Principal's Report
Dear Families,
It is the mid way mark of the academic year. Students at the College have either finished their first semester at CRC Sydenham or are heading into their final semester at school. The upcoming non tuition period is a time to take stock and for families to have the conversation about the second half of the year.
The second semester provides new opportunities. These may be to
- continue with the consistent hard work, dedication and commitment shown in the first half of the year resulting in pleasing grades or;
- resolve to start afresh with a renewed approach that will see improved results leading to improved outcomes.
If the conversation in your family is tending to be more about the need for a renewed approach then it is important that measures are put in place to support this occurring. Students will not improve if there is not a change in behaviour, attitude and often routine. The questions around why the outcomes were not as positive as expected should be asked and answered so that practical strategies can be developed. What will change in order to see the second semester results change?
Are out of school commitments such as sport, social activities, par time work or family taking up too much time and not leaving enough for the required study? Is there a quiet place conducive to study available at home? Is there a study timetable in place that the entire family has access to and supports? There are many factors that can be addressed to change the outcome in the second half of the year but do not expect a change in results if there is no change in behaviour outside of school.
Students will soon receive their Semester 2 timetables. The College operates a semesterised timetable and as such there may be some changes to class configurations and teaching staff, particularly at Year 11 so as to accommodate the subject requests of students. For those who plan to undertake further study when they finish Year 12, this is the norm. Students should anticipate changes as we move into Semester 2.
FUNDING
Families will have read a great deal about the Federal Government’s funding to Catholic education in recent weeks. Executive Director Stephen Elder and Catholic Education Melbourne have been working tirelessly to ensure Catholic schools do not experience an unfair reduction in funding. You will find the information included in this issue for your reference.
LEGAL MATTERS
I take the responsibility I have as Principal for the duty of care to those who work and study at the College seriously. The staff and students who come to the College to teach and to learn each day must be able to do so knowing that they will be safe.
In recent weeks, I have been made aware of students who are enrolled at the College being charged with serious criminal offences. Some of these offences are allegedly of a violent nature. As soon as I become aware of such circumstances, it is our custom and practice to suspend without prejudice pending the outcome of any legal proceedings. The presumption of innocence is afforded to all under our legal system and as such, if found to be not guilty, the individual is welcome to return to the College to take up their education once more. However, given the responsibility I have to this community, if I cannot be assured in writing by authorities that any person charged with a criminal offence will not pose a risk to the wellbeing or safety of those on site at the College then it is impossible for me to permit that individual to return to the College at that time.
Those who make a choice to engage in such activities outside of the College should not believe that this will have no impact on their education. Quite the contrary. This community cannot condone nor sanction any such alleged behaviour nor will I knowingly place the good people of this community at risk by allowing those charged with any such criminal offence to remain as a member of this community where they may pose a risk to any other person.
Brendan J Watson OAM
Principal