School Council News

I hope you and your family are in good health and high spirits. It feels like we just started the term but Easter holidays are just around the corner!

Firstly, a gentle nudge about the School Council Elections. It's your chance to vote for the representatives who work with the school to enhance our kids' learning experience. I encourage all parents and guardians to get involved. Ballot forms can be found below and on Compass, and votes need to lodged at the college by 4.00pm on Tuesday 14th March.

Coming up is our Open Night on Wednesday 3rd May. There are two ways you can help: 

• Spread the word! Got any friends with kids in Grade 5 or 6? Let them know there’s a fabulous opportunity to check out our facilities, meet the staff, and get the scoop on our school's academic and extra-curricular offerings.
• Prizes - staff are organising a passport style prize draw. If you happen to have any prize donations through your work or connections, we would be thrilled to use them to make the event an even bigger success. If you are able to assist, please email Naomi in the office.

NAPLAN testing starts 15 March. As parents, we all want our kids to do well in tests, but sometimes in our desire for our kids to succeed we can inadvertently put too much pressure on them. It's essential to find the right balance between supporting our kids and putting stress on them.

One way to help kids is to provide them with the resources they need to succeed. For example, finding a comfortable and quiet space for them to study, or providing extra resources for study. 

While it's important to study and prepare for tests, it's also crucial to take breaks and engage in activities that help to reduce stress, such as exercising, spending time with friends, or practicing mindfulness.

As parents we can try and focus on support and encouragement to do their best – so celebrating achievements, provide positive feedback, and reminding them that their worth is not defined by their test scores.

Finally, it’s key to acknowledge and celebrate their unique qualities and talents, rather than just their academic achievements. 

If you have kids in Year 7 and 9, good luck getting through NAPLAN season.

Parents and Friends Association

The Cheltenham Secondary College Parents and Friends Association (PFA) plays a vital role in supporting our school. Make friends and contribute to fundraising and events for the school community. 

If you are interested in being added to our mailing list, please complete the PFA Expression of Interest survey. We aren’t asking for a major commitment, just like-minded people that offer different skill sets, who want to be involved in their student’s school, and who are willing to share ideas and work together for the greater good!

To find out more contact Sharon: pfcheltsec@gmail.com

About Chelt.Sec School Council

Every government school has a council. Council’s role is governance and oversight. Council assists to develop and monitor strategic priorities, plans, policies and budgets, working with school staff leadership. School Council members are drawn from students, parents, Department of Education staff and the community. 

At Chelt.Sec, Council operates a number of sub-committees to take deep dives into key areas of school activities including Student Services, Education Policy, Building and Grounds, Finance, Engagement and Communication including Parents & Friends Association. 

To find out more or get involved in School Council, contact Susannah (President): cheltpresident@gmail.com

Join the family community on Facebook for swapping information, textbook and uniform secondhand sales: https://www.facebook.com/groups/cheltsecfamily

Thanks so much for being part of our school community and for your continued support and engagement. 

Susannah Bowen-Wheatley

School Council President