Director of Student Wellbeing

Drug Education Network (DEN) 

This Week our Year 9, 10 and 11 students participated in workshops facilitated by the Drug Education Network (DEN). The DEN’s vision is to keep communities free from the harms of drugs. Their purpose is to prevent and reduce harm from drugs through leadership and education. The workshops focused on wellbeing through prevention and education. They were highly engaging and interactive for students and we thank Rob for visiting the College.

Distressing Online Content 

With the unfolding situation in Israel and Gaza the eSafety Commissioner has warned of potential disturbing content that may be circulating on social media regarding this matter. Parents are encouraged to check-in with young people and monitor their online usage. Please see below a supporting Fact Sheet outlining the steps to follow if you or your child see distressing content online.

Optus Digital Thumbprint 

Earlier in the Year Optus Digital Thumbprint presented workshops to all students on how to safeguard themselves online. Digital Thumbprint supports young people to participate safely online, with the tools they need for positive, responsible and authentic experiences. They are endorsed by the eSafety Commissioner as a Trusted eSafety Provider. 

Digital Thumbprint has now developed a range of resources to support families in staying safe online. The guides on digital health and wellbeing topics support healthy family conversations, such as:

• Safeguard your child’s privacy on popular apps and games
• Blocking unwanted contact for your child
• Balancing time online
• Cyberbullying: What to say when things go wrong online
• Recognising hackers, scammers & fake friends
• Stay ahead of scams through family discussions

Parents can access the resources here: https://www.digitalthumbprint.com.au/parent-resources/.

Upcoming SPEAK UP! Stay ChatTY Visits 

In Week 4 Year 9 students will participate in the SPEAK UP! Stay ChatTYSchools’ Program. Mitch McPherson, an Old Boy of the College established the organisation in 2013 after his younger brother Ty died by suicide. Now, Mitch shares his story, and Stay ChatTY works in schools, sporting clubs and workplaces across Tasmania to promote positive mental health messages.

The Schools Program workshop is grounded in evidence and is aligned with the Australia secondary school curriculum. The Schools Program aims to:

• demonstrate the importance of resilience and sharing emotions;
• increase the understanding of where to find help at school and out in the community; and
• encourage young people to think about how to look after their own mental wellbeing.

Below are the days each Learning Group will be participating in the program.

• Tuesday 7 November: 9A & 9B
• Wednesday 8 November: 9C & 9D
• Thursday 9 November: 9E & 9F 

Uniform Reminders 

As Virgilians we belong to a connected community. Our uniform and appearance is an outward sign of our belonging to this community and should be represented with pride. Students are reminded of the below uniform expectations: 

• Blazers are to be worn to and from school with formal uniform
• Black leather lace up shoes are to be worn with the formal uniform not black sandshoes. 
• Spray jackets and polar-fleeces are sport uniform items and should not be worn with formal uniform
• White socks only are to be worn with sport uniform, not black or any other colour variety.
• Students are permitted to wear watches but no other jewelry is to be worn such as necklaces, rings, bracelets and earrings.

As it is Term 4 students are very familiar with these expectations. Moving forward students will not be provided with a warning for uniform infringements and will be required to wear formal uniform for a week. Organisation and accountability are important skill sets to develop. Parent/Guardian support is appreciated with this matter as we prepare students for future workplace expectations.