SECONDARY NEWS
From the Assistant Principal
Miss Kim Bailey
kbailey@arm.catholic.edu.au
Welcome to 2024
Welcome back to all students and staff. A special welcome to Miss Kristina Majetic, joining us this year to teach Religious Education and PDHPE, and Mr Jack Jeffery, who will teach HSIE.
We also welcome Mrs Watchirs, who will continue in her role as Secondary Literacy Coach, as well as rejoining the English Faculty. Mr White also joins our full-time teaching staff this year in the area of Technology, and Mrs Dolbel joins the Secondary in the Creative Arts Faculty.
Year 7 students appeared to enjoy their first week in Secondary. Over the coming weeks, they will encounter many new experiences, building on the positive transition activities that were held last year.
It has been very pleasing to note the efforts that most students have made regarding school uniforms, and it is important that this effort is maintained as the year progresses. Students are reminded to protect themselves from the sun with hats and sunscreen as the weather continues to be very warm. School hats are available at the Uniform Shop.
By now all students should have their timetables and information about any other requirements. Students should ask Pastoral Care teachers if more details are required. Book packs for Year 7 and Year 8 students have been selling well, and there are still some available at the Canteen. Mrs Adams also has books, calculators and other equipment that can be purchased by students in Years 9 and 10.
The start of the new school year is always busy, and for some students, there may be circumstances causing anxiety. By working together in partnership with the school, most difficulties or worries can be resolved promptly. Please contact me at school if there are issues of concern.
Pastoral Care Teachers
Year 7:
7E - Mr Peter Ehsman
7J – Mr Jack Jeffery
7K - Miss Kristina Majetic
7M – Mrs Veronica McCormick
Year 8:
8G - Mr Anthony Gaias
8M - Mrs Christine McLachlan
8T - Mrs Kathy Townsend
8W - Mr Sam White
Year 9:
9C – Miss Claudia Cush
9E - Mrs Angela East
9U - Mr Uebergang
Year 10:
10B - Miss Kim Bailey
10K - Mr David Koch
Students and parents are encouraged to approach the relevant Pastoral Care teacher if they need assistance.
Stage Leaders
Stage 4 - Mr Anthony Gaias
Stage 5 - Mrs Angela East
7 - 10 Staff Email Addresses
Miss Kim Bailey
Miss Claudia Cush
Mrs Claudia Dolbel
Mrs Angela East
Mr Peter Ehsman
Mr Anthony Gaias
Miss Alana Goldman
Mrs Mary-Jane Guest
Mrs Malynda Hiscock
Mr Jack Jeffery
Mr David Koch
Miss Kristina Majetic
Mrs Veronica McCormick
Mrs Christine McLachlan
cmclachlan@arm.catholic.edu.au
Mr Matthew Pye
Mrs Jane Taylor
Mrs Katherine Townsend
Mr Blake Uebergang
Mrs Carrie Watchirs
Mr Sam White
Staff can be contacted directly using the email address above or via the Compass portal.
Living Well, Learning Well
Student Wellbeing
Check In Tuesday with the Pulse Wellbeing App
Pulse is a tool for measuring the week-to-week wellbeing and engagement of all our students. It tracks the wellbeing of an individual so that the school can respond if needed. It also tracks engagement with the school so we can make changes if necessary. There is more information in the attached flyer.
Students will check in each Tuesday during Pastoral Care.
Rules for Living
Secondary students will continue to be reminded about the importance of following our Rules for Living in their daily interactions with all members of our school community. We encourage all families to also be familiar with these so conversations at home can support those had at school.
Reflection Sheets will be used in Secondary this year for students who are unable to follow our expectations for safe and productive behaviours and for those who continue to interrupt the learning of their classmates or the work of the teacher. Depending on the nature of the incidents and their persistence, these reflection sheets may be sent home for families to sign. We thank you in advance for your support to ensure that our school is a place where all students can feel safe, valued, respected and cared for in an environment where learning is prioritised and valued.
Ready2Learn
Pastoral Care teachers will be checking in with the students in their class each morning to ensure that they are Ready2Learn. All students have received the information below and were encouraged to show their families and discuss how to be Ready2Learn each day. Pastoral Care teachers will be able to help students start the day in a positive way. Please ask your child about this and support them to be Ready2Learn.
Students are being asked to ensure that they understand these elements and have all their equipment and uniforms by the start of Week 6. The infographic also outlines what to do if there is a problem with doing this and who you can go to for assistance.
Device Policy
Students are not permitted to use their devices unless instructed by a teacher. This includes both the classroom and the playground. The students are aware of this policy and receive constant reminders in Pastoral Care, their teaching classes and there are also many posters displayed all around the school.
If a student needs to use their device, they must first seek permission from a teacher and use it in an area designated by the teacher. This is usually under their direct supervision or outside the Secondary staffroom.
