PRINCIPAL'S REPORT

Year 9 and 10 Review – have your say

At Surf Coast SC, we are committed to providing our students with the best possible education and preparing them for success in the senior school and beyond. As part of this commitment, we are conducting a review of the Year 9 and 10 programs to ensure that they are engaging, challenging, and prepare students well for the next stage of their academic journey.

We value your input and would like to invite you to participate in a survey to provide feedback on the current Year 9 and 10 programs. Your insights and opinions will help us identify areas for improvement and ensure that our programs meet the needs of our students.

The survey is only short and will take less than five minutes. Students in years 8 to 12 are also being surveyed to gather their opinions also. A Year 9 and 10 Review Working Party will be using this data to help inform the next steps of their planning.

Your participation in the survey is completely voluntary and anonymous. We encourage you to be as honest and constructive as possible, as your feedback will be instrumental in shaping the future of our Year 9 and 10 programs.

To participate in the survey, please click here for the YEAR 9 AND 10 REVIEW SURVEY

The survey will be available for two weeks from Monday February 27th and we appreciate your time and effort in completing it.

Use of Social Media

In today's digital age, social media has become an integral part of our lives. With the rise of smartphones and internet access, children are increasingly using social media platforms to connect with their peers and explore the world. While social media can be a useful tool for children to express themselves and learn new things, it is important for parents to monitor their child's social media use to ensure their safety and wellbeing.

The College has experienced an increase in reports from parents about concerning interactions that their child has had with other young people online. The most prevalent platform of concern is Snapchat. Most of these concerns are being expressed by parents of students in years 7 and 8, but children of any age need to be aware of the risks that come with online interactions.

The College has a well-planned cyber safety curriculum that is delivered as part of the SURF program of pastoral care in years 7 to 9 and during wellbeing days in years 10 to 12. Aspect of cyber safety are also addressed in the Respectful Relationships Curriculum.

We will however be bringing forward some opportunities for our young people to engage in cyber safety education for students in Year 7 through some presentations by our local police on March 1st.

We will also be hosting a session for parents to assist you to navigate these challenges with your children and will communicate this date and information to parents and carers via Compass once finalised.

As parents, it's important to recognize that social media can expose our children to a range of risks. From cyberbullying to online predators, social media platforms can be a breeding ground for harmful behaviour. Children can also be exposed to inappropriate content, which can have a negative impact on their mental and emotional health. Moreover, excessive use of social media can lead to addiction and affect their academic performance and social skills.

Our Health Promotion Nurse has also provided some advice and resources on how to support your child online in the wellbeing section of this newsletter.

Swimming Sports

We are thrilled to celebrate the recent success of our school's swimming sports event. Our students showed incredible sportsmanship and talent, and it was wonderful to see so many parents and carers also present to support their children and enjoy the day with us.

While the event was a great success, it's important to recognize that it wasn't just about winning or losing. Participating in extracurricular events like the swimming sports competition is about developing a sense of community and building important life skills.

Unfortunately, only 52% of our students were present on Monday for this great event despite the wonderful weather. Apart from swimming, we also have other activities available for students on the day that also accrue House points. This year we had an Uno Round Robin contest, some active games and a mindfulness colouring station.

Extracurricular activities provide a unique opportunity for students to explore their interests and passions outside the classroom. They allow students to develop new skills, build confidence, and gain valuable experience that can help them in their future careers and personal lives.

Moreover, extracurricular events like sports competitions provide an excellent opportunity for students to develop a sense of community and school spirit. Participating in events like these helps students feel connected to their school and peers, fostering a sense of belonging that is essential for their emotional wellbeing.

We encourage all our students to get involved in extracurricular activities, whether it's sports, music, drama, or any other activity that sparks their interest. These activities not only enrich their education but also help them develop important skills and a sense of community that will stay with them long after they leave school.

We hope to see all students present at the Athletics Carnival on Friday March 24th.

Have a wonderful week.

Erin Wright

College Principal