Clyde North Campus News

Welcome Back

Term Three is now in full swing with several great activities already taking place and many more planned for the weeks ahead.

Last Friday Year 8 students took part in a very special presentation from Action Education, Backflips Against Bullying. This unique presentation uses parkour and acrobatics to deliver critical messages about:

• Power dynamics and resilience
• Cyber bullying
• Physical, verbal, and social harassment including targeted and repeated harassment
• Rumours
• Real world consequences
• Practical resilience tools
• Reflection and where to get help

The Backflips Against Bullying Program is evidence-based, and supported by Evelyn M Field OEM, respected psychologist and author of the Australian schools handbook to anti-bullying ‘Bully Blocking’. In addition to this, Backflips Against Bullying is a registered Trusted E-Safety Provider with the Australian Government.

From all reports the students thoroughly enjoyed the presentation, commenting that the parkour and acrobatics made the messages clear and more relevant to their age group. We will continue to provide all year levels with skills and knowledge on how to deal with, stand up to and get help with any aspect of bullying. 

UNDERSTANDING ADOLESCENCE

As we move into the second half of the year, parents and guardians may start to notice some slight changes in their Year 7, 8 and even Year 9 child. Changes such as a shift in their teen’s thinking, a lack of verbal communication, wanting more privacy, and even mood swings; do not panic because for most of our children the cause is adolescence. As parents and guardians, we need to trust that we know our children best, but as they start to move through the adolescent years, every parent/guardian could use some support and advice. So why not turn to our Positive Parenting series from School TV. Remember this is a free evidence-based program tackling the hard, difficult, and awkward topics and conversations that parents and adolescents need to have. This week I highlight the series on understanding adolescence, please follow the link, or visit your parent portal on SPACE or the icon on College’s website homepage. If you have not already engaged with School TV please try it as there are many topics and special programs to keep parents, guardians and caregivers up to date with all the trends and issues facing our young people today. 

Research shows, that one of the most important protective factors in the lives of young people, is a close relationship with a supportive adult. With the mental health of today’s young people being at an all-time low, it is simply not enough to parent effectively. Parents need to familiarise themselves with practical skills, knowledge and strategies when it comes to raising children. During adolescence, a child's brain can be considered as being “under-construction”. The rate at which this progresses will vary depending on the individual and also their gender. As a result, some parents may view adolescence as stressful or difficult. However, it does not need to be. Setting boundaries, implementing consistent monitoring and maintaining a strong and loving connection will help families adjust during this time.

It is also an important time to keep the communication lines open through clear and age appropriate conversations. Speak openly about changes that they are experiencing and be conscious of their mental health as many of the conditions people confront in adulthood, can begin to manifest in adolescence.

In this edition of SchoolTV, adult carers can learn how to guide and best support their young person as they transition through adolescence.

We hope you take time to reflect on the information offered in this edition of SchoolTV and we always welcome your feedback. If you have any concerns about your child, please contact the school counsellor for further information or seek medical or professional help.

Here is the link to the Understanding Adolescence edition of SchoolTV

https://stpeters.vic.schooltv.me/newsletter/understanding-adolescence

2023 – is just around the corner.

Over the next two weeks, the House Leaders, Curriculum team, our Careers, VCE and VCAL experts will meet with all Year 9 and 10 students and their parents via Zoom to support the selection of subjects and pathways for 2023. This is a wonderful opportunity for students and parents to consolidate knowledge and ask critical questions about future studies and career pathways.

The zoom invitation and information has been sent, so please check and if you have not received this information notify the office.

Some reminders to ensure the great beginning to the term continues.

Uniform – Parents/guardians please support the school by ensuring your child comes to school in the correct uniform or with an appropriate note from yourself. The weather is cold, and we encourage students to layer clothing underneath their uniform and wear the blazer to keep warm.

Lateness – Students must be on time for school, that is be at school by 8:45am ready to start Tutor group at 8:50am. 

Pick up and drop off – Parents/guardians and caregivers are not permitted to drive on to school grounds during the morning and afternoon drop off and pickup. This is a child safety issue and your support is critical.

Wishing you a safe and productive week. 

Julie Banda

Deputy Principal - Head of Clyde North Campus

Year 9 XSPAND Program

As the end of Term Two drew near, and winter made it increasingly difficult to slide out from under our covers each morning, the students of our Year 9 XSPAND program began working on ways to make The City of Casey so liveable that getting amongst the community trumped even the cosiest of beds. 

Each semester, the Year 9 students at the Clyde North campus participate in inquiry-based projects based on real world issues. This year, the problem posed related to liveability—and, more specifically, to ensuring that The City of Casey was somewhere that people could live locally by having access to life’s necessities and comforts within their council area. Students needed to work collaboratively and think critically about the city in order to come up with some creative solutions to present to a variety of community stakeholders during the exciting final stage of the project—the student showcase.

On the final day of term, the Francis building’s collaborative space was transformed into an exhibition centre, wherein students worked together like a well-oiled machine to deliver some truly inspired pitches to other students, staff, and our special guests: Special Guests from both the Council and Parliament. Needless to say, there was an air of excitement as people perused prototypes and presented pitches that culminated in the presentation of several awards based on the criteria of practicality, ingenuity and design—with some students tapped on the shoulder and encouraged to email their ideas to the city planners.

All-in-all, it was a terrifically fun and educational event for everyone involved, with one of our award winning students summarising their experience as follows:

"Throughout the course of this inquiry, we formed into groups to tackle a growing problem of Casey - what can we do to improve the livability of the City of Casey? We went through multiple processes to prepare for our final pitch, with masterclasses on the issue and prototyping our solution. With all this going on, it allowed us to develop our collaboration and critical thinking skills working in groups and participating in a group-based project. This is so much different from a 'project style work', as we are guided through structured planning - especially as we are required to depend on ourselves to be able to work together collaboratively and produce a prototype to pitch to the City of Casey Council. It was such an enjoyable experience which allowed me to release my inner creativity!" 

-Vichit Kan Vong