REMINDER: MONDAY 4TH NOVEMBER IS A PUPIL FREE DAY (EXCEPT FOR VCE EXAMS)

As our Class of 2024 reach the end of their secondary schooling, I would like to take a moment to reflect on the remarkable journey of our Year 12 students. Last week, they celebrated their final day of school with a wonderful mix of respect and joy. It was heartwarming to see them come together for a memorable send-off, culminating in a countdown to their last end-of-day bell after 13 years of dedication and hard work. This moment not only marked the conclusion of their high school experience but also highlighted the strong sense of community that defines our school.

This Tuesday, our Year 12 students began their exam period with an impressive 100% attendance at the VCE English exam. This commitment is a testament to their determination and resilience, and I am incredibly proud of each one of them. As they continue their exams, I wish them all the best. I am confident that they will approach the remaining assessments with the same focus they have demonstrated throughout the year.

Additionally, I would like to extend my congratulations to our Vocational Major students, who are diligently finalizing their assessments and attendance hours. Your hard work and commitment have not gone unnoticed, and I am excited to see you will achieve your VCE/VM certificates.

Traffic issues

A reminder to all parents that the front driveway IS NOT TO BE USED for student drop off or pickup between 8.00 am and 9.30 am, or 2.00 pm and 3.30 pm.

The combination of cars, buses and pedestrians is potentially lethal. The exception to this is parents accessing the disabled parking spots.

TRIGGER WARNING: HARM TO ANIMAL

I would also like to remind parents to drive slowly in the carpark. On Tuesday night our resident echnida was hit by a car going too quickly in our car park, and unfortunately it had to be euthanised due to internal injuries. We are fortunate to have a lot of wildlife in our beautiful grounds, and we need to act to protect them as well as our students and other pedestrians.

Issues at St Helena Marketplace

I want to take a moment to address some important matters that have arisen recently. Last week, I communicated with parents and students regarding the behavior of a large group of students at the St Helena Woolworths after school. In response, our principal class has been actively monitoring the situation, ensuring that students are moving on promptly and making responsible choices.

Disappointingly, Woolworths have informed us of students emptying packets of chips and lollies on the floor, taking bites out of donuts and discarding them, rudeness to staff and shoplifting. We have encouraged them to call the police in future.

One trend we’ve noticed is the significant amount of sugary junk food being purchased by students after school, including chips, lollies, energy drinks, and flavoured milks. Additionally, many students who are dropped off at school or arrive via bus in the morning have been heading to the marketplace before school and returning with similar items. While we understand that treats can be tempting, these choices are not conducive to maintaining concentration in the classroom. I encourage all students to make healthier food choices that support their learning and well-being.

PLEASE NOTE ENERGY DRINKS ARE NOT PERMITTED AT SCHOOL.

Young brains should not be subjected to the volume of caffeine/sugar in these drinks.

Energy drinks have been known to dehydrate your body, especially if used while exercising. High levels of sugar and caffeine may produce symptoms including irritability, anxiety, sleeplessness, and nausea severe enough to require hospitalization.

For young people already dealing with anxiety, these drinks only exacerbate the symptoms.

Uniform

We have a small but determined cohort of students who persist in wearing alternative tracksuit pants to the St Helena branded ones. Our uniform has a variety of items for students to wear, and Bob Stewart's Uniform Supplier will work with any student and family who have genuine issues with a particular fabric or fit. The meaning of "uniform" is "the same" and the uniform policy will be enforced. If we allow students to wear their own variations of the uniform, not only does it make a mockery of the policy, it gives the message that rules are optional.

Persistent uniform policy offenders will be withdrawn from the yard at recess and lunchtime if they are not wearing the correct uniform.

Please contact your child's Minischool Principal for assistance if there are financial barriers to wearing the correct uniform, or if you would like to discuss a sensitivity or allergy issue with the fabrics available.

Young Leaders

On a more positive note, I had the pleasure of interviewing candidates for the College Captain 2025 roles last week. I was truly impressed by the calibre of these young leaders. This Tuesday, the shortlisted candidates were put to a student vote, each presenting a video statement outlining their vision for our school and what they would bring to the captaincy. The thoughtful and confident speeches delivered by all candidates showcased their commitment to our school community, and I am confident that any one of them would excel in the role.

VET Cookery excels

I would also like to congratulate our VET Cookery students who recently prepared a silver service dinner for their families. Although I was unable to attend due to a prior commitment, the photographs and the delightful leftovers in the staffroom certainly reflect the high quality of their work. Thanks to Breda O'Donovan and Natalie Hosking for facilitating this event and supporting the students.

A show to be proud of

A special congratulations is in order for all students whose work was featured in our annual Art and Technology exhibition last week. The official opening was a resounding success, with parents, students, and staff all impressed by the exceptional quality of work on display. Thank you to our dedicated art and technology teachers for their unwavering support in guiding students to achieve excellence.

Music Concert date change

Please note a change in the date for our annual Music Concert, which will now take place on November 14th instead of November 12th.

State Athletics

Congratulations to all our students who "dared to be excellent" and made it to the State competition - an incredible achievement in itself.

Javelin/Vanessa Smith : 1st place

High Jump/Marcus Turco : 6th place

100m sprint/ Sam Reeve: 6th place

Shot Put/Axel Dawson : 5th place (Personal Best)

High Jump/ Toby Hamilton- 1st place (Personal Best & State Record)

High Jump/ Tara Smith: 4th place

Discus/Tara Smith 1st Place

400m /Sam Reeve: 2nd

Javelin/ Tara Smith 2nd place

1500m /Nicholas Tompkins 7th place

Well done to all, and I hope you enjoyed the competition.

World Teachers' Day

Last Friday, we held a morning tea to celebrate World Teachers’ Day. While this gesture may seem tokenistic, I want to take this opportunity to recognise the incredible hard work of our professional teaching team. Teaching involves wearing many hats and navigating the fast pace and demands of each school day. The impact of their dedication is often felt long after students leave our school, even if it remains unseen in the moment.

Student Achievement

Finally, I am excited to announce that Zane Corrigan has been selected to attend the National Youth Science Forum (NYSF) Year 12 Program in 2025, thanks to the generous support of the Rotary Club of Eltham, which will cover the full program fee of $2,900. This program offers students a comprehensive understanding of STEM opportunities, including tours of scientific facilities, engaging with industry partners, and networking with like-minded peers from across Australia.

Support Daniel Pilkington raising funds for Cancer research

To honour his father, friends and favourite Minecraft YouTuber - some of whom are survivors, some who have sadly passed away - Daniel Pilkington (Yr12) has shaved off ALL his beautiful long hair to fundraise for the Cancer Council, and donated the hair for wig-making.

If you'd like to support his endeavour the link is: https://fundraising.cancervic.org.au/fun.../danielpilkington

Thank you for your continued support as we move into the second half of Term 4 together. Let’s stay focused on our goals and strive for excellence.

From the Principal 2024

Term 4 Weeks 3 & 4 · 31 Oct 2024

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