From Alison Dietrich

It is difficult to comprehend that the end of Term 1 is almost here – the weeks have passed in what feels like the blink of an eye! As we head into the final stretch of the term, we have three important topics to share with you: the vital role of regular school attendance, safe use of our school crossings and a valuable SchoolTV resource on peer pressure. 

📅  Every Day Counts: The Importance of School Attendance 

Regular attendance is one of the single most significant factors in a student's long-term academic success and overall wellbeing. When students are present, they benefit not only from structured learning but also from the social connections, routines and sense of belonging that school provides each day. 

Research consistently shows that students who miss school regularly, even by just a few days per term, can begin to experience significant gaps in their learning, reduced confidence and difficulty reconnecting with peers and routines upon their return. 

We understand that illness and genuine family commitments are unavoidable and we appreciate families communicating absences through the office as early as possible. However, we do ask that wherever it is possible, medical appointments, family travel, and other discretionary absences be scheduled outside of school hours or school holidays. 

If you have concerns about your child's attendance or wellbeing at school, please don't hesitate to reach out to us. We are here to work with you. 

🚶 A Reminder: Using School Crossings Safely 

The safety of our students as they travel to and from school is a responsibility we all share. We would like to take this opportunity to remind both students and families of the importance of always using our designated school crossings correctly. 

School crossings exist to protect pedestrians at the busiest and most hazardous points near our school. Please observe the following whenever arriving or departing: 

• Always cross at the designated crossing - never mid-road or between parked cars. 

• Wait for the crossing supervisor's signal before stepping onto the road. 

• Students on bikes or scooters should dismount before crossing. 

• Road users must give way to pedestrians at all supervised crossings and obey the speed limits in school zones. 

• Model safe crossing behaviour for your children - they are always watching. 

We thank our wonderful crossing supervisors for their work in keeping our community safe. 

🤝  SchoolTV Special Report: Responding to Peer Pressure 

Peer pressure is a natural part of growing up. As children and adolescents place greater importance on friendships and belonging, the influence of peers can shape their choices, behaviour and sense of identity. While this influence can be wonderfully positive, encouraging effort, kindness and ambition, it can equally create pressure to conform or take risks, particularly during the adolescent years. 

In today's digitally connected world, peer pressure no longer ends when the school bell rings. Social media and online communication expose young people to a constant stream of comparison and unspoken expectations about how they should look, act and perform. Understanding how peer pressure operates, both on and offline, helps us as families support young people to build genuine confidence, make healthy decisions and stay connected to their own values. 

This month, SchoolTV has released a Special Report dedicated to this topic: Responding to Peer Pressure. We warmly encourage all families to take the time to explore this resource together. It offers practical, evidence-informed strategies for opening conversations with your child and building their resilience. 

We hope you take time to reflect on the information offered in this Special Report and, as always, we welcome your feedback. 

💛  A Heartfelt Thank You: Hope for the Children 

We are deeply grateful to acknowledge the wonderful generosity of Hope for the Children, who have recently made a generous donation to our College. This kind and thoughtful contribution will be directed towards supporting the wellbeing needs of our students, making a real and meaningful difference in the lives of the young people in our community. 

Acts of generosity such as this remind us of the incredible spirit of care and compassion that surrounds our school community. On behalf of our students, staff, and families, we extend our most sincere thanks to everyone involved with Hope for the Children. Your support is truly appreciated. 

If you have any concerns about the wellbeing of your child, please do not hesitate to contact your child's Teacher Advisor. You are never alone in supporting your child and our team is always here to help. 

Warm regards,

Alison Dietrich

Deputy Principal 

Wellbeing