DEPUTY PRINCIPAL'S REPORT

Reverencing Relationships

Our value in 2023 is Reverence, which when used as a noun means deep respect for someone or something. Reverence is also a verb, a ‘doing’ word. It means to regard or treat people with a deep respect. As we move into Term 1 of a year that is focused on being a gift of love and compassion to one another it is good to reflect on what it means to reverence relationships here at our school. 

To be reverent means that:

• We speak kindly to people and about people
• We show respect by listening, both to teachers and to our peers
• We make the time to get to know each other
• We don’t rush to judge or criticise
• We use our manners, we say please, thank you and excuse me, we allow others to ‘go first’
• We always consider the feelings and rights of others
• We allow people to be fully themselves

Jewellery

After having a break it is sometimes hard to get back into wearing the same thing everyday. This  year we are beginning to transition to the new uniform. This means some students will be in new uniform items and some in the ‘old’. Regardless of the item of uniform we ask that students wear it appropriately and well. The new uniform has come about through an extensive and consultative process which also generated an updated Uniform Policy. 

One of the changes to the policy is the allowance of two earrings per ear. It is also very clear that these earrings should be plain studs or sleepers, not dangly earrings, costume jewellery, coloured studs etc. All students who wear earrings should be aware of this guideline and make sure that they are following the Uniform Policy. Students will be asked to remove earrings if they are not plain sleepers or studs. The picture below is a good guide if you are unsure. Earrings can be worn in the lobe or other parts of the ear as long as there are no more than two earrings per ear. 

Permitted Accessories:

• One watch and/or one fine bracelet.
• A maximum of two plain studs or sleepers per ear - no costume jewellery is permitted.
• Additional piercing or “taping over” is not permitted (including additional plastic studs).
• One fine neck chain, under clothing.

Not permitted

• Chunky jewellery, rings or anklets
• Eyebrow, nose, lip or other facial or tongue piercings
• Spacers
• Dark and excessive make-up
• Acrylic, false nails or shellac.

Student Leadership in 2023

Last year we elected School Captains, House Captains and Student Leadership Committee Captains. These 34 students form the Student Forum. This group plays an active role in ensuring that our community has an authentic student voice - that is, that students can make  a meaningful contribution to the life of our school whether it be student activities and initiatives, community engagement and service or future planning and decision making. The first Student Forum Meeting will be held in Week 2, along with a Membership Drive in which students from all year levels will be invited to join one of the Committees. Being part of a committee is a wonderful way to get involved in an area of interest where you can build teamwork skills, help create opportunities for others and be part of a group that shares your passion, whether it be the Environment, Activities, Academic, Faith and Mission, Wellbeing or the LRC Committee.

Remember, we all have a part to play in creating our community and contributing to the life of our school.