Wellbeing 

Dear Parents/Guardians,

I hope this edition of the College News finds you all well. Please continue to read below with regards to some important Pastoral Care news as well as some significant College events (check Important Dates) that will be occurring in the not-too-distant future.

DARTA: Drugs and Alcohol Research and Training Australia 

As part of the College’s Extended Mentor Group Program, Paul Dillon from Drugs and Alcohol Research and Training Australia (DARTA) presented to all Year 10, 11 & 12 students on Wednesday of last week. Paul is an extremely knowledgeable and engaging presenter and he focussed on the topics of Safe Partying but also the dangers associated with the consumption of drugs and alcohol.  All presentations had a common theme but were also geared at each of the year levels with students at different stages of adolescence and development. Susan McLean is also a big supporter of Paul and often promotes his events. For those parents that have a Facebook account, I would highly recommend that you follow both Susan and Paul as they are a wealth of information and often provide excellent strategies for parents and schools. We are in the process of re-booking Paul for 2023 and also looking at having a Parent Information Session. 

During his presentation, Paul spent quite a bit of time focussing on the dangers and legalities of the ever-growing trend of ‘vaping’. In previous newsletters both this year and last year, I have provided information to parents about this very dangerous trend. This information has also been provided to students via a number of different mediums. Further to this educative approach, the College’s ‘zero tolerance' position on this activity has also been made very clear multiple times:

‘If any students are found, seen or reported to be vaping or in possession of vape paraphernalia, suspension from school will occur immediately and students will be asked to attend a ‘re-entry’ interview with their parents where we will determine whether or not they will be able to continue to be enrolled at the Academy.’

Hopefully, Paul’s message and the College’s message is loud and clear for all in our community, and we ask for total parent and guardian support with this matter.

Updated Policies

Melbourne Archdiocese Catholic Schools (MACS) have updated the STUDENT BEHAVIOUR MANAGEMENT POLICY (inclusive of Suspension, Negotiated Transfer & Expulsion)for all Catholic schools. We have had to contextualise these three policies from an Academy perspective, and they can now be found on the College parent portal.

Parents’ Association

Fathers’ Day Breakfast

Significant Person/Daughter Afternoon Tea   

Members of the Parents’ Association are in the process of organising two wonderful events; the annual Fathers’ Day Breakfast and the Significant Person/Daughter Afternoon Tea–previously known as the Mother/Daughter High Tea. Families are asked to add this date into their diaries and members of the Parents’ Association will be sending out further details in the coming weeks. 

For further details go to our COMMUNITY page

It would be wonderful to see as many families as possible support both of the above events.

Mercy Day BBQ Helpers: Friday 9 Sept

Preparations are well underway for this year’s celebration of Mercy Day. All staff and students are very excited about being able to celebrate this very special day in person again this year. More information will be published later this 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 7.30am – 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 WWCC. 

We are in need of at least 20 helpers. If you are able to lend a hand, can you please email me directly.  Thank you to those parents who have already indicated their availability to assist.

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