From the     

Principal

Schools spend a lot of time telling students that they can do better – in their schoolwork, behaviour, uniform, manners, punctuality and so on. We can nag a bit, albeit for a good cause. Therefore, without wanting to back down on any of that, but remembering that positive messages are more effective than negative ones, now that three weeks of term have passed, I have to say that there is much more to praise the boys for than of which to be critical.

At an immediate level I would like to acknowledge the boys for their positive, friendly, and energetic start to the year. The optimistic spirit around the place, from Kindergarten, Prep to Year 10 and the associated sense of purpose contributes to the kind of positive atmosphere where much can be achieved. No doubt this is now being tested for some boys as the reality of school demands sink in and work falls due. However, the trend is good, ranging from co‐curricular participation and uniform, to improved punctuality and involvement.  Our aim is to maintain this attitude and see that it translates into student success right through the year. Thank you to staff and parents for their contribution to the positive start to the year by our students.

Junior School Leaders Commissioning 

Congratulations to our Junior School Captains who were presented to the College community last Friday. It was wonderful to see the young men accept these positions of responsibility with enthusiasm, accepting the responsibility of taking a lead role in supporting our goals and aspirations at the Junior School. In particular, I thank Mrs Jo Messer, Head of Junior School and Ms Amelia Daun the Assistant Head of Junior School for their coordination of this event with the support of the ICT and Development Office which allowed family and friends to participate in this very important ceremony.   

Student Leave Outside of Vacation Period 

The College provides ample time for families to experience vacations during holiday periods. Parents accepted when they enrolled their son, the condition that regular attendance is an essential part of the education process. Such measures are put in place to protect the learning culture of the College and support each student's learning. Families who wish to take extended holidays need to apply for student leave and this will be considered for students in Years P-10 on a case-by-case basis. Please note that repeated annual applications will be rejected. 

Family holidays and travel are no longer considered under exemption procedures and travel outside of vacation period is now counted as an 'absence' for statistical purposes.

Requests for less than 10 days can be submitted to the Principal’s PA via the link below at least two weeks prior to the commencement of the leave. Requests for leave longer than 10 days need to be completed using the following link and must be submitted four weeks before the leave commences. Evidence of your itinerary and tickets must be submitted as part of this application. 

Application for Extended Leave from School - Family Travel 

https://forms.gle/LxhLvBpXrBEmyvbr7

If parents choose for students to take holidays without leave being granted this may result in the student receiving zero for any tests or exams held during their absence. Thank you for your support with this matter and prioritising the learning of your son. 

First XI Cricket 

Thank you to Mark Waddington and Bridget Jenkins for their support of Cricket Australia’s National Reconciliation Round. The barefoot ceremony and Acknowledgement to Country provided those present a clear sign of the College’s deep commitment to reconciliation and I thank our young men for their reverence during this ceremony. The game was played in good spirits and although Launceston Grammar was superior given their age and experience, I was most impressed with the resilience our young men have shown throughout the season and the way our older students have supported many younger students who have joined the team this year.  

COVID-19 Update 

I take this opportunity to thank parents for your efforts in minimising the spread of COVID-19 by ensuring that our COVID safe measures have been adhered to and practised. At the time of writing, we have had 23 positive cases across Prep to Year 10 and 19 close contacts. While it is likely that numbers will continue to grow, I am appreciative of the efforts of staff and students for doing their part in ensuring that our community adheres to our COVID safe measures, maintaining the safety and wellbeing of all in our College community. 

Best wishes for the week ahead. 

Jon