From the Deputy Principal, Secondary

From the Deputy Principal, Secondary

Year 12 Parent Information Evening

Thank you to our Year 12 parents for the attendance at our Year 12 Parent Information Evening. Important information pertaining to Year 12 was disseminated.  SACE, Formals, after parties, mental health and the Year 12 Retreat were discussed. For our senior parents who may be experiencing the challenge of teenagers who want to test boundaries, there are some exceptional fact sheets for parents available at: http://darta.net.au/factsheets/

Mental Health and Due Dates

A focus for 2019 will be on mental health. Our Prefect body will be driving this initiative. The sub- school assemblies for next week will be run by the Prefects and will have a mental health focus. This will be driven by our Prefects. One area that causes stress is due dates. Keeping organised, chunking assignments, asking teachers for help, collaborating with peers and having a balanced schedule for homework are crucial tools for ensuring work is done on time. Completing the task before the due date alleviates the build up of stress and provides an avenue for reflection and feedback before the final copy is submitted. At times some boys will struggle with completing work on time and we ask that students contact their teachers before the due date to discuss the situation. Sometimes parents may need to contact the school (usually the Home Group Teacher) to discuss issues that may be impacting learning, so appropriate action can be taken to ensure learning is accessible and successful.

Year 9 Camp

This week our Year 9 students ventured to Pt Elliot for their year level camp. The boys will enjoy water and team building activities. Despite the cooler weather, we trust the experience will be memorable. Camps are a great way to build mateship that will last a life time. Thanks to all the staff who attended the camp and to Mr Knowles for his organisation.

Lent

This week we began Lent with the celebration of Ash Wednesday. Lent provides us with a time to make a conscious effort to let go of the distractions in life. In 2019 the distractions have changed in appearance, but the essence has remained unchanged from Jesus’ time. Power, prestige and possessions are timeless distractions. Lent calls us to focus on helping others, giving up the excesses in our life and spending time in prayer and contemplation. Regardless of your religious background, these are qualities all our parents want of their children.

International Women's Day

Happy International Women’s Day!

Attached is the 2019 UN factsheet. The theme this year ‘More Powerful Together’ is summarised by Phumzile Mlambo-Ngcuka,

“The gender equality agenda has been led by the women’s movement for decades. We must and will continue our efforts. But this is not a one-sided task. We see the engagement of men and boys – the other half of humanity – as a game-changer in shifting power relations to end discrimination against women and achieve gender equality.” – PHUMZILE MLAMBO-NGCUKA, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, UN WOMEN

Mr David Ruggiero

DEPUTY PRINCIPAL, SECONDARY