The Fountain

From the Deputy Principal

A very warm welcome to all parents, carers and students as we commence our 2022 academic year. 

 

I would like to thank all families for ensuring that students have commenced the school year well prepared, fully equipped and ready to go. 

Communication channels 

As we commence the year, it is an important truism that there be a synergy between families and schools if young people are to hear consistent and strong messages.  

 

In doing so, the following communication channels will allow parents and carers to discuss a range of issues with the relevant teachers, leaders and directors across the College.

 

In the event of Student Wellbeing and Pastoral Care concerns, please contact your daughter’s class teacher (Junior School) or Homeroom teacher (Senior School).  

 

For learning concerns or issues, please contact the relevant subject teacher. 

College diaries 

The Year 3-12 students have received a copy of the St Mary's College Diary which provides a comprehensive overview of the College's guidelines, including buses and Transport - Code of Conduct. 

 

Students and parents and carers are to sign the relevant pages in the Junior and/or Senior Diaries by this Friday 11 February. 

Uniform 

At St Mary's College it is important for students to wear the correct uniform and wear it with pride. Wearing the uniform correctly reflects the spirit, unity and image of the College community. 

 

I would like to take this opportunity to remind students of the following uniform expectations: 

  • The blazer must be worn as part of the formal uniform to and from school.
  • Brown school shoes are to be worn with the formal uniform.
  • The PE uniform may be worn to school on PE days, or if the student has a Sports Pass, or when advised by the College. Track pants must be worn to and from school for students in Years 3-12.
  • Hair should be off the face and tied back if it is below the collar.
  • Hair should be a natural colour without fashion extremes.
  • Students may wear a simple watch and one pair of small plan metallic studs or small plain metallic sleeper earrings.
  • Makeup, nail polish, false nails and eyelashes are not to be worn.

Please refer to the Uniform Guidelines here for further details.

eSafety parent guide

Yesterday was Safer Internet Day, a day dedicated to promoting a safer online world. Raising awareness about online safety is an ongoing priority for educators. 

 

The eSafety website offers an extensive array of resources to help students to enjoy safe and positive experiences online. 

 

The eSafety Commissioner also provides a series of live webinars for parents and carers that explore the latest research. These webinars are a great way to learn how you can help your son and/or daughter develop the skills to be safer online. 

 

For more information visit the eSafety website here.

E-scooter safety

If students are planning on using the e-scooters that have populated the streets of Hobart during the past few months, it is important to note that: 

  • You need to be 16 years of age to use the Beam (purple) e-scooter.
  • You need to be 18 years of age to use the Neuron (orange) e-scooter.

Students need to park e-scooters appropriately on the footpath. 

 

While the e-scooters are designed to be as safe as possible, students are reminded to ride them responsibly; to wear a helmet and to follow all road rules, including speed limits. 

 

More information on e-scooters is available on the City of Hobart website here. 

Positive education: The Resilience Project

This year we are pleased to be introducing The Resilience Project’s online wellbeing curriculum in our classrooms. 

 

The Resilience Project delivers emotionally engaging programs and provides evidence-based, practical strategies to build resilience.

 

The digital program consists of online presentations and lessons for students, professional development for staff, and a video series for our parent and carer community. Over the coming weeks, we will be sharing the parent and carer program with you. 

 

The videos are five to 10 minutes long and will walk through the key pillars of resilience: Gratitude, Empathy and Mindfulness. You will hear stories and be introduced to activities to show how these strategies can support our students’ learning and development, and also support you as parents and carers. 

 

This program is an important part of the College’s effort to look after the mental health of our community.  We are grateful to the support provided by the Parents and Friends' Association.

 

View the first presentation of the series here: Part 1: Meet Martin and learn about The Resilience Project.

 

Throughout the year, we will share the program with parents and carers, including research and wellbeing activities to integrate into day-to-day life.

 

Caroline Wilson-Haffenden 

Deputy Principal