Wellbeing 

As we come to the end of a very busy term ...

It is important for us pause and reflect on the importance of this Lenten season and the hope that it can generate for all.

Often people see this time of year to be a time of sadness with the death of Jesus, but in reality it is a time of hope and renewal. It’s a time of year where we are all offered a chance to reflect on how we can not only be better Christians, but better people in all that we say and all that we do. 

Over the holiday period I would encourage you to talk to your daughter about how they can continue to contribute in positive ways to the College and challenge them to consider ways they can constantly help to make the lives of others better not only within the Academy community but also beyond.

To that end, I encourage you to take the time to attend the Easter services at your local parishes with your daughter as an opportunity to share with your families this reflective and contemplative space; a space where we can encounter Christ not only as individuals, but also as a community.

VAPING: Fact Checked

An issue that continues to gain momentum and has been covered in the media recently is the issue of vaping in schools. It is a trend that continues to grow amongst young people in society. A colleague of mine who is a registered nurse with over 30 years of experience in the medical and education industry, in a conversation with me expressed the following: 

Vaping appears to be the ‘cool’ and cheaper alternative to cigarettes, but the question that needs to be asked is “Are adolescents aware of the serious side effects?” A battery operated device, the e-cigarettes usually resemble everyday items such as a USB memory stick, a pencil or a pen. These devices heat a liquid that produces a vapour which is inhaled and the aerosol is delivered directly to the lungs. A varying range of solvents and flavouring agents may be found in different brands as well as heavy metals such as aluminium, arsenic, lead and tin. The JUUL product which is popular among teens also has a high level of nicotine.  Pods are used as liquid refills in the JUUL products and are available in many flavourings for example; mango, fruit medley and mint. As per the manufacturer a single JUUL pod contains as much nicotine as a pack of 20 regular cigarettes.

Links & More: on this important issue. iNFORMATION page

Use of Online Social Platforms

Over the last few weeks some of the Academy Wellbeing Leaders and I have had to deal with a plethora of online issues. Many of these involved the social media platform – Tiktok. The issues involved not only Academy students but also students from other schools and took place at all hours of the day and night. 

Under no circumstances are students to be filming and posting videos and/or photos on any social media platform during the school day or whilst they are wearing the College uniform - even after hours. We will take a zero-tolerance approach to this. 

Please refer to the Office of the e-safety commissioner website for resources, ideas and strategies. We will continue to work hard to get the ‘digital footprint’ message across and offer students the appropriate learnings associated with all things digital.  Please read more below. 

Read More: iNFORMATON page

Parents’ Association: Year 7 & 8 Parent Meet and Greet

All Year 7 & 8 families were invited to a ‘Meet and Greet’ on Friday 25 March. It was fantastic to see over 50 parents in attendance on the evening.  It was a wonderful opportunity to meet other Academy parents, share in a meal and a drink and share some banter. It once again emphasized to me, the terrific connection parents have with the College and their continued desire to further build on that sense of belonging. A big thank you needs to go to Year 7 parent, Ms Ange Horton for overseeing and co-ordinating the evening, along with assistance from Ms Kerri Ruff.

Changeover to Winter uniform

A reminder to parents/guardians of the uniform requirements for Term 2. Due to the variable weather conditions, students may wear either the summer or winter uniform in the first TWO weeks of Term 2. However, the winter uniform is compulsory for all students from Monday 9 May. 

Read More: iNFORMATON page

I would like to take this opportunity to thank all parents for your continued support throughout this term and for the support you offer the College and to your daughters. It has been the first full term of school without remote learning for the last two years and whilst it has been challenging at times for all in the community to re-adjust to this ‘normality’, the sense of connection, re-connection and belonging is strong amongst all at the Academy and no doubt will continue to grow as the year progresses.

I hope and pray that the Easter period is a safe and happy time for all your families and friends and I look forward to continue working in partnership with you in Term 2.

Mr Sam Di Camillo

Deputy Principal, Wellbeing & Operations