Principal's Report

Every student is responsible for making the choice to learn as much as possible every day. As students get older they have increased opportunities to show Responsibility. As I have been out in the yard and in classrooms this year I have been delighted by the work that I see most students doing every lesson, by applying their best efforts to their learning. This week we focussed on high expectations in this area. For the avoidance of doubt I wanted to share these expectations with you so that you had a clear understanding of what the students have heard about how they uphold our value of Responsibility, and so that you can have the information that you need when you are talking to your young people. Expectations for attendance: 

1.  Every student is required to attend, and do their best, in every class for the entire lesson, every day.
2. If a student needs to leave the classroom at any time, they are required to carry a note signed by their teacher. It is the student's responsibility to ensure that they are carrying a note.  
3. Students are responsible for bringing a drink bottle to class. Teachers do not permit students to leave the classroom to get a drink during learning time.
4. Toilets are a sensitive topic for many students and I expect staff to approach this with care and empathy. Ideally toilets are accessed at break times. During class time there is a supervised block of male and female toilets adjacent to the canteen, or the first aid toilet in the Administration building that should be accessed with a note from a teacher. 
5. When students are permitted to leave the classroom, this is one at a time, and they are expected to return as quickly as possible.
6. If students miss learning, from 5 minutes to longer periods of time, I expect that they will catch up on this missed work. 

I would like to take the opportunity to thank each of you in your support and partnership in teaching Responsibility to our kids. Every parent I have interacted with around issues of student choices in attendance has been nothing but supportive of our partnership. This is deeply felt and appreciated. Over the coming weeks you may notice some increased communication from me or my team around student attendance to classes as we strive to support all students to be in class every lesson. Please reach out to me or to my staff to talk more about this in relation to your young person.