Wellbeing

Founder’s Day 2023

Friday 9 June marks the annual celebration of Founder’s Day. We would like to advise parents/carers of the following:

• Compulsory attendance by all boys in full Winter College uniform is expected. Parents/carers should contact their son’s Year Coordinator days in advance to discuss any potential issue with their son’s attendance. Boys who are absent on the day will be required to obtain a medical certificate and upload it to the TASS Parent Lounge or present it to their homeroom teacher on their first day back. 
   
• Boys are required to attend school at the normal time, and they will be dismissed at approximately 2:00 PM. 

• Younger boys will be escorted down to Strathfield station by members of the College’s Student Leadership Team. There will be two locations for Kiss and Ride on the day to assist with collection of students after dismissal.
   
• Boys will be expected to be in attendance for the Founder’s Day Mass, Concert and Waterford Mile.
   
• Canteen facilities will be CLOSED on this day; students will receive lunch (meat pie and sausage roll) plus additional snack items (chocolate) and a drink provided by the College.
   
• Boys will not be required to bring bags/belongings to school on this day.  However, students may bring a small bag with small food items and competitors in the annual Waterford Mile who can store any clothes in their lockers.

If there are any concerns about dietary requirements, please contact either Mr Sinadinos on alexandros.sinadinos@spc.nsw.edu.au or Mrs Viney on ingrid.viney@spc.nsw.edu.au. 

Safe on Social: Student Perspective 

Last week’s guest speaker Amy Haddadi from Safe on Social presented students with some important information regarding online safety that has left an imprint around increasing safety. I thought I’d write today from a student perspective after speaking with a number of boys and some of the major points that emanated include:

• Start to think about my digital footprint, what does that look like now and into the future?
• If an app or program is free...why is that? Usually because the information we are providing these companies is worth much more. 
• Never share my personal information even on a private account.
• Am I being a good online citizen? Treating others with kindness and respect and setting a great example myself, family and my school.  
• Talk to someone if something happens online, do not keep things to myself or feel as though I need manage it on my own as there is always someone you can talk to and reach out to. 
• Online accounts can be traced back at all times.
• The terms and conditions of social media companies change all the time, and they don’t necessarily update consumers; need to be extra mindful of how we communicate.
• Scammers seeking private information and for extortion purposes is an increasing problem.
• We shouldn’t be concerned if our parents take our device if we report something, we need them to know as soon as possible so they can best support us.
• Overall, a very important presentation and as mentioned by some of our students, “this is so crucial for us to avoid our story ending up in a presentation like this”.

Winter Uniform

A reminder to all families, as per the College diary, expectations around uniform and grooming:

• Grey College blazer for Years 5 to Year 10
• Black College blazer for Years 11 and 12
• Grey College trousers and shirt, College tie, black leather belt, black business socks (long), lace up school shoes
• College bag
• Gloves, earrings and rings are not to be worn.

A student’s school uniform develops an affinity with learning. Once they put it on, their purpose is associated with learning and as such, the commitment to learning. A sense of professionalism develops within each child and studies have shown that this leads to a more concerted focus on their learning. We must ensure students take pride in wearing their College uniform given it helps them to connect with their school- enhancing a sense of belonging. I thank you in advance for your ongoing support.

Alexandros Sinadinos

Acting Director of Wellbeing