Message from the Executive Principal  

Dear parents and carers, Although we are not aware of any specific issues, it is very possible that some in our school community are affected by the devastating events in the Middle East. All of us are upset and disturbed by the awful events depicted in media footage and images. I advise caution and recommend parents/carers take the time to speak with their children about what they can see easily online (either by looking for it or it coming into their feed, especially in unmoderated and uncensored social media where gruesome and disturbing material is often shared or easily found or deliberate misinformation is rife. This time is particularly distressing for staff, students, families and carers who have family and friends in Israel and Gaza.  We are also aware that students of diverse backgrounds, including Jewish and Muslim students, may be significantly affected by public events, mainstream media coverage and social media at this time. Please be assured that all staff are aware of the extreme emotional toll on many at this time. But please also feel free to get in contact with any of the staff at our school if you would like to ensure we are aware of what your child is going through at this time. Our support staff will continue doing all they can to support all our students, and support is also available for our staff. I also want to assure you that the department is monitoring the situation from a school security perspective, and have advised there is no further action we need to take at this stage. It is possible that extremely distressing scenes from the conflict may be posted online in coming days. Please ensure your children are aware of where they can find support in the event they come across such images. At our school, this includes our Year Level Leaders, Wellbeing Team (counsellors, psychologist, nurse, mental health practitioners) or our Principal Team. All of these can be contacted by calling Reception on 5723 0500 or by email at wangaratta.hs@education.vic.gov.au or email me directly at dave.armstrong@education.vic.gov.au You may find some aspects of this resource helpful:Helping my children after trauma: A guide for parents. Support is also available through external services including: headspace: 1800 650 890 Kids Helpline: 1800 551 800 Lifeline: 13 11 14 Beyond Blue: 1300 224 636.

I am repeating this announcement from my last newsletter, in case you missed it! I meet with Kalika and Caeleigh weekly and I am very excited by their energy and enthusiasm....

Congratulations to our 2024 Head Prefects, who were announced at our School Assembly on the last day of term: Kalika Miliankos-King and Caeleigh Cornhill. Although their formal induction will happen later, their work will commence immediately as our current Head Prefects devote themselves to the final Year 12 VCE Sprint.