If students are unable to follow this policy, then their phone is confiscated and placed securely in Miss Bailey's office, where it is collected by the student at the end of the school day.
Teachers record each time a device has been confiscated. After the device has been confiscated for a second time, the device remains at school until it can be collected by a parent/carer.
Uniform
Conversations were held last year with SRC members, parents and staff and as a result, there have been some changes to the presentation expectations for students.
Uniform is a part of being Ready2Learn and staff are happy to assist if required. It is expected that all students will have made themselves and their families aware of the changes and any issues will be sorted out by the beginning of Week 6.
Presentation Requirements - Secondary
Hair
Haircuts should be neat and of natural colour. Unacceptable styles include but are not limited to motifs cut into the hair, dreadlocks, cuts under Number 2 blades, rat tails and unnatural colours. Hair that is shoulder length or long enough should be tied back for safety reasons. Hair accessories such as ribbons, scrunchies, headbands, etc. should be discreet and in the school colours of blue or white.
Jewellery
Should be kept to a minimum
Unadorned plain stud earrings - no more than 3 per ear.
A discrete nose piercing - stud only, rings not permitted.
A simple chain such as a sacramental crucifix worn under the uniform
One bangle/bracelet/ring/watch
Other visible body piercings or tattoos are not permitted.
For safety reasons, students may be asked to remove jewellery for physical education and other practical activities; therefore, it should be kept to a minimum and preferably not worn on sports days.
Nails/Makeup
Makeup should be minimal and natural only.
Nails should be short and natural polish only (this also includes artificial nails).
Shoes
All students are required to wear enclosed black leather or strong vinyl school shoes. Shoes should have substantial soles (i.e., a thumb tack would not cause injury to the wearer). Shoes should have laces or a buckle or a similar mechanism. Riding boot-style black boots are acceptable in the early years. High-top shoes are not acceptable. Slip-on shoes such as ballet flats and canvas shoes are not acceptable. On sports days, students are required to wear supportive sports shoes. They should have laces or a similar mechanism.
Socks
Plain grey and plain white ankle socks (no logos or motifs) are acceptable except on formal school occasions, such as school representation and school photos.
Uniform is monitored regularly by class teachers, Pastoral Care teachers and the Leadership Team. A dated note from families is required if a student is not in the correct uniform advising when the uniform will be able to be rectified. This is to be given to the Pastoral Care teacher (Secondary) in the morning.
Where the school is able to assist, we will endeavour to help the student correct the uniform, e.g., provide an elastic hair band, provide a container for excess jewellery, and give a spare school outerwear garment.
Consistent infringement or major breaches will result in families being contacted and students may:
- Be asked to work from home until the issue has been rectified; students may return as soon as it is rectified
- Have privileges removed
- Be unable to represent the school or attend school events
The school will endeavour to work with families to keep the standard for uniform and presentation high.
Please contact Mrs Rainger if you have financial difficulties in relation to the uniform.
Induction Mass
On Friday, Year 10 SRC, House Captains and Vinnies Executive will be inducted at our school mass in the Hall at 9.15 am. We look forward to having parents and family members join us to celebrate this significant occasion for the school community. Morning tea for the leaders and their families will be held at the Church at the conclusion of mass.
2024 Year 10 Student Leaders
Year 10 SRC
The members of the SRC for 2024 are Hannah Bourke, Jessica Hill, Eliza McNamara, Elkie Sargeant, Griffin Sanderson, George Taylor, Thomas Taylor and Colby Walker.
School Captains:
Jessica Hill and Griffin Sanderson
House Captains
Johns: Sam Tindall & Lidiya Varghese
Leos: Matty Mowle & Georgia Wilson
Marks: April Neppl & Macie Masterson
Pauls: Miles Doman & Kobie Cox
Junior Conference of St Vincent de Paul
Last Friday the Holy Trinity chapter of the Junior Conference of St Vincent de Paul voted for their 2024 Executive.
Congratulations to the following students: Mollie McCudden, Maryann Otieno and Rhiannah Toledo.
Thank you for your willingness to accept these important positions of responsibility and leadership in our school community.
Year 7 - 9 SRC Representatives
Last week, students voted in class elections, and the Student Representative Council is now finalised for Semester 1, 2024. Student representatives in Years 7 and 8 will serve until the end of this semester. New elections will be held at the beginning of Semester 2, enabling another group of students the chance to develop their leadership skills. Year 9 representatives will retain their position on the SRC for the entire year.
Student representatives are:
Year 9: Aksel Hutchings, Sophie Lutvey, Matilda Robinson-Farago & Cooper Wilson
Year 8 Semester 1: Kobe Butcher, Ryan Grant & Georgia McMahon
Year 7 Semester 2: Julian Collins & Dominic Kenny
Congratulations to all students who have been elected to the SRC.
Good luck...
Good luck to the Holy Trinity Show Team who are attending the Glen Innes Show this weeken