Wellbeing 

Dear Parents and Guardians

Welcome back to Term 3!  As we come to the end of Week 2, I am pleased to say that the students have settled back into school life and have commenced the second half of the year well.  Over the break, hopefully they were able to reflect on their achievements in Semester 1 and now have clear goals and an understanding of what is required in Semester 2. 

PE Uniforms

In recent days it has come to our attention that a number of students are wearing their PE uniform on a semi-regular basis, and even when they do not have PE classes scheduled on the particular day.  The students are doing the right thing by bringing a note from home.  Whilst we certainly appreciate that the students and families are following the correct protocols with regards to the note, we do ask that the wearing of the PE uniform is reserved for days when a PE class is scheduled, or on the very rare occasion, where students are not able to wear their full school uniform for a legitimate reason.  I would rather not be in a position where a student is asked to return home because they are wearing the PE uniform regularly.  We do ask for parental support with this. 

Lost Student ID Card

A reminder that if a student loses their Student ID card, they can pick up a ‘New ID Card’ envelope outside student reception.  A new ID card costs $10, and can be paid for via credit card or with cash. Once details on the envelope are completed and the payment is made, the new ID card will be delivered within 10 days.  Please note that PTV is now part of the Student ID card.  Therefore, there is no need to fill out the PTV concession form for a new card.

Paul Dillon – Drugs and Alcohol Research Training Australia (DARTA)

Unfortunately, Paul’s office has informed us this week of his inability to attend the College to address the Year 10, 11 and 12 students as a result of a personal situation.  Paul has been a ‘regular’ at the College for a number of years and is an extremely knowledgeable and engaging presenter.  It was planned for him to speak to the students on the topics of Safe Partying and the dangers associated with taking drugs and alcohol.  Paul was also going to spend time focussing on the dangers of ‘vaping’.  Thank you to Ms Tanya Vajda for all of her work in initially organising Paul.  Ms Vajda has now been able to secure the services of Ms Sharon Torpey, who is the founder and director of Drug Education Australia who will deliver this very important information to our senior students.

Student-Parent-Teacher Conferences (SPT Conferences)

Just a reminder that as per the College Calendar, the first SPT Conference day for Semester 2 will be on Friday, 16 August from 8.30am – 4.00pm.  This day is a ‘Student Free Day’.  

The second of the SPT Conference sessions will be taking place on Tuesday, 20 August. On this day, classes will be concluding at 1.35pm with the Conferences being held from 4.00pm – 8.30pm.  All conferences will be online.  The booking portal for parents will opened at 9:00am on Monday, 5 August and will remain open until 9:00am on Wednesday, 14 August.  Further information will be posted on Compass next week.  Parents are encouraged to book a time to have a conversation with their daughter’s teachers and students are highly encouraged to be part of the conversations too. 

Further to this, please note that Wednesday, 21 August is a Student Free Day.  It is a ‘Time in Lieu’ day for teaching staff for the SPT Conferences.

Parents’ Association – Fathers’ Day Breakfast

Members of the Parents’ Association are in the process of organising the annual Fathers’ Day Breakfast.  

This is a wonderful morning where fathers and daughters can come together in a relaxed environment to have a cup of tea or coffee with a muffin or croissant, and just spend an hour or so relaxing and mingling with other parents.  The breakfast is scheduled to take place on Friday, 30 August from 7:00am – 8:30am in the Dillon Centre.  

We have also secured the services of a guest speaker, whose address will focus on the importance of a father figure in the lives of young women.  All families will receive an official invitation and details on how to book will be sent out next week.  We had a huge response to this event last year and are anticipating a similar turnout this year - capacity will be capped at 200 attendees.

Mercy Day BBQ Helpers – Friday, 13 September

All staff and students are very excited about celebrating Mercy Day this term and they have all been very busy filming skits and learning dance moves for the concert in the afternoon.  More information will be published about the day later in the term. 

However, for the moment I am asking for parent volunteers to come to the College and assist with the cooking of the BBQ on the day.  Volunteers need to be available from approximately 8.30am – 2.00pm.  Jobs on the day will include setting up BBQs, cooking hamburgers, sausages, chicken strips etc, keeping the food warm, assisting with serving and then assisting with cleaning up at the end.  No implements or experience required, just a current Working with Children Check (WWCC).  If you are able to lend a hand, can you please email me directly at Sam.DiCamillo@academy.vic.edu.au and in the email provide me with a copy of your WWCC certificate.  We are in need of at least 20 helpers. 

Thanking you in anticipation.

City of Yarra - Tuning in to Teens Parent Program - Term 3

The City of Yarra is excited to once again promote the Tuning in to Teens program for parents/carers of children aged 10-15 years.  This six session, interactive, small-group program will be held in Term 3 at Bargoonga Nganjin (North Fitzroy Library)  on Wednesday evenings from 6:00pm – 8:00pm commencing on 14 August.  The Program is a great opportunity to better understand and help your child as they navigate high school and adolescence.  The program helps you reflect on how you can strengthen your relationship with your child and build their emotional intelligence. 

To register, parents / guardians are asked to email Jennifer.Sells@cohealth.org.au or Mirella.Diorio@yarracity.vic.gov.au 

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