Every day counts!

As term two draws to a close, I wanted to take a moment to emphasize the crucial role that regular attendance at school plays in your young person’s learning journey and overall success. Attendance may seem like a simple aspect of education, but its impact should not be underestimated. Since Covid-19 lockdowns, there has been a decrease in school attendance across the globe. Whilst we know that, certainly here in Australia, many families have taken the opportunity to reunite with families that they may have not seen for several years we have also seen a rise in student anxiety and gaming addiction, both having a direct impact on student attendance and engagement. With some members of our Leadership team, I recently attended an important meeting for schools run by Department of Education regarding the urgency of addressing this in our schools. I would like to take the opportunity to remind you all that: 

• Regular attendance provides your young person with the opportunity to establish a strong foundation of knowledge and skills. Each day at school offers valuable learning experiences. Consistent attendance ensures that your child doesn't miss out on these building blocks, which are essential for academic growth.
• Attending school regularly allows the student to actively participate in classroom activities and engage with their peers. Classroom discussions, collaborative projects, and interactive learning foster critical thinking, problem-solving, and social skills. 
• Classroom instruction is often sequenced in a logical and progressive manner, where each lesson builds upon the previous ones. Regular attendance helps your child maintain continuity in their learning journey, preventing knowledge gaps. When students miss classes, catching up on missed material becomes a challenge, often leading to greater anxiety. 
• Consistent attendance at school teaches your child valuable life skills such as discipline, responsibility, and time management. By following a structured routine and fulfilling their commitment to attend school regularly, they develop habits that will benefit them throughout their lives. 
• School is not only a place of learning but also a community where relationships are formed. Regular attendance allows your child to build meaningful connections with their peers and teachers. These relationships provide a support system, encouragement, and a sense of belonging, which are crucial for social and emotional development.

As parents, you play a significant role in fostering regular attendance. It is not just “the law” that you ensure your young person attends school every day, it is also so important to their present and future growth and development. 

The presentation from the Department also reminded us that the “Parent Choice” option for parents when their young person is absent should be used sparingly and is required to satisfy the conditions of being a “reasonable excuse” as defined in the Community Services Act. If the school does not approve of the reason, it can be challenged and become an unapproved absence. 

Here are a few tips to support your child's commitment to attendance:

• Communicate openly with your young person about the importance of attending school regularly and the impact it has on their learning and future opportunities.
• Establish a consistent morning routine to ensure they arrive at school on time and ready to learn.
• Schedule medical appointments and family holidays outside of school hours, when possible.
• Contact your Year Level Leader or Head of Sub School if you are facing challenges at home getting your child to school. We want to help all of our students try to feel comfortable and happy to attend school. 

ACTIVITIES

Over the last few weeks, students at Bluff Road have been involved with:

• Attitudes to School Surveys
• SEAL Master Classes
• String Fest
• Berthe Mouchette French  Poetry Competition
• Chinese Cooking Classes
• A guest Nutritionist for Sport Academy
• Toolbox Thinking Traps for Year 9
• Elephant Ed for Year 8
• Geography Fieldwork for year 7
• Djeembana city experience with the Salvos, investigating homelessness

and countless other learning experiences . 

We are also currently working with both Year 8 & 9 students on elective selections for 2024. All students are encouraged to look at our 7 to 9 and 10 to 12 Handbooks, available on our website, which have a plethora of information regarding both Core and Elective options, as well as Select Entry Academies. There is a separate tab in this newsletter with more detailed information regarding the subject selection process. Students will also be attending information sessions, explaining each elective option. On Monday June 19th, Year 9 went across to senior campus to attend the G10 Summit. This was an afternoon filled with lots of information regarding year 10, VCE and VM options and the opportunity to speak directly with and ask questions of teachers of each subject of interest. 

Year 9 are now completing course counselling sessions with our highly experienced staff to assist students with their selections. We encourage all parents and carers to also have these conversations at home with their young person and to read all relevant information regarding options and timelines. Please don't hesitate to call Ned Vasey or any member of the Careers Team should you require any further information.

RECONCILIATION WEEK

Reconciliation Week works as a reminder of the importance of reconciliation between Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and the broader Australian community. It is a time for all Australians to acknowledge the history, culture, and achievements of the First Nations peoples, and to work towards building respectful relationships based on truth, understanding, and equality. On Thursday June 1st,  a Smoking Ceremony was held by an Indigenous Bunurong community elder, Mark Brown at the Bluff Road Campus for all year 7 to 9 students. Smoking ceremonies provide an opportunity for education, as they raise awareness about Indigenous culture, customs, and traditions. This was a spectacular opportunity for our young people to participate in at school and a big thank you to Pat Pekin and the SWC team for arranging this, as well as our student leaders, indigenous members of the school community and all students for their contributions to this event. 

DANCE SHOWCASE

Congratulations to all members of our Dance Academy and VCE/VET Dance classes for their performance in our recent Dance Showcase. Their talent, passion, and hard work were evident in every movement and captivating performance. The dedication and commitment displayed throughout the rehearsals and leading up to the showcase truly paid off, as they took the stage with confidence and delivered breathtaking and exciting routines. Congratulations to Prue Slingsby, Kristina Hardner and all of the teachers and guest choreographers for bringing the joy, beauty and discipline  of dance to our students.

MUSIC PERFORMANCES

The end of semester music performances, held over two nights, the first being VCE Performance Night and the second, being students in years 7 to 10,  were nothing short of extraordinary. It was a true celebration of talent, dedication, and the power of music. The performances showcased the growth and progress of students at all levels, from those just starting their musical journey to those reaching the pinnacle of their high school musical careers. It was heartwarming to witness the beginners, taking their first steps on stage, bravely showcasing their newfound skills and passion for music. Their enthusiasm was infectious, reminding us of the joy and excitement that comes with learning and exploring a new artistic discipline. If you managed to attend the VCE show, we were treated to remarkable displays of skill and artistry from more seasoned musicians who demonstrated a level of technical proficiency and musicality that was truly impressive. Their dedication to honing their craft and their ability to connect with the audience through their music was a testament to their hard work and countless hours of practice. These performances not only showcased the individuals growth as musicians but also highlighted the strength of the school's music program, headed by the amazing Luke Devenish and the support and guidance provided by the music teachers. Congratulations to all the performers for a truly outstanding showcase, and may your love for music continue to inspire and bring joy to your lives.

Remember, every day counts! By emphasizing the importance of attendance and encouraging your young person to prioritize their education, you are setting them up for success in both the short and long term.

Thank you for your continued support and partnership in your child's educational journey. Together, we can help them thrive and achieve their full potential.

Have a great break and we look forward to a highly successful term three.

Vivienne McElwee

Campus Principal