7–8 Campus News

Every Minute Matters

As we move through the second half of Term 2, I continue to be impressed by the way our students have embraced the opportunities available to them. Whether in the classroom, on the sporting field, in performances, on excursions, or in leadership activities, our young people continue to represent the College with pride. It has been a busy and productive term, and I would like to thank our staff and families for their support in creating a positive and successful learning environment for all students.

While there is much to celebrate, it is also important that we continue to focus on the foundations that underpin student success: attendance, punctuality and engagement in learning.

Regular attendance is one of the strongest predictors of student success. If your child has missed more than 10 days of school this year, they are on track to be classified as chronically absent. At this point in the year, that equates to more than 3,000 minutes of lost learning time.

Attendance is not only about being present each day, but it is also about arriving on time. As the year has progressed, we have noticed some students becoming less punctual. While a few minutes here and there may seem insignificant, they quickly add up. In fact, being just 10 minutes late each day adds up to almost seven full days of lost learning across a school year. When combined with absences, the impact on student progress can be significant.

We have also seen an increase in the number of students attending First Aid during class time. Student health and well-being will always remain a priority, and we encourage students to seek support whenever it is genuinely needed. At the same time, we are working with students to make thoughtful decisions about when support is required immediately and when a concern may be managed during recess, lunch or another suitable break. This helps ensure that students receive the care they need while also maximising valuable learning time in the classroom.

At our College, we believe that young people thrive when they are provided with clear boundaries, consistent expectations and strong support. We know that learning flourishes in calm, orderly and purposeful classrooms, which is why we place such a strong emphasis on consistent classroom routines and positive learning behaviours.

International research highlights why this work is so important. OECD data show that Australian classrooms experience higher levels of disruption than many comparable education systems, with a significant proportion of students reporting that noise and disorder regularly impact learning. At our College, we are committed to providing something different. We want every classroom to be a place where students can focus, engage and achieve success without unnecessary distractions.

Whether it is arriving on time, wearing the College uniform with pride, being prepared to learn, following classroom routines, or treating others with respect, these expectations are designed to maximise learning time and create an environment where every student can succeed. While each expectation may seem small in isolation, together they help create a culture where students feel a sense of belonging, take pride in their community and are ready to learn.

Our approach is built on a simple belief: high expectations matched with high support. We endeavour to teach our young people the value of responsibility, respect and self-discipline through clear boundaries and consistent routines. Expectations around attendance, punctuality, uniform and behaviour are not ends in themselves; they are the everyday habits that help students develop character, resilience and the skills they will need beyond school. At the same time, we are committed to providing the support, encouragement and guidance students need to meet these expectations successfully.

The strength of any school lies in the partnership between students, staff and families. We are incredibly grateful for the support of our College community in reinforcing these expectations and values. The consistency students experience between home and school plays a vital role in helping them develop the habits, resilience and responsibility needed for success.

As we head towards the end of the term, I encourage all students to finish strongly by attending every day, arriving on time, wearing their uniform with pride and making the most of every learning opportunity. Thank you for your continued partnership and support as we work together to ensure every student can thrive.

Every day matters. Every lesson matters. Every minute matters.

Cody Gunn

7–8 Campus Principal