Wellbeing 

Dear Parents/Guardians,

As we reach the end of another meaningful semester, it's an ideal time to acknowledge the remarkable journey your daughters have undertaken so far this year.  Undoubtedly there have been highs and lows and peaks and troughs throughout the course of the semester.  Along with many stories and experiences of success, triumph and growth, this term has also presented challenges for many – from tackling demanding coursework and assessments to navigating social dynamics and friendships, and perhaps even managing the increasingly demanding balance of life outside of school.

Overseeing the pastoral care of your daughters at the College and through the vast array of daily observations and interactions that I have with staff, students and parents, it is obvious that many of our students have discovered new aspects of themselves this semester.  Whether it was developing confidence in public speaking, showing compassion by supporting peers through difficulties, welcoming new students and families into our Academy community, organising and participating in activities that build a sense of connection and belonging or even demonstrating persistence in subjects that initially felt daunting, these moments of personal growth deserve recognition as significant milestones in their development.

The upcoming holidays present a wonderful opportunity for your daughters to recharge and reconnect with what matters most.  We encourage you to view this time not merely as a break from academics and school life, but as a chance to nurture their overall wellbeing as a family.

Simple routines can make a profound difference in how refreshed students feel returning to school. Maintaining consistent sleep patterns helps their developing minds process and consolidate learning, monitoring social media usage, minimising screen time and encouraging regular physical activity supports both their physical health and emotional balance.

Most importantly, the quality time spent together as a family, away from academic pressures, hopefully allows your daughters to return with renewed perspective and motivation.

As we all look toward the new semester together, I ask that you consider discussing small, achievable changes that might enhance your daughter’s growth and daily experience. This could involve creating an organised study environment, exploring new interests that spark enthusiasm, or even establishing simple routines that help manage stress.

Seeking support is a sign of strength, not weakness.  Whether your daughter is struggling with academic pressures, social challenges, or personal concerns, please remember that the Academy staff are always available to assist both you and your daughters in navigating any challenges that may arise. 

Your daughter’s wellbeing matters, and every step you assist her to take to nurture it creates the strongest foundation for her continued growth and success.

Uniform

While most of the students have been wearing the winter uniform correctly over the course of this term, there are still a few students who need to address the following:

• Jewellery – no ankle bracelets, wrist bracelets, inappropriate and/or multiple earrings (one earring in each lobe of the ear is permitted) necklaces, nose rings, etc.
• Shoulder length hair or longer should be tied up at all times;
• No extreme hair styles or colours;
• Skirts should be at mid-knee length or longer; 
• Fitted pants are not to be rolled up;
• Top shirt buttons buttoned up;
• Tie not worn at ‘half-mast’;
• No make-up;
• No eye lash extensions; and
• No fake nails

I would ask you to encourage your daughters to ensure their uniform always looks its best, including whilst they are travelling to and from school.  I would also encourage your daughters to use the holidays to address any items of uniform that may not be up to standard.  Students will continue to receive infringements and detentions when their uniform does not meet the Academy standards and I would prefer not to go down the path of sending students home if they are continually out of uniform.  Your support with this matter is much appreciated. 

Attendance

We have been in touch with a number of students and their parents over the course of this semester where we have some concerns about their daughter’s attendance at the College, or the regularity of them arriving late.  Regular attendance at school is crucial for several reasons which have been outlined below:

• Attending school regularly ensures that students do not miss out on the building blocks of a good education.  Consistent attendance allows students to stay engaged with the curriculum and build a strong foundation of knowledge.  Regular participation in class also enables students to interact with teachers and their peers, ask questions, and seek clarification, all of which contribute to better academic performance.
• Learning is a cumulative process, and missing school disrupts the continuity of learning.  When students are absent or late, they may miss key concepts or skills that are built upon in subsequent lessons.  Regular attendance helps students maintain a consistent learning pace and ensures that they are equipped with the necessary knowledge and skills to progress effectively from week to week.
• School is not just about academics; it also provides a crucial environment for social interaction and the development of social skills.  Regular attendance allows students to establish relationships with their peers, engage in group activities, and participate in discussions and collaborative tasks.  These interactions foster teamwork, communication, empathy, and other vital skills that are essential for personal growth and success in the future.
• Crucially too, regular attendance at school also cultivates discipline and responsibility in students. It teaches them the importance of being punctual, adhering to timetables, and fulfilling commitments.  By attending school consistently, students develop habits that contribute to their overall work ethic, which can positively impact their future endeavours, such as tertiary education or employment.
• At the Academy, we provide various resources and support systems for students.  Regular attendance ensures that students have access to these resources and can take full advantage of the educational and extra-curricular opportunities available to them.  Additionally, our teachers and support staff can provide the best individualised support and guidance to students when they attend regularly.
• Attendance is often a factor used in evaluating students' performance and progress.  Regular attendance allows teachers to assess students' understanding, provide feedback and identify areas where additional support may be needed.  It also helps Mentor Group teachers and Wellbeing Leaders to monitor students' overall engagement and well-being, enabling them to intervene if any concerns arise.

Regular attendance does set the foundation for lifelong learning and personal growth and therefore we ask parents to ensure that students attend school, in a timely manner as close to 100% of the time as possible.  Please do not hesitate to refer to the ‘Attendance and Late Process’ Policy published at the beginning of Term 2 if further clarification is required.

I wish all students and families a very happy Term 2 break.  For those lucky enough to be escaping the freezing conditions in Victoria enjoy your time away.  For those who are remaining in Melbourne, rug up and experience what this beautiful city has to offer.  Most of all, regardless of what you are doing and where you are going, remain safe and we look forward to seeing you all back at Academy at the beginning of Term 3.

As always, please remember never hesitate to be in touch should you have any queries or concerns.

Mr Sam Di Camillo

Deputy Principal - Wellbeing & Operations