FROM THE DEPUTY PRINCIPAL - DEAN OF COLLEGE

KEEPING SAFE

From time to time, we are alerted to situations where students have felt unsafe when walking to and from the College or around surrounding neighbourhoods. Here are some simple suggestions to help you stay safe:

• Always travel with company.
• Walk on the right hand side of the road so you face oncoming traffic.
• Wherever possible, leave space between yourself and the roadway.
• Stay in areas that are well lit.
• Stay in view - avoid going into areas that are hidden from view (such as parkland bush or behind shopping centres) and plan trips to avoid such locations.
• Be alert - earphones and headphones can reduce your awareness considerably.
• If you have a mobile phone, have it turned on and ready to dial an emergency number.
• If a passing car stops nearby, never get too close.
• Do not hesitate to run from a situation in which you feel at risk.
• Provide this advice to brothers and sisters, especially if younger.
• Report suspicious behaviour to parents, school and the police (131 444), noting number plates of cars and/or clothing or distinguishing features of individuals.

PILLAR AWARD RECIPIENTS

Pillar Awards are considered to be amongst the most prestigious awards at the College. These awards recognise students who have shown great commitment, dedication and passion for one of our Four Pillars.

Often taking years to achieve the 100 points required, these students have made significant sacrifices and donated hours of time to develop both their own skills and talents, whilst enriching the life of the College.

Congratulations to the following students who were presented with a Pillar Award at last week's Whole School Assembly: 

SPIRITUAL

• Mikayla Smith (Year 12 Trinity, Wellbeing & Inclusion Captain)

ACADEMIC

• Luke Smelter (Year 9 Hannan)

CULTURAL

• Daniel Cicchini (Year 12 Kimberley)

SPORT

• Charlie Burke (Year 11 Thu Duc, 2023 Sport Captain)
• Daniel Vladich (Year 11 Kimberley)
• Abigail Norton (Year 11 Carden)
• Tilly Norton (Year 11 Trinity)
• Tyler Sear (Year 11 Carden)
• Dylan Maier (Year 11 Barlow)
• Shaun Ferris (Year 11 Trinity)

POSITIVE PARTNERSHIPS WITH PARENTS/CAREGIVERS

Over the last few weeks at Sacred Heart College, we have once again been reminded of the real value of having a supportive, well-informed community that wraps around our students to keep them safe and well, both on and off campus.

Last Thursday was R U OK? Day where our staff and Year 12 Captains raised awareness of the importance of checking in with friends and peers to see if they are okay. We know that regular conversations of this kind make it easier for young people to access the support they need when issues or difficulties arise. Building a resilient community ready to respond to mental health needs continues to be a priority on campus, so it was great to have the opportunity to get the message out there last week.

Last Friday, Paul Dillon from Drug and Alcohol Research and Training Australia (DARTA) presented to our Years 10, 11 and 12 students in separate presentations. These are designed to educate senior students of the risks and dangers of drugs and alcohol in a range of social situations. Additional fact sheets, resources and reading for parents can be found HERE.

Managing regular online behaviour issues will continue to be a challenge for both parents/caregivers and schools, while our students learn how to manage their online presence in respectful and appropriate ways. We know that online bullying and inappropriate requests to share intimate images is likely to feature at some stage in every young person’s time online. Having the skills and strategies to deal with difficult online issues in self-protective ways continues to be a crucial skillset for our young people and their parents/caregivers. The Office of the Commissioner for eSafety’s website is a great resource for families that features articles, fact sheets and videos that illustrate how we can actively protect our young people from the hidden dangers online, whilst also helping them to flourish and be responsible in this digital social space.

This coming week, Paul Litherland returns to the College to talk to our Year 9 and 10 studentsabout online safety. In the last five years of his career as a Police Officer in WA, Paul Litherland worked in the force’s Technology Crime Unit. While there, he became acutely aware of just how vulnerable kids were on the internet. He also felt frustration at the lack of legislation available to help fight internet crime, so he began conducting cyber safety presentations at schools. In 2014, he founded Surf Online Safe to educate teachers and families about internet awareness and safety.

Thank you, Sacred Heart parents/caregivers, for your ongoing support and willingness to step into this challenging digital space to guide our young people to keep themselves, and others, safe.

Good luck to all of our nominees!

Mrs Sandra Manning

Deputy Principal - Dean of College