Welcome Back – So nice to see you all

With first term beginning on Wednesday 2 February, it has been so nice to see all of the students return and settle into the routine of school again – even if it is somewhat different to normal.

Different as it has been for the last couple of years we continue to make adjustments in this COVID world in which we are now adapting to again.

Over the last couple of years, we have learned to be adaptable and flexible as things change and, most likely, they will continue to do so.

At present, we are unable to hold activities such as assemblies in the manner we have in the past but we have still found ways to do manage, with our Opening School Mass being an example of this.

We are pleased with the way students have settled back into school and we particularly welcome the Year 7’s as they begin the transition into high school.

We have endeavoured to put structures in place to support all students in their return to onsite learning in 2022.

Role of the Homeroom Teacher

At the staff Professional Learning Days at the beginning of the year a strong emphasis was placed on the importance of the role of our Homeroom/Mentor teachers especially as our students return for 2022 after two years of significant adjustment to our COVID world.

We see this year as one of consolidation and of rebuilding relationships that have been significantly disrupted with lockdowns and the return to remote learning that occurred over 2020/2021.

We want to ensure that the Homeroom/Mentor teacher is the "go to" person that you speak to if you have any concerns related to your child's wellbeing or their learning.

Year Level Leaders are also here to support but the time that has been allocated to the Homeroom/Mentor role demonstrates our commitment to how important we see this role.

On Monday 7 February, all families had the opportunity in our Information Evenings to engage with the staff who are responsible for your daughter and start to build that very important relationship with you as a family.

Mrs Jennifer Stafford, the Director of Students, and myself are here to support all staff and all students in building positive relationships and developing a wellbeing and learning program that enhances the GROWTH for all members of our community.

In the last couple of years we have completed significant work in reviewing our wellbeing programs and look forward to redefining what this looks like and how it is intrinsically linked to our learning and teaching programs.

We look forward to keeping you up to date with this work over the course of 2022.

Uniform Updates

Due to the restrictions that exist at the moment our onsite uniform shop is unable to operate during school hours and all families are encouraged to source items for the Noone shop in Hoppers Crossing.

We are unsure when this situation will change and the onsite shop will reopen.

In the meantime, it is pleasing to say that we have had a number of students who have taken up the offer of wearing the school pants and emblemed shirt as the alternative to the summer dress. These pants were introduced in 2020 for the first time.

The pants/shirt combination looks very smart, and the girls who have taken up the option have commented on how comfortable and cool the pants are.

We also remind our Year 11 cohort that they have now moved to a red jumper and that the blue jumper is only for students from Years 7-10.

Mobile Phone Reminders to families

As we return to the school we remind our community of the changes that we made to the use of mobile phones at the beginning of 2020 that continue to be part of our Mobile Phone Policy for 2022.

From the time students enter the school grounds until the end of the school day mobile devices need to be locked away in lockers and not visible.If they are seen and/or are being used they will be confiscated.

If a student has their device removed for the first time, they will be able to collect it at the end of the day from student reception where they will sign for collection of the device.

If a student has their device removed for the second time, they will be able to collect it at the end of the day from student reception where they will sign for the collection of the device and they will be given a 30 minute restorative conversation regarding why they were using their mobile device.

On the third occasion that they have their device removed, the device will be returned only to a parent or emergency contact and a conversation will take place with the family. Students will also be issued with a 60 minute restorative conversation regarding why they are using their mobile device.

A letter will be sent to all families outlining this process.

We will keep you informed of how this process is working in coming editions of the Marian and we look forward to the week when we have no need to confiscate any devices.

Leadership Process Update

At the end of February, we have our annual Investiture Assembly where we present all of our elected student leaders for 2022 with their leadership badges.

At the end of last year, we elected our Lamp Bearers, Student Representative Council and our House Captains for Years 8-12.

Over the coming weeks the new Year 7 cohort will elect their leaders and all of the Homeroom groups and Senior part of the school will elect their Student Participation Group members as well as the leaders of our many co-curricular groups such as Science Club and Library Monitors.

We look forward to informing our community of all student leaders in the Marian News after the Investiture Assembly.

Wellbeing Tip for Everyone

Life is always challenging but never more so than in the last two years with all that we as a community have been through.

With this in mind we encourage all members of our community – staff, students and families to look after their wellbeing and ensure that they find some time in the hustle and bustle of life to do something that rejuvenates them and gives them life. It may be a walk with the dog, seeing family or reading a book. Whatever it may be try to find the time to take care of yourself, otherwise we struggle to take care of others.

Stay Safe

Kerrie Williams

Assistant to the Principal - Student Wellbeing

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