stepping onto the bus in a single line

• Wait until the bus stops before moving to get off the bus at your designated stop

• Cross the road where and when it's safe to do so, use crossings/traffic lights where available.

Legal considerations on buses

• Wear the seat belt properly adjusted and fastened, if one is available

• Obey the law that bans smoking on buses

• Ensure that buses are not vandalised - report any damage, graffiti and window etching, to the driver

• Do not interfere with bus property, equipment and signage

• Do not leave rubbish on the bus, or at bus stops or interchanges.

Ms Elizabeth Watson - Deputy Principal