Assistant Principal -
Wellbeing
Mrs Mellissa Bell
Term 2 is rolling forward and each and every day we are busy in and out of classrooms, building understanding of the world around us and learning new skills. This term I have found myself spending time in our stage 4 classrooms and working closely with students. This has allowed me the time and opportunity to watch teachers and students in action, doing the real core work of schools. As I move around the school, students are asking questions, researching for new knowledge and building connections.
Student safety and wellbeing is always a concern for all of us here at the college and I would appeal to students and their families to help us in these aspects. Since the beginning of term we have asked students to be in correct uniform and footwear. As previously stated in numerous communications, students are not able to engage in learning in technology and science practical lessons if they do not have appropriate footwear. School shoes must be leather, we do not permit the wearing of skate style shoes. Vans are not considered appropriate footwear for PE practical lessons. These expectations, or rules if you prefer, are in place to ensure the safety of our students from injury. They are not unique to this school. Sports uniform is only to be worn on the days in which your child has a PE practical lesson. This is clearly indicated on their timetable by the word OVAL. Our teachers are increasingly frustrated at the number of students who are choosing to wear grey hoodies to school, Doc Marten boots, Canterbury branded shorts and track pants. We find ourselves talking to students each and every day on this matter. We thank you in advance for ensuring your child is ready for learning each day by being in the correct uniform and having the necessary equipment (pens, charged device, calculator etc).
This week we had a professional learning session with a focus on attendance. Did you know that 90% attendance is still considered a potential risk to poor academic and life outcomes. 90% equates to one day a fortnight off from school. This quickly adds up to many weeks of missed learning opportunities over the course of the year. This year we have put a spotlight on attendance and are regularly having conversations with students about the importance of being at school and in the classroom. And if you must be absent, then it is the students responsibility to complete the missed work that is posted on Compass by the classroom teacher. WE are currently working with some students and their families to create plans with a focus on achievable goals around getting to school and getting into the classroom. The best and most positive learning experiences for the majority of students is in the school, and in the classroom. If you need support or are looking for resources around school refusal please check out the following links:
Department of Education NSW - School refusal information for parents
One ongoing struggle is the use of social media (both during the school day and outside of school) and the impact that this has on students. We have spent many hours in the past three weeks reporting a variety of accounts on a range of platforms that have used our college name or logo and have targeted some of our students. The creation of such accounts is concerning as are the comments left by our students aimed at their peers. Unkind words, threats and appealing language all posted
on a platform aimed at creating hatred or humiliation. I would encourage anyone who becomes aware of such accounts or finds themselves named on such accounts to report it as soon as possible. Report to the platform (TikTok, Instagram etc) AND to the e-Safety Commissioner website (https://www.esafety.gov.au/). Seek support from the police if there is a pattern or threats made. Take screen shots as well and save these so as to be able to share if requested by the body you report to. Inappropriate online behaviour includes posting photos of any kind without consent, making threats, bullying and harassment, creating accounts in other people’s names and so on. There are a range of support agencies if you or your child needs support such as:
TechReport 2023 - https://techreport.com/statistics/cyberbullying-statistics/
Our House captains have spent time encouraging all students to get involved in today’s Athletic Carnival. They have run House Meetings, created war chants, organised costumes and a breakfast BBQ. I am sure today will be one of great fun and hopefully records will be broken. Stay tuned to find out who gets to take home the Cup. Winning House to be announced next week after all the events are Our House captains have spent time encouraging all students to get involved in today’s Athletic Carnival. They have run House Meetings, created war chants, organised costumes and a breakfast BBQ. I am sure today will be one of great fun and hopefully records will be broken. Stay tuned to find out who gets to take home the Cup. Winning House to be announced next week after all the events are held.
(Go Ursula!)
And let the fun BEGIN!
Warm Regards,
Mrs Mellissa Bell
Assistant Principal Wellbeing