Pastoral Care and Wellbeing

We are excited to have commenced Term 3 and are looking forward to the wonderful learning opportunities and experiences it has to offer. As it is the beginning of term, we would like to take this opportunity to remind our school community of our expectations and process regarding school uniform, the benefits of SchoolTV and some wellbeing tips.

Please don’t forget, if we can assist you in any way or you would like to make contact, send us an email at safety@sje.vic.edu.au or call your student’s Learning Mentor and/or House Leader.

Best wishes for a wonderful Term 3!

Uniform update and reminder

The school community expects that students wear their uniform with pride and care, and that at all times, as representatives of the school, they appear clean and tidy. Students are expected to wear the uniform as it is described on the College website at: https://www.sje.vic.edu.au/uniform/

When students do not have the correct uniform, their parents/guardians should make contact regarding the uniform item and when it will be rectified. Parents/Guardians are expected to support the College in implementing the College Uniform Expectations. 

Teachers will enforce the school expectations as per this procedure, and should expect that it will not become a source of contention. When a student is out of uniform, the procedural steps are as follows:

1. Warning/reminder (entered as a tracking on SIMON), SIMON letter sent home.

2. Second offence. Learning Mentor to contact home, explain the breach and what needs to be rectified.

3. Student to receive a recess or lunch time detention and their home contacted again to inform that a further breach means the student will need to be collected for the uniform to be rectified.

4. Student to be collected or uniform items delivered to them.

(Students can bring a note from home with an explanation and date specifying when they will be in full school uniform.)

SchoolTV links to check out:

SchoolTV has incredible resources for you to access at any time online or on your smart device. Here is some information on a SchoolTV special report based on Respectful Language:

SPECIAL REPORT: Respectful Language

In today’s world, it is becoming apparent that some young people are being influenced by the language around them. It is becoming more common for them to hear derogatory terms or offensive language on the streets, on social media channels, streaming services and in some forms of modern music. Proliferating the use of such language can sometimes normalise, glamorise and sanitise their impact, taking their meaning out of context. Words can be misconstrued to be hurtful, racist, homophobic, mysogynistic or even discriminatory. Using disrespectful language is considered socially unacceptable, and if not addressed early, can become a serious problem.

The use of derogatory language or the act of swearing at someone, or about someone, is actually a form of verbal violence. It transgresses the usual rules of social interaction by impinging on an individual’s self-image and sense of dignity. Therefore, many schools enforce a zero tolerance policy when it comes to such language. Parents and carers also need to play an important role in enforcing this approach by proactively monitoring what their children are viewing or being exposed to and discussing the use of words or their origin. This can help prevent inappropriate or disrespectful language being used in the classroom, school yard or other situations.

Whilst some students may use swearing or derogatory terms for attention seeking purposes, others may use it simply because they are still learning how to moderate their language. As young people develop their language skills, it is important for them to have a clear understanding of the impact of their choice of words on others and how their words can impact other people’s perspective of them - an important and essential skill to learn as they progress in their personal and professional development.

Please see more here: https://sje.vic.schooltv.me/wellbeing_news/special-report-respectful-language

Wellbeing Tips for Winter

• Try to get some sunshine!
• Continue (or start!) to exercise - both indoor and outdoor exercise such as walking, riding a bike, swimming (indoors during winter!) are an excellent way to support your wellbeing and overall wellness 
• Stay warm as best as you can
• Have consistent sleep habits 
• Eat well and pay attention to what your body needs 
• Stay socially connected - often during winter we would rather hibernate or withdraw. Work to maintain social contacts and relationships 
• Check in with loved ones
• Be kind! Doing something kind for others is also a great way to improve and enhance our moods, emotions and wellbeing too!
• Engage in self-care activities such as reading, painting, listening to music, playing an instrument, exercising, cooking, watching a movie or television show, playing board games, gardening, the list is endless! 
• Also remember to seek help or assistance if needed. 

Rach Chapman

College Leader ~ Pastoral Care and Wellbeing