Assistant Principal News
Welcome back to 2022!
We are very excited to welcome all of our students back to another action packed year. Our focus will continue to be on the key elements of our College Mission: Faith, Care , Learning, Service and Stewardship and we will encourage our students to actively express their faith through their daily actions and interactions.
A number of activities have already commenced to assist with the transition into new year groups, as we are aware that a change in subjects, classes and staff can make the beginning of the new school year a slightly daunting experience. The year 7 students undertook their Community day today and it was fantastic to see the enthusiasm and excitement of all of the students and their Homeroom teachers. They confidently engaged in their first Peer Support session, as part of the day, and I am sure that they will continue to enjoy these sessions throughout the term with our Year 10 students.
Previously, students in Year 9 and 10 have been permitted to have their mobile phones in class and break times as long as they adhere to a Code of Conduct. However, after a trial change to the Mobile Phone policy in Yr 7 and 8 in 2021, and the positive feedback this trial received, we have now extended the mobile phone policy to the whole junior school. While we are aware that most students in Years 7-10 will have phones in their bags, we do not expect to see them being used in class or at recess and lunchtime. This will allow students to focus on their learning and appropriate social interactions. If students do not adhere to these new procedures their phones will be removed for the lesson or the remainder of the school day and parents contacted.
A reminder also that students who are eligible to drive are asked to collect a Permission to Drive form from the office and return it asap. Those that return the form will be allocated a Driving Permit that they will need to display on the dash of their car. In order to park in our Student car park all cars must have a permit on display, if the permit is not present students will be asked to remove their cars from the College site.
Our Stage 6 students (Year 11 and 12) have settled into their learning well in the opening two weeks. This year, to optimise learning students will only have ONE sign out period every two weeks. This occurs Thursday Week A Period 5. During this time students that do not have an allocated Extension class may sign out through the office or the Library.
Finally, please ensure that your children adhere to the COVID instructions communicated by the College. All students must wear masks in all indoor settings (including bus transport) and students must be symptom free to attend school. Using RAT tests to ensure that students are free of COVID is also encouraged, as this will assist with the health and safety of all at the College. Having conversations with your children regarding these expectations and respect for others ‘space’ is also important. We understand that mask wearing and social distancing is difficult and not ideal, however it is important that we all exercise compassion and respect to ensure that we are supporting each other through this difficult time.
We look forward to all of the exciting things that Term 1 has to offer.
Yours in Learning.
Lora Segrave
Assistant Principal