From the Deputy Principal

Welcome back to school for Term 3. I hope that you had a relaxing and enjoyable holiday break. A special welcome to students, families and staff who are joining the St Mary’s College community this term.

Responsibility

The College’s School Wide Positive Behaviour Guidelines are shaped by our Presentations values of Respect, Responsibility, Relationships and Resilience. This fortnight, the focus is on Responsibility.  What does this look like? 

• Being punctual and prepared for lessons
• Looking after equipment and resources
• Being honest in our work
• Contributing and trying our best
• Following directions
• Adhering to College policies and procedures
• Leaving learning and outdoor spaces clean and tidy
• Playing safely and fairly.

I would like to draw attention to the College’s mobile phone and attendance protocols. 

Mobile Phone Guidelines 

With the implementation of the Catholic Education Tasmania (CET) Mobile Phones, Device and Wearable Technologies Policy earlier this year, most students are to be commended for their adherence to theMobile Phone and Device Usage Guidelines. 

As previously communicated, mobile phones can be a huge distraction, impacting learning. During breaks, it is important that students engage in face-to-face interactions to foster positive relationships with their peers, their teachers and non-teaching staff. 

Please note that there has been an update to the College’s guidelines to support a more focused learning environment. Senior students who are found using their phones during school hours are placed on a phone contract. This means:

• First breach – the student is placed on a phone contract for one week
• Second breach – the student is placed on a phone contract for one term

While on a phone contract, the student is expected to hand their phone in to their House Leader each morning before school and collect it at the end of the day.

Procedure update: If a student on a phone contract fails to hand in their phone voluntarily in the morning, and a staff member is required to collect it during the day, parents and/or carers will be contacted and expected to collect the phone from the College Office at the end of the day. Thank you for your continued support.

Attendance

Daily attendance is a priority for all students. Attendance is not merely about being physically present, but coming to school prepared to engage in learning opportunities, being receptive to feedback and implementing recommended strategies to achieve academic growth, positive social connections and emotional wellbeing. 

When a student is unable to attend school, parents/carers must advise the school by 9.00am. 

• Phone: College Student Services (6108 2560), stating your child's name, year level, and the reason for their absence.
• SMC Toolbox on the College website: Access Report an Absence(see screenshots below), clearly stating your child’s name and year level, your name, email address, date of student absence and the reason.

If a student is absent without notification, an SMS message will be sent to parents/carers at approximately 10.00am. Parents and carers are required to respond to this message.

Please note that per CET’s Attendance Policy, there is a limited set of circumstances under the Education Act (2016) that are deemed excusable circumstances for not attending school, including sickness, physical and mental incapacity. A full list of reasons for authorised absences appears under the Education Act, specifically sections 19 and 36, and Ministerial Instruction No. 4 – Students Excused from Daily Attendance at School (under the Education Act 2016 (Tas)).

Schools are required to record all absences and formally follow up on any absences with parents/carers. If a student is absent from school for non-excusable circumstances or if no communication is received from a parent and/or carer on the day of absence explaining the reason for a student’s absence, the absence will be recorded as an unauthorised absence.  

We understand that students do face challenges that affect their attendance, and therefore, it is critically important that parents/carers contact the student’s Class Teacher (Junior School) or Pastoral Care Teacher, Year Level Coordinator or House Leader (Senior School) so that we can work with you to provide appropriate ongoing education and support. 

Parents and carers play a vital role in fostering strong attendance habits. Suggested steps that may support your child's attendance include:

• Morning routines: Create a calm and consistent start to the day with positive energy and reliable structure
• Prioritise sleep: Ensure your child gets enough sleep each night 
• Open communication: Let us know about any challenges your child is facing
• Celebrate progress: Acknowledge attendance wins at home – whether it’s arriving on time or overcoming a tough morning. 

Opening Hours College Office and Student Resource Centre

The College Office and Student Resource Centre (library) are open from 8.00am to 4.00pm. 

If your child needs to arrive at the College prior to 8.00am or receives supervision after 4.00pm, please contact Outside of School Hours Care (OSHC) run by CatholicCare. The program caters for children from Kinder to Year 6 needing care from 7.00am or after school until 6.00pm from Monday to Friday. Holiday care programs are also offered during school holidays. 

For bookings and more information regarding OSHC, please contact CatholicCare on phone 1300 119 455 or visit the College website here.