STRONG MINDS, 

GENTLE HEARTS

As students head towards the end of term and they begin their exams, it is timely to remind them and you, their parents or carers, of the support that can be accessed if and when it is needed. Central to the Marist charism are the words of Marcellin Champagnat "for those of greatest need".  

Support is provided through a sense of collaboration between staff, students and parents, underpinned by clear pastoral care and behaviour management structures based on the Marist charism. Support is provided through key personnel including: 

• Homeroom teachers 
• Classroom teachers 
• Heads of year 
• College counsellors 
• Deputy Principal 

Heads of year create supportive professional relationships with students to identify, monitor and regularly touch base with students at risk. Our college counsellors can also be accessed, as necessary. It is vital that students do not feel alone in their studies. The highs and lows that can be experienced, not just during exam time, but at any point throughout their learning, can be emotionally draining. I hope by reminding everyone of the support on offer, we can work together to end the term on a positive note. 

Collecting your son after school 

Quite often boys are left waiting either in the College grounds or outside the school until 5pm or later.  Please note that supervision is provided on Scott Street until 3:45pm. After 3:20pm, the College grounds become the boarders backyard, and there is no supervision of day students. Therefore, day students are encouraged to study in the Gildas Centre until 4:45pm on Monday to Thursday or wait to be picked up in the Scott Street zone. Please arrange for your sons to be picked up or met by 3:45pm if they do not have school commitments beyond that time. 

Thank you for continuing to adhere to the following requests in relation to the stop drop go zone which make dropping off and picking up your sons safer: 

• Continue moving forward in the zone.
• When the zone is full opt for the right-turn loop into Draper, Spence, Severin and Scott streets. 
• Keep the signed area between the bus zone and stop drop go zone clear.
• Don't enter the bus zone. 

Or alternatively:

• Pick up your son 10-15 minutes after the bell.  
• Pick up your son from Barlow Park. 

PLEASE NOTE: THAT THE STOP DROP GO ZONE IS CLOSED ON WEDNESDAYS UNTIL 2:40PM TO ALLOW SPORT BUSES TO SAFELY RETURN OUR STUDENTS AND STAFF TO THE COLLEGE.