Positive Climate for Learning Update
LUNCHTIME ACTIVITIES
Over this term our year level teams are running regular lunchtime activities with their cohorts, which have been well-received by students and staff. Activities to date have included Epping’s Got Talent, student/staff dodgeball, and a UNO tournament, amongst many others. We look forward to many more as the term continues, and hope to also attain some photos from these for assemblies and end-of-year celebrations.
Congratulations to our year level teams for organising, and our students for their very enthusiastic participation.
MERIT SYSTEM
You may have been made aware, via XUNO, that Epping Secondary College has revamped and recommenced its merit system, in acknowledging students for following and displaying our school values – Respect, Resilience and Care.
If you receive a notification that your student has received a merit acknowledgment, please take the time to discuss and celebrate their achievement.
UNIFORM REVIEW, UPDATES & REMINDERS
A full and detailed review of our school uniform is nearing completion, with School Council awaiting examples of a new long-sleeved pullover option for students and a redesign of the school’s every day and sport short-sleeved polos prior to proceeding with any changes.
Over coming weeks students across all year levels will vote on pants and shorts options to ensure they are wearing what they are comfortable in.
As this review occurs, please be aware of the following:
- Epping Secondary College’s current school uniform policy and requirements remain in place. All students must be in full uniform;
- From the beginning of 2023 students are permitted to wear the PE uniform to, from and all day at school on the days they have timetabled PE classes;
- Please note – if a student attends school in PE uniform on a day when PE is not scheduled on their timetable, this will be deemed as being out-of-uniform and policies and processes regarding this will be followed;
- Students are responsible for ensuring they know their timetables.
- The white short-sleeved polo shirt that is presently part of the school’s uniform is available for all students to wear.
STUDENT CODE OF BEHAVIOUR
Epping Secondary College’s new Student Code of Behaviour was endorsed by School Council on December 5, 2022. The Student Code of Behaviour has been designed to support a positive climate to learning, transparency regarding school expectations and consequences and consistency across the school. Families are encouraged to read through this, with their children.
Major changes were:
- There will no longer be short reflections for students from classrooms. Students will be given opportunities by classroom teachers to ensure their behaviour choices do not lead to a classroom exit;
- Any exit from a classroom will be for the remainder of the lesson, and will result in an after-school detention;
- The school now holds Friday afternoon Principal detentions, as appropriate and necessary in supporting a positive climate for learning.
Further details of these, and other, procedures and policies can be viewed in the Student Code of Behaviour.
In supporting this, the school has ensured maximum visibility around the school of the following, with reinforcement occurring through regular student assemblies
- Diversity & Inclusion Poster – utilised to ensure a clear understanding of acceptance and respect;
- SWPBS Matrix – utilised to ensure our new school values of Respect, Resilience and Care are upheld;
- Behaviour Flowchart – utilised to compliment the school’s Values and Code and Behaviour.
Annette Spence
Assistant Principal - Positive Climate for Learning