The Cheltonian

From the Principal

We have reached the end of a school year like no other (again).  Despite all of the many changes, our students and staff have persevered together and grown stronger as a result.  Teachers have been challenged to adapt to keep students engaged.  Support staff have all taken on additional roles and responsibilities to assist students with various parts of their day.  Students have also supported one another both socially and emotionally.  And parents and guardians have been there every step along the way to support their children and the College. 

 

It has definitely been a team approach that has allowed the school community to maintain focus during this challenging period. As we wind down the year, I would like to take this opportunity to wish our year 12 students a fond farewell and success as they embark on their next exciting journey. 

 

I would also like to acknowledge staff who will be leaving at the end of the school year.  I wish you all the best and thank you for the lasting impact you’ve had on the staff and students at Cheltenham Secondary College.  Please see the Staff Farewells and Welcomes page of this newsletter for the staff changes.

 

Uniform

Over the last few weeks, I have received a large number of phone calls regarding the school uniform, particularly the requirement for shoes. Given that many families will purchase new uniforms and over the break I felt it important to revisit why the uniform is important and why leather shoes and not runners. 

 

Here are just a few reasons why having a school uniform is important at Cheltenham Secondary College;

  • Uniforms give students a sense of belonging and enhance pride in their school. Wearing a uniform shows unity and identity. In much the same way that we wear the clothing of our favourite sporting teams, a uniform builds a sense of community.
  • Uniforms help students prepare for the workforce. Whether it’s wearing safety gear in a construction job or corporate wear in an office, most jobs require a standard of dress. Particularly in casual employment like McDonald's, KFC, Hungry Jacks, Bakers Delight etc.
  • Uniforms actually cost less than needing to cater for multiple outfits. It may seem that some individual uniform items are expensive but when compared to having a whole wardrobe of different outfits, the overall price is much cheaper. 
  • Uniforms reduce peer pressure and bullying. Our students come from a wide range of social-economic backgrounds. COVID has impacted greatly on communities with many families struggling to make ends meet. Students cannot be judged by their appearance because they are all wearing the same uniforms.

Our Uniform Policy is to ensure the best outcomes for all our students and the College, that is why the School Council (consisting of parents and community members) review this policy regularly. 

 

We know some students prefer wearing sports shoes over the wearing of black polishable/leather school shoes. Unfortunately, due to the safety requirements of some practical subjects such as; Science, Art, Technology and Home Economics (which all students study) we require all students to wear the black polishable/leather school shoes.

 

Refocusing 2022

While many things have ground to a halt during the past two years due to COVID-19, the College continued to focus on school-wide improvements to ensure the precondition for our future successes were in place. These preconditions include; a clear vision and direction, an improved focus on teaching (capacity building), high expectations for students and teachers, an orderly learning environment, an Instructional Model and a focus on what matters most to the students’. 

 

We want our students to graduate equipped for the challenges of life, the attributes to make positive contributions to the community. Students that recognise the importance of working together to create a healthy, supportive and inclusive environment. Working together we support our students to achieve their personal best, building resilience and celebrating their achievements. Collectively, we are an inclusive, dynamic and high achieving college. 

 

Cheltenham Community

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

We have been fortunate enough to receive some donations and gifts from our community.

 

I would like to thank and acknowledge;

- the Highett Sub Branch of the RSL for their donation of $500, which will go towards supporting students to access co-curricular programs, and

- Woolworths (Southland) and Industria Café (Moorabbin) for the kind donation of morning tea for our staff this term. 

 

I would like to thank our School Council members for their support and guidance and all our wonderful staff for their dedication and support provided to our students and families. 

 

I think we all deserve a break! 

 

Please enjoy the festive season and I hope you all get a chance to relax and spend time with family and friends. 

 

Kind regards

 

Karl Russell

Principal