Welcome to Term 2.

The first day of term was a pupil free day. Our staff worked together to revisit our positive school culture expectations and how we apply these consistently across all teachers and education support staff. We are also required by the Education Department to undertake annual Child Safety and Excursion and Camp planning training, which we completed in the session after lunch.

When students returned to school on the Wednesday, our College Captains ran Anzac Day Commemorative Ceremonies in the Agora. Years 7-9 and then Years 10-12 heard from our Captains on the importance of Anzac Day in showing gratitude for all members of the armed services in all the conflicts in which Australia has been involved. Our guest - a Vietnam war veteran, spoke passionately about the sacrifices made by many servicemen and women, and also by those who protect us in peacetime such as paramedics, police and firefighters. His key message was that WHAT the Anzac soldiers did is not what we commemorate, it is the WAY they did it - by looking after each other, showing bravery, and showing honour. His concluding message for our young people is that we need, as human beings, to do all we can to avoid war. Our students were incredibly respectful, and you could hear a pin drop during the readings and the minute's silence. I was very proud of our Captains and our students.

Our College Captains and members of the St Helena Interact Club represented the College by laying wreaths at Montmorency and Eltham Anzac Day ceremonies.

Last night I was honoured to attend the Eltham Rotary Club's Annual Youth Night with members of the St Helena Interact Club and staff members Caitlin Fecondo and Brett Linsell. Brett holds the Youth portfolio in the Eltham Rotary Club and runs our Interact Club here at St Helena. Our Interact leaders spoke to the audience about the achievements of the Club and their future plans. They were impressive speakers, and I look forward to seeing what they achieve this year.

Covid cases on the rise

We are seeing an increase of Covid cases in the College at the moment. This most recent strain seems to be particularly nasty, with most cases being bedridden for a number of days. It was described by one staff member as "a cross between gastro and the flu".

Apart from the obvious potential repercussions for vulnerable people, this is not a nice or benign illness. It results in a number of lost work/school days, so we don't want it spread around the College.

The flu, and the respiratory illness known as RSV are also in circulation. Please keep your child home if they are unwell. If they have a SAC (VCE), they will need a certificate but this can be obtained from an online doctor, or a pharmacist, if you are unable to see your GP.

The current protocol for confirmed Covid cases is to stay away from school for 5 days or until symptoms are resolved.

RATs and Masks

We have plenty of these. Many of the RATs will expire later this year and will go to landfill if they're not used. If you would like any, please just call into the General Office and we are more than happy to load you up!

Frankenstein

Our 2023 play promises to be a wonderful performance. Tickets are on sale now for performances on 11/5, 12/5 and a matinee and evening performance on 13/5. Buy your tickets here: https://www.trybooking.com/events/landing?eid=1041235&fbclid=PAAaZ3msfZpKEDd_zQo7q-2paessj2y-0UWRl_GkorHS-yagejnahKm7H4Bg

Congratulations

Congratulations to our State Swimming team who competed on Friday. We are so proud of you all! Special mention to our 20 girls relay team who came second and Darcee who came second in her individual breaststroke! We also thank Tahlia Mclaren for her contributions to the St Helena swim over her years at St Helena!

Free Parent Webinar: How to Motivate Your Child

Dear Parents,

RE: Upcoming webinar for parents – How to Help Get (& Keep!) Your Child Motivated

We’re excited to announce that on Wednesday May 10th, Elevate Education will be hosting its first free webinar of the term for parents.

Elevate Education works with our students, delivering high impact workshops on study skills, motivation, wellbeing, and exam preparation. By tuning into their webinar series you will learn how you can help better support your children at home through reinforcing the skills they learn at school:  

Wednesday 10th May How to Help Get (& Keep) Your Child Motivated

Click here to register for free

Here’s what Elevate will be covering on the night:

✅ What impact does praise and reassurance have on your child’s motivation?

✅ What are the best type of goals to be setting with your child? 

✅ How can you help your child create meaningful and lasting motivation?

From the Principal 2023

Dare to Be Excellent

Term 2 Weeks 1 & 2 · 05 May 2023

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