Director of Student Wellbeing
Miss Farron Boxall
As we begin the 2023 academic year, I am excited to welcome both new and returning students to the Senior School campus. With the exciting introduction of Year 11 there have been many changes take place at Austins Ferry. Change presents new and exciting opportunities such as the restructure of our Student Leadership Model and introduction of Year 9 Peer Support Leaders in our Middle School Pastoral Cares. However, the Welfare team is acutely aware change can be challenging for some of our boys. Pastoral Care Teachers are equipped with resources to support students transition to these adjustments. If you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to get in contact with your son’s Pastoral Care Teacher or Head of House. Their email address can be located via PAM.
Year 7 - Get It Right Day & New Beginnings
Last Thursday we welcomed our new Year 7 students to Austins Ferry and they have busily commenced their journey at SVC. On Monday they completed the ‘Get It Right Day’ led by Miss Van Heerden (Head of Middle School) and Mr Mills (Year 7 Transition Coordinator). The day focused on setting the boys up to be part of the SVC community, feeling a sense of purpose, and setting expectations and absolutes for learning and life at SVC. On Tuesday they commenced the New Beginnings Program. This is a key component of the wider transition program to assist our Year 7 students successfully transition into the St Virgil’s College community. The program consists of four, two-day journeys that run over two weeks, with each House group rotating through each journey.
The activities are based around important aspects of your son’s life at the College and provide opportunities to build strong relationships with fellow students and staff, as well as build a sense of belonging to their Pastoral Care Group, House Group as well as the College itself. I thank Mr Mills for coordinating the program and leading the Relational Journey, Mrs Mooney (Assistant Principal Religious Identity and Mission) for leading the Spiritual Journey, Dr O’Donnell (Head of Religious Education) for leading the Service Journey and Mr Jarvis (Head of Outdoor Education) for leading the Outdoor Education Camp. New Beginnings is always a memorable experience for students and I encourage them to make the most of the opportunities available to them.
Student Handbook
The 2023 Student Handbook can be found on SIMON under School Links. Please ensure your son is familiar with this information.
Upcoming Important Dates
- Thursday February 23: Senior School New Parent Evening (Austins Ferry)
- Friday February 24: Student Leaders Commissioning
- Wednesday March 1: Year 7 Time & Space Mother & Son Evening
- Thursday March 2: Year 8 Time & Space Father & Son Evening
Online Safety: Resources to Assist Age-Appropriate Conversations with Young People
- For information on the current issue of concern please view this Seven News Segment from 30:16 - 31:44 minutes Seven News (January 29 2023)
- Think You Know is a program led by the Australian Federal Police. They present to our students annually. Resources for parents and carers can be found on their website https://thinkuknow.org.au
- e-Safety Commissioner has a range of informative information as well as resources to support having conversations with young people:
https://www.esafety.gov.au/parents - Please see details on e-Safety Commissioner live webinars below.
Webinars
The Education and Training team at eSafety would like to invite you to attend the newly launched Parent and Carer webinars for Term 1 2023.
eSafety 101: How eSafety Can Help You (30min): REGISTER NOW
This 30-minute webinar is designed for parents and carers of young people in primary and secondary school. It will cover:
- who we are
- what you can report to eSafety
- helpful advice and resources for parents and carers.
Term 1 Dates
March 21, 7.30 pm to 8.00 pm
Setting Your Child Up for Success Online (30min): REGISTER NOW
This 30-minute webinar is designed for parents and carers of children in primary school. It will cover:
- age-appropriate expectations and boundaries
- online risks and strategies to keep your children safe
- where to find support for you and your child when things go wrong.
Term 1 Dates
February 28, 12.30 pm to 1.00 pm
March 14, 12.30 pm to 1.00 pm
Getting the Most Out of Gaming (45min)
This 45-minute webinar provides families with strategies for supporting children and young people to have safe, positive experiences when playing games online. It is designed for parents and carers of children aged 7 to 14. It will cover:
- when gaming can be beneficial and strategies to promote better in-game experiences
- how to keep children safe online – using safety and privacy settings in games and platforms
- strategies to promote more balanced gaming and how to create smoother transitions from game-play to other activities
- the key online risks and where to find help for things like bullying and harassment in games.
Term 1 Dates
14 February, 12.30 pm to 1.15 pm
14 March, 7.30 pm to 8.15 pm
Navigating Online Friendships (30min)
This 30-minute webinar is designed for parents and carers of young people in secondary school. It will cover:
- how to support young people to have safe and respectful online relationships
- what to do when something happens at school and ends up on social media or private messaging apps
- how to report to social media platforms and eSafety.
Term 1 Dates
22 February, 12.30 pm to 1.00 pm
29 March, 7.30 pm to 8.00 pm