Principal's Message

Dear Parents/Guardians

Welcome back to Term 4. Year 12 (2024) is approaching the end of their Higher School Certificate examinations. My sincere thanks to all the staff  who have supported your son/daughter in the lead up to these examinations and we continue to pray that all the students' hard work and dedication will yield results that reflect their true potential.

Year 11

Year 11 (now Year 12) have now commenced their HSC year this term and I am so pleased at the way Year 12 students across the board have settled into their classes and their mature attitude to learning. I cannot stress enough the need to attend school each and every day to maximise the best possible achievement for students HSC. Attending school each and every day also ensures the best possible attempt at the first round of HSC assessments during the December assessment block.

Year 7

Year 7 students will be embarking on their final assessment tasks for the year during this term. I strongly recommend parents keep time available on Monday, 16 December when the College offers parent - teacher interviews from 8.30am - 3.00pm so parents (with their daughter/son) can speak with each subject teacher to identify areas of strength from the year but importantly pinpoint areas of improvement as they journey into Year 8.

I seek parent support regarding our uniform grooming policy. It is absolutely necessary that all students wear the summer uniform and groom as stipulated by our College policy at all times and do this to a very high standard.

Major Building Project - Stage 1 

Parent meeting - Monday, 18 November 6.00-6.30pm

I can confirm (after a lengthy process) the College has firmed its plans for stage 1 of our major building project. I invite parents to a presentation of these plans on Monday, 18 November here in the College Hall. Further details regarding the night will be sent in a separate invitation to parents. Separate to this a number of architectural sketches will be on display after the information evening in the College Office.

Year 12 Parent Information Night 

Tuesday, 12 November 6.00pm- 7.00pm

This is an important evening for students who are on an ATAR Pathway. We have a guest speaker from UAC who will demystify ATAR scores and moderation. There is also important information around HSC assessment tasks, policy and procedures. This evening is compulsory for all students in Advanced and Standard English. (An alternate presentation will be provided at a later date for our English Studies students.) The meeting will be held in the College hall.

Orientation Program

Year 7 (2025) Orientation Day - Wednesday, 6 November

On Wednesday, 6 November we look forward to welcoming our new Year 7 2025 students. The orientation day is an important day for students to be oriented to all aspects of our College life - our Charism, our patron, engaging with our staff, our pastoral/learning support and the beginnings of assistance to a secondary College.

Year 11 (2025) Orientation Day - Wednesday, 11 December

On Wednesday, 11 December we look forward to welcoming our new Year 11 2025 students from Our Lady Of Mercy College Burraneer and De La Salle College Caringbah. The orientation day is an important day for students to attend lessons, meet our College staff, meet our current year 7 & 12 students and provide a general overall orientation to our Lasallian culture of the College as they engage on their HSC journey and pathway.

Attendance

A few points I would like to reinforce about the importance of attendance.

• Firstly, the College’s attendance rate is very high in comparison with our Catholic schools across the Archdiocese. Thank you, to our students/parents for your support in making sure every day attending school is important. 
• Non-attendance has both an academic and a social impact. There’s a well-documented correlation between absences and HSC achievement, which demonstrates that every day matters. 

Lateness is a type of absence

• Just as full day absence can become pattern-forming and impact negatively on achievement, so too is lateness. While 10 minutes is not long, it’s important to consider your child’s emotional space as they enter the classroom. 
• Lateness is also cumulative. If a child is late by only 10 minutes a few times a week, the hours soon add up. In a single year there are 20 hours of learning that can be potentially missed.

What happens when there’s a pattern of chronic absence?

School leaders and Middle Managers at the College monitor attendance patterns regularly. Students who begin to show signs of chronic absence require early and effective intervention. 

As a parent what can I do to help if periods of absences occur?

Reach out to the College when you no longer feel in control or a pattern of non-attendance is occurring. Early intervention is crucial. Contact the College on 8522 1500 and our Office staff will refer you to:

- Mr Peter Robertson, Year 12 Wellbeing Coordinator

- Ms Rebecca Hines, Year 7 Wellbeing Coordinator 

We also have the availability of a College Counsellor - Ms Olivia Dawson that can provide advice and support for students and parents.

Stephen Mahoney

Principal