Wurrin News - Year 8

Fuelling Positive Change with ROCKIT

This week, students took part in Project RockIt Workshops designed to inspire confidence, empathy and positive online engagement through two powerful sessions: rally and connect.

RALLY

Students engaged in the Rally workshop, which empowered them to challenge bullying both online and in person. They explored practical ways to take action, support peers, and create a culture of kindness.

Big idea: “Every one of us can choose to be part of the solution, even in the smallest ways.”

CONNECT

The Connect workshop focused on using technology for good — helping students build positive online communities, support wellbeing and make thoughtful choices.

Big idea: “Every choice you make online has an impact, so the impact you make is up to you.”

Year 8 Boys Take Out First Place

Congratulations to the Year 8 boys’ team for taking out first place at the Gippsland Championship in Table Tennis! Their teamwork, effort and sportsmanship were outstanding, and the whole school community is proud of their achievement.

SWPBS Choc Top Celebration

Last week, students with a high number of Value Points were randomly selected to receive a choc top as a sweet reward for their wonderful effort and positive contribution to our school community. Well done to all students continuing to display our school values each day!

Retracing Their Steps

A group of Year 12 boys recently returned to the Year 8 Hub to reminisce about their time here. They shared stories about their old lockers, classrooms, and even a few memorable detentions! It was wonderful to see them back where it all began, and we wish them all the best as they finish their journey at BSC and take their next steps beyond school.

Social Media Minimum Age Campaign

The Australian Government is protecting young Australians at a critical stage of their development, through world-first social media age restrictions taking effect on 10 December.

It’s not a ban, it’s a delay to having accounts...

Age-restricted platforms won’t be allowed to let under-16s create or keep an account. That’s because being logged into an account increases the likelihood that they’ll be exposed to pressures and risks that can be hard to deal with. These come from social media platform design features that encourage them to spend more time on screens, while also serving up content that can harm their health and wellbeing.

The delay gives you extra time to talk about online safety and wellbeing with your child, to help them prepare for the risks and pressures of social media when they turn 16. It’s breathing space for them to build digital, social and emotional skills, and to understand the importance of reaching out for help if things go wrong.

More details about how the age restrictions will operate and other relevant information can be found on the eSafety Commissioner Social Media Age Restrictions Hub.

Fortnightly Reminders

Attendance Matters

Every day counts! We’re encouraging all students to make the most of Term 4 by attending every day and staying connected with their learning.

Daily attendance is important for all children and young people to succeed in education and to ensure they do not fall behind both socially and developmentally. 

School participation maximises life opportunities for children and young people by providing them with education and support networks. School helps people to develop important skills, knowledge and values that set them up for further learning and participation in their community.

Recording absences 

For absences, a parent must provide an explanation on each occasion to the school. Parents should notify the College of absences by:

• Adding the attendance record directly into Compass
• Phoning the Administration Office

Please reach out for further guidance if needed. We`re always happy to help.

College Uniform Expectations

As always, most of our students continue to wear the correct school uniform.

We kindly ask all families to ensure that students are in full school uniform each day. We are still completing large orders of uniform. If you need any support in sourcing uniform items, please don’t hesitate to contact Amy in the Year 8 Hub. 

Students who arrive at school out of uniform will be provided with the appropriate items and expected to wear them during the school day.

Thank you for your ongoing support.

For your reference, the uniform policy and price list are included below as well as examples of correct uniform.

Phones at School: What You Need to Know

In accordance with the Department of Education Mobile Phones Policy, students must not use their mobile phones at Bairnsdale Secondary College during school hours, including Break 1 and 2, unless an exemption has been granted by the Principal. 

Students may need to bring a personal mobile phone to school, for example if travelling independently to and from school. If students bring a mobile phone to school they must be switched off and stored securely in their locker all day, including Break 1 and 2. Mobile phones are considered valuable items and are brought to the school at the owner’s risk. 

For further information the BSC Mobile Phones Policy is located on the College website.