From the Principal 

Our last Chatter for the term is filled with much celebration as we roll into our mid year break. As I reflect on the term I am filled with pride and admiration for how far each and every one of our students has come. We are working hard at strengthening our school culture, celebrating each others' success, harnessing student voice, supporting student wellbeing and overall working together as a team. All students deserve a pat on the back for their efforts this term.

NAIDOC Week

National NAIDOC Week celebrations occur in the first week of July each year (Sunday to Sunday), to celebrate and recognise the history, culture and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. NAIDOC Week is an opportunity for all Australians to learn about First Nations cultures and histories and participate in celebrations of the oldest, continuous living cultures on earth. This year we incorporated cultural activities within our Wellbeing and Cultural Awareness Day which all staff and students participated in.

Wellbeing and Cultural Awareness Day

On Wednesday our inaugural Wellbeing and Cultural Awareness Day was filled with workshops and presentations focussing on individual wellbeing and also cultural awareness and understanding. We have invested heavily in the wellbeing space as youth these days face social challenges and pressures that no other generation have experienced. It was heartening to see our students actively engage in the sessions and it is evident that young people are acutely aware that they must look after their own mental health just as much as they do their physical health. 

Ngyoongar Ballardong elder and Quairading local, Frank Davis provided us with an enlightening and entertaining welcome to country, capped off with an extraordinary digeridoo performance.  Frank spoke about the importance of culture, Aboriginal people's connection with country and some of the challenges both he and his people have faced over the years. Frank also facilitated small group workshops and kept the students entertained with his yarns while also sending some important messages regarding the importance of respect. More details about the day are in Wellbeing Coordinator, Paul Lock's section and I would like to thank and acknowledge Paul for all of his work in coordinating the overwhelmingly successful day.

Updates to College Guidelines & Vaping

Vaping continues to be a concern within society amongst young people. As we learn more about the addiction and harm associated with vaping, the more concerned I become about the short and long-term health implications. 

Our College Guidelines (page 43) have been updated regarding the consequences associated with vaping on school site along with referral processes to the Wheatbelt Quit Smoking Program. We continue to educate and encourage students to make responsible choices in this space.

I encourage all parents to continue having conversations with their child about vaping and the risks associated. Below is a Anti-Vaping Toolkit for Parents which will assist with having these conversations and learning more about this issue that is currently affecting our youth.

Farewell to Paul Beecham

As mentioned previously in the Chatter, Associate Principal Paul Beecham is returning to Perth at the end of this term. Paul has been a fantastic asset to our college over the last 3 terms and his commitment, care, energy and enthusiasm has had a profound impact on many. I'd like to thank Paul for his support and contribution to the college and wish him well as he returns to family and his role back in Perth.

Wishing all of our greater college community the very best for the holidays ahead. Stay safe and enjoy!