Deputy Principal Staff and Students Report

GRATITUDE

During the last weeks I have seen significant improvements and turn around from a few students who this time last year were finding school very challenging and we were discussing if this is the correct school for you. The effort to make positive change has been fantastic to witness and I am very grateful for these students for their positive contribution to our community.

On Friday night, we celebrated the Principal’s Dinner for staff. This wonderful evening, along with the support so many staff show each day for colleagues (when they have challenging personal or family situations) has really touched my heart and moves me to be very grateful for the wonderful people I am blessed to work with each day and the wonderful students we are blessed to serve.

CHILD SAFETY

Our Child Safety Team meets fortnightly to review and discuss the implementation of the Child Safe Standards, address any emerging child safety concerns, and identify opportunities for continuous improvement as we work through each standard. These meetings provide an important forum for collaboration, reflection, and strengthening our child-safe practices across the school.

The team has contributed a number of valuable recommendations, including enhancing student supervision at sports carnivals, trialling an anaphylaxis response drill to ensure our procedures can be effectively implemented in practice, improving visibility when working with students in the Health Centre and ensuring two health staff members are available when hosting SIS sporting events. In addition, team members support the school by facilitating professional learning opportunities for staff in this crucial area of child safety.

The Child Safety Team also provides a space to raise and discuss any current child safety concerns or issues, ensuring they are addressed promptly and appropriately.

I am extremely grateful to the dedicated staff who generously volunteer their time to support this important work: Melanie S, Gabriella Spano, Jackie Kol, Olivia Giblin, Francesca Conte, and Casey Cilia.

Please do not hesitate to contact any member of the Child Safety Team if you would like to discuss a child safety matter or have any concerns. Together, we are committed to maintaining a safe, supportive, and inclusive environment for all students.

ST VINCENT DE PAUL

Our College has a 50 strong student St Vincent de Paul College Conference. This Friday we have comfy clothes day as a fundraiser to support the work of St Vincent de Paul in looking after the homeless. On Friday evening we also host the Winter Sleep Out. Both events aim to raise awareness as well as funds for St Vincent de Paul society. We encourage all families to get behind this very good cause.

NAZARETH DAY

Looking ahead, the college will celebrate the Nazareth Mass at 10.00am on Monday 7 September. Family members are most welcome to join us. We also have Nazareth Day on Thursday 10 September where we cease classes for the day and have activities, an assembly and a talent quest to celebrate our wonderful community. This is always a highlight of the college each year and there will be more details sent soon.

LOOKING AHEAD

As we move into the second half of the term this week, we encourage all students to be reflecting on the goals they have set themselves and working toward achieving them. A reminder that you are always welcome to talk with a Teacher, Pastoral Teacher or a Head of House who would be very happy to support you as you reflect on your goals.

Please do not hesitate to contact the college if we can support in any way.

God Bless

Mr Justin Duckett

Deputy Principal Staff & Students