Student Wellbeing
I hope that the year has started well…
As we enter the third week of Term 1 and the expectations associated with being back in the routine of attending school, we remind all families of how important structure is for everyone.
Getting organised the night before to be ready for the new day and rising up and having the same routine in the morning helps to set up your day.
For the new students at Year 7 this is particularly important as it may mean catching a bus for the first time or trying to adjust to the differences between high school and primary school.
If you have any concerns about any of this please make contact with your child’s homeroom/mentor teacher so we can address the concerns as soon as they arise.
Remember, we are all in this together.
Uniform Reminders
I would like to remind all of our students and families about the expectations associated with our uniform.
We have had some challenges in the first couple of weeks with hangovers from the holidays, which have included:
- Students still having false eyelashes and false nails
- Hair colours that do not align with the uniform policy
- The wearing of short socks
- Some students have grown and their dresses are now a little shorter than 2022
We thank families who have worked hard to purchase all of the uniform pieces necessary for their child and we encourage any family who may need support with uniform to please make contact with either the Year Level Leader or myself so we can help you in any way that is necessary.
As we head towards Term 2 we will start to include information regarding winter uniform, which is worn during Terms 2 and 3.
Investiture Assembly
Friday 24 February is identified as the day we acknowledge all of the students who have put their hand up for a Leadership position in 2023.
At the Assembly all of the student leaders will receive their badge from Mr Pisani and make a pledge in their role to live up to the expectations of being a leader in the College.
We look forward to in the next edition of the Marian of acknowledging all of the leaders of the school.
Families are invited to attend. Please contact the Office on 9363 1711 to register your attendance.
Child Protection Information
During the Staff Professional Learning Days at the beginning of the year, the staff were reminded of the new standards that were introduced in July 2022. The original 7 standards ensuring the safety of all children in our care have now been expanded to 11.
We will continue to work with our staff to ensure that they understand these changes and they are presently completing their Mandatory Reporting Module. This is a yearly expectation set by the Government as part of our obligations as a teacher in a Victorian school.
Child Protection Parent Committee
We believe that parents play an important part in the process of child protection. Therefore if you are interested in joining a Parent committee and developing your understanding of our Child Safety processes and providing feedback as to future initiatives please contact myself either via SEQTA messages or phone at the College.
Vaping Concerns
We have been reminded by the Community Police of the growing concern in the community in relation to young people and VAPING. We have placed vape/smoke detectors in each of our toilets and we remind all of our students and families that we view vaping in the same way we have viewed traditional smoking. This also means that if students are caught vaping whilst in uniform, including at places such as bus stops in the morning or evening, they will be held accountable
School Buses
In 2023, we have 7 bus services that are being provided to our students exclusively. At the beginning of the school year, a meeting was held for all of these students to make them aware of the expectations in relation to their behaviour and use of the service.
We will continue to monitor the behaviour of our students on these buses, as our priority is to ensure that these services provide a safe service for all members of our community.
Car Park drop off and picking up
We have been advised by the Parish that they are very concerned about the manner in which our parents are dropping off and picking up our students in the back car park behind the hall. They have indicated that they are observing families driving way over the expected speed limits and in an unsafe manner. We have been advised that if this issue is not addressed they may be left with no choice but to close the gate to the community, meaning no one would be able to use it at all. Thankyou for your support with this matter.
Wellbeing Message
Could we encourage all of our students and families to remember to take some time to ensure that they are sleeping and getting enough rest at night to rejuvenate and take on the next day.
This is important for all of our members of the community but particularly for our senior students who often spend long nights studying and burning the candle at both ends. Over time, lack of sleep has an impact on how we function during the day.
Take care and look out for each other,
Kerrie Williams
Assistant to the Principal – Student Wellbeing