Head of Students News

Return to school

Welcome back to Term 4. I hope all boys and their families enjoyed the break and are fresh and ready for the term ahead.

At the risk of repeating what was emailed to all families today, can we please make sure the following aspects are attended to:

Masks: All members of the school community are to comply with the latest mask wearing mandate from the QLD Government (Stage 2 restrictions). The current COVID-19 restrictions require students to continue wearing masks while at school, including in classrooms and outside if unable to socially distance (at 1.5m apart). We are asking that all students possess their own mask. If a student forgets their mask, there is a limited supply at Student Administration; however, in the interests of the environment, we encourage each boy to have their own washable, non-disposable mask. A spare mask in their bag or locker would also be helpful. MCA Masks are available for purchase at the Canteen and Tuckshop from early next week.

Summer Uniform: short sleeve grey shirt (tucked in), grey school shorts with plain black leather belt (thin design with conservative buckle eg. no RM Williams or similar), long socks (that must reach the knee) with plain black leather shoes (polished and maintained), and a broad brim MCA hat (with the brim attached, no graffiti and a name clearly identified either embroidered or in clear print on the inside). Hats that have been folded to the point of the brim appearing ‘floppy’ will not be acceptable.

Haircuts: Please note as per College guidelines, that hair must be off the ears and collar and, when brushed forward, out of the eyes. There must be no extremes or variations to hair colour nor layered, ridged or undercut hair, with shortest blade length – blade no. 3. Any student who arrives at school with an inappropriate haircut will be sent home.

Hospitalisation due to Vaping

 As the school continues its stance on Vaping, we are constantly hearing reports in the media of the emerging dangers associated with this practice. Vaping, irrespective of what vape is used, is dangerous. This particular case made national news:

Dakota's doctors thought she might have COVID-19, but it was vaping that put her in ICU

When 15-year-old Dakota Stephenson first started vaping with friends after school she never imagined it could have potentially deadly consequences.

That's exactly what happened when the Sydney teen ended up in intensive care last September, with what doctors believe was EVALI, a new lung illness emerging among vape users.

EVALI stands for E-cigarette or Vaping product use-Associated Lung Injury, a lung condition first reported in the United States.

At the peak of her condition, Dakota was partially ventilated on full-face oxygen in the intensive care unit at the Children's Hospital at Randwick for three days, almost drowning because of her fluid-filled lungs.

The full news report can be found here: https://www.abc.net.au/news/2021-10-04/vaping-warnings-after-teenager-lung-injury-icu-visit/100508090

Students With Disability Travel Rebate

Semester 2

• Does your child have a verified disability that requires transport assistance to and from a non-state school?
• Has your school’s learning support teacher assessed your child’s travel capability rating as ‘semi-independent’ or more dependent?

Visit our website to see if you qualify for financial assistance to help with the cost of transport and apply at www.schooltransport.com.au by Sunday 31 October.

Late applications cannot be accepted after Sunday 31 October.