Need to know

From this week, this Bulletin will move to a fortnightly edition, unless there are urgent notices.

Autumn has arrived this week, and with it a number of students out of uniform.  While the vast majority of students have no difficulty following the policy, there are a small number who seem to be unable to do so.  

With the wide range of warm and comfortable uniform items on offer there is no reason for students to be out of uniform.   I have attached the uniform policy here again so that there can be no doubt about what is and isn't in our policy.   If there is a legitimate reason for a student to be out of uniform, they need to take a note to their mini school AT THE BEGINNING OF THE SCHOOL DAY to obtain a uniform pass.   Students without a uniform pass will be treated as out of uniform without reason.   

Some parents have posted about issues with the fit of the tracksuit pants on our social pages.  I have contacted Bob Stewart's Uniform Store and they are looking into the issue.  I believe parents they have approached directly have been able to resolve the issue.  I suggest you contact Bob Stewart's directly if you have problems with the fit of the tracksuit pants.   Please note - exemptions will not be given to wear plain black tracksuit pants when there are other uniform options available besides tracksuit pants.  

Bob Stewart's store manager at University Hill is Antonella.  She is very helpful:  PHONE: 03 9036 7385. EMAIL: unihill@bobstewart.com.au.

Reports and Assessment in 2022

We have had a few queries of late about our reporting structures. In previous years, a Term report was produced for parents at the end of each school term. 

After considering input from students, parents and staff, we have made some changes to simplify our reports and make them more meaningful for parents and students.  This year, Progress Reports are published online every mid-term, providing parents with a snapshot of their child's work habits and progress. Compass Learning Tasks are available to view online and are continuously updated as students complete Progress and Assessment Tasks, SACs, SATs and Units of Competencies. At the end of this term, we will also produce a Semester Report which will provide an overview of student progress for Term 1 and 2, including Victorian Curriculum Levels.

2023 Debutante Ball

Any current Year 10 students wishing to participate next year and who didn't attend the information evening last week week, should email carmel@anelegantaffair.com to register and pay the deposit.  I have attached the information booklet here, but please be advised that the venues listed are closing and will not be the ones used for next year's ball.

Naplan 

Naplan tests were undertaken this week.  I would like to thank all students for trying their best in the tests.   The results are used to help us identify students who may need learning acceleration, or learning help, and also assist us in determining the effectiveness of our teaching programs.  A big shout out to  teacher Ms Fecondo who did an absolutely brilliant job organising Naplan, which went online for the first time this year.  

Mobile phones and ear buds

All students and parents are aware I am sure of the Department of Education's ban on mobile phones in schools.  Phones must not be accessed or on a student's person between 8.30 am and 2.50 pm.

However, we are noticing a lot of students wearing earbuds out in the yard and can only assume they are connected to  phones in pockets!!!

Ear buds are NOT to be worn unless a classroom teacher requires students to listen to audio on their laptop, and will be confiscated.

And then there were none ....

Our College play had a fantastic opening night last night.   Congratulations to crew, cast and staff leaders.    There are a few tickets remaining for performances tonight and tomorrow matinee and night.   See if you can guess "who dunnit"?   Don't miss out! 

Staffing issues

The cold and flu season is well and truly upon us.   There is a nationwide (global) shortage of teachers which is now compounded by absenteeism due to Covid and various other germs.  All staff are taking extra yard duties and their full allocation of classes, and principal class are covering classes for sick teachers almost daily.

This week we have found ourselves in the position of having NO staff available to cover classes for ill teachers.  

We have made the decision that, as a last resort, VCE classes that have absent teachers may be combined into a 'study hall' type of arrangement, with one teacher supervising.  The absent class teacher will set work, but it will be incumbent on students to follow the instructions left and work productively.  VCE students should be mature enough to be able to self-manage for a period, under the physical supervision of a teacher.  As I said, this is a last resort and obviously undesirable.   I ask for your patience while we try to navigate through these difficult issues with as little impact on classes as possible.  

Employment opportunity

I would like to publicly thank our wonderful Kitchen Assistant, Julie who is leaving us to take on a new career path next Friday.

Many of you would not know this amazing woman personally, as Julie rarely gets an opportunity to leave the incredibly busy Food Technology Centre, however you may have seen her about the place always with a kind word and a cheery disposition.

If you know anyone who may be looking to work in a school in this role, please encourage them to  contact Tracey de Bolfo, HR Manager,  (tdb@sthelena.vic.edu.au) for further information regarding the role and application process.  

Go well

KT  :-)

Understanding alcohol and drug use and technology addiction in young people