Faith and Wellbeing Assistant Principal's Report
Communication
As a community, communication is very important. Communication between students and teachers, communication between staff and communication between families and the College. Additionally, communication in the family is also critically important for family life. With the changing times and the development of technology, students have iPads and many have mobile phones. These devices can really assist with student learning and also with communication. When students are in class the focus is on learning and their digital devices must only be used as directed by the class teacher for the sole purpose of learning. While at recess and lunchtime, the desire is for face to face social time, digital devices must not be used on the yard at any time.
Over the last few years, we have noticed that many students at school have been contacting parents from their mobile phones, via text, email, or a phone call. Whilst we encourage students to communicate with their parents and families, when at school the policy is for phone calls to be made via the school office. If a student has reason to speak to their parents/guardian we ask them to come to the office or a staff member and ask to make that call. We ask parents to please support and work together with us. We will certainly be in contact with families if there is a serious incident or issues and will allow students to contact home if there is a genuine need.
Psychologist
As a community, communication is very important. Communication between students and teachers, communication between staff and communication between families and the College. Additionally, communication in the family is also critically important for family life. With the changing times and the development of technology, students have iPads and many have mobile phones. These devices can really assist with student learning and also with communication. When students are in class the focus is on learning and their digital devices must only be used as directed by the class teacher for the sole purpose of learning. While at recess and lunchtime, the desire is for face to face social time, digital devices must not be used on the yard at any time.
Over the last few years, we have noticed that many students at school have been contacting parents from their mobile phones, via text, email, or a phone call. Whilst we encourage students to communicate with their parents and families, when at school the policy is for phone calls to be made via the school office. If a student has reason to speak to their parents/guardian we ask them to come to the office or a staff member and ask to make that call. We ask parents to please support and work together with us. We will certainly be in contact with families if there is a serious incident or issues and will allow students to contact home if there is a genuine need.
Freeway
We have become aware of some students being dropped off for school at the exit ramp from the freeway at the rear of the school. The safety of our students is of upmost importance and we are concerned about students getting out of the car at this point. On occasions in the past Police have been present at this ramp and have fined parents who have dropped off students. For the safety of our children (and to save yourself a fine), please drop students at the school, or at an appropriate place where they can exit the car safely.
Staff Professional Development Day
On Tuesday 14 March 2017 staff participated in a full day of professional development focusing in School Wide Positive Behaviour Support. During this day the focus was on what behaviours we desire from our Nazarenes and what are the key expectations we have of them. The desire is to be more explicit in teaching our students what we desire in regards to behaviour. This positive behaviour framework will assist with our students work in classes and their learning outcomes and will be developed further throughout the year.
Leadership Day
On Friday 17 March 2017 the newly elected Year 7-11 House Leaders had a day of formation and planning with their Heads of House and also some time to look at dreams and plans for the future. This was a most successful day and we were struck by the quality of young people that attended. A part of the day was the students participating in the some of the activities the staff did on our Professional Development Day on 14 March 2017, as we looked at our expectations of behaviour within the College. It was great to see the unity of the staff and student ideas and we really do value their input and look forward to our Year 7-11 Leaders making a big impact on their school, along with the great impact our Year 12 Leaders have already made.
St Patrick's Mass
On Friday 17 March 2017 four of our students and two staff represented the College at the annual St Patrick’s Catholic Education Mass. This event celebrates Catholic Education and is attended by representative of schools from all across the Archdiocese of Melbourne who come together in union with our Archbishop Denis Hart around the altar of the Lord.
St. Vincent de Paul
On Thursday 16 March 2017 Nazareth hosted a training day for Mini Vinnies groups in our neighbouring primary schools. At this day the students start to work together and plan for the focus for their service in the community for this year. It was a most successful day led by Ms Douglass our St Vincent de Paul Co-ordinator.
Year 7 Camp
A reminder to Year 7 Parents that the camp is fast approaching, starting Tuesday 28 March and finishing on the last day of Term Friday 31 March 2017.
Happy Easter and Term 2
As our Term races rapidly to the end, we come towards the most sacred time of the year for Christians with Holy Week and the great Easter Tridium. At school we will have student liturgies prior to Easter to focus on the Holy Thursday and Good Friday and in week one of Term 2 we will focus on the resurrection. We pray for a most Holy, Easter for you and your families. May we all come to know more deeply the love God has for us, made manifest in Jesus.
A reminder that classes for Term 2 commence on Tuesday 18 April 2017 and that Tuesday 25 April 2017 is also a public holiday for Anzac Day.
Justin Duckett
Assistant Principal - Faith and Wellbeing
WellBeing Matters
OUR FOCUS VIRTUE – CHARITY
In this time of Lent, we are asked to focus on this important virtue. Charity is the theological virtue by which we love God above all things for his own sake, and our neighbour as ourselves for the love of God.
When we hear the word "charity" we think of love towards our neighbour, love made visible as in service. We hear the word every day; we use it and we may also practise it in different forms. But what does charity really mean?
It is pure joy of giving, which includes much more than material things. This ‘givingness’ can have many faces, like in a warm smile to strangers, a personal thank-you-letter, an encouraging hug, an unexpected phone call, a thoughtful word of appreciation, a bonding with a person in grief, a prayer for the healing of others, a heartfelt forgiving when you are wronged.
When we give of ourselves and experience the joy of helping others, we come to a greater appreciation on life’s and purpose. Charity, in all its various forms, is a connector and healer. It offers the greatest of gifts - connectedness to others, self-esteem and positive worth.
May you all enjoy the blessings of this Easter season.
Jackie Kol
On behalf of the Wellbeing Team