Positive Climate for Learning Update

As with every school year 2022 had been a busy one with students returning from remote learning to a full year of on-campus engagement. Two years of interruption and lock-downs highlighted the importance of social interaction, face-to-face communication and fostering resilience. 

As the whole-school community has adjusted to this return in 2022, the opportunity for reflection and review of the school’s procedures and policies has also presented. Congratulations and thank you to students, staff, families and the many people and organisations who have made our first post-pandemic year a successful one.

UNIFORM REVIEW, UPDATES & REMINDERS

A full and detailed review of school uniform will continue into 2023, with samples of many of our uniform items being sought to provide students with the opportunity to play the major role in decision making pertaining to any changes. Updates will continue into next year, in keeping the school community informed. 

Follow the final 2023 School Council meeting on December 5, please be aware of the following:

• From the beginning of 2023 students are permitted to wear the PE uniform to, from and all day at school on the days they have timetabled PE classes;
  • Please note – if a student attends school in PE uniform on a day when PE is not scheduled on their timetable, this will be deemed as being out-of-uniform and policies and processes regarding this will be followed;
  • Students are responsible for ensuring they know their timetables.
• The white polo shirt that is presently part of the school’s uniform is available for all students to wear.
• Following extensive student feedback a new material is being sourced for what is currently the girls’ white shirt. Families will be informed when this has occurred.

STUDENT CODE OF BEHAVIOUR

Epping Secondary College’s new Student Code of Behaviour was endorsed by School Council on December 5. A link to this is attached below. The Student Cole of Behaviour has been designed to support a positive climate to learning, transparency regarding school expectations and consequences and consistency across the school. Families are encouraged to read through this, with their children, prior to the beginning of the 2023 school year.

Major changes that families should be aware of are:

• There will no longer be short reflections for students from classrooms. Students will be given opportunities by classroom teachers to ensure their behaviour choices do not lead to a classroom exit;
• Any exit from a classroom will be for the remainder of the lesson, and will result in an after-school detention;
• From the beginning of 2023 the school will hold Friday afternoon Principal detentions, as appropriate and necessary in supporting a positive climate for learning.

Further details of these, and other, procedures and policies can be viewed in the Student Code of Behaviour.

In supporting this, the school has ensured maximum visibility around the school of the following, with reinforcement to occur through regular student assemblies:

• Diversity & Inclusion Poster – utilised to ensure a clear understanding of acceptance and respect;
• SWPBS Matrix – utilised to ensure our new school values of Respect, Resilience and Care are upheld;
• Behaviour Flowchart – utilised to compliment the school’s Values and Code and Behaviour.

If you have any queries about any of the above information, please don’t hesitate to contact me.

Wishing a safe and happy break.

Annette Spence

Assistant Principal

Positive Climate for Learning

Epping Secondary College