Clyde North Campus News

Welcome to 2023

It is a very warm welcome back to our existing students and their families and a special welcome to our new students and families. 

Despite the business that the  first week of term one usually brings, many staff and students have commented on how quiet and calm it all seems. I believe much of this is because we did the hard work we did  last year, readjusting and resetting behaviour, expectations, study habits and routines. The experience of lockdowns and remote learning  is starting to become a faint memory, and this is a good thing. 

The response to the new mobile phone policy has been fantastic, with students understanding that the benefits of this policy will far outweigh any inconvenience they may feel they are experiencing.  I held a welcome back assembly with all year levels last week which also gave us the opportunity to really unpack the new mobile phone policy. I thank all students for their maturity and compliance with the new policy. 

Nearly two hundred year seven students and a considerable number of new students in years 8-12 joined our community in 2023. Beginning a new school at any age and stage of one’s educational journey can be both exciting and daunting because things are unfamiliar. These are normal emotions. 

How can we make the transition to year seven and a new school simple, fun, and smooth. As parents and teachers, we work together to ensure a smooth and healthy transition. 

Not only do young people need to negotiate a new learning environment and the greater expectations placed on them by parents and teachers, but they may also need to deal with the challenges that come with making new friends and keeping in touch with old ones.

What you as the parent/guardian and caregiver can do.

• Keep up to date with the school calendar, know what is going on. 
• Maintain a study routine and space at home that is age appropriate.
• Seek the support of the Learning Advisor, subject teachers and House Leader. 
• Check in with your child about friendships, peers, and their day.

Finally do not be discouraged if as your child’s confidence grows they become less talkative about school and friends. Their peers will become at times more important than family, it is all part of growing up. 

What we as teachers will do.

• Support our students’ in understanding the school wide expectations of ROCKS and how these support their learning, friendships, and school experience.
• Provide students with support and help prepare them for a range of emotional, social, and academic experiences which can enhance their wellbeing and ensure that they have a positive start to high school.
• Maintain communication with parents in relation to any concerns, needs or questions about the student.

Above all inspire and support students to form positive, confident, and respectful relationships within their school community. When students are connected to school, all is well.

The teenage years can be tricky and the transition to ‘big school’ complex but the stronger the partnership between parents and school, the easier it becomes for parents and our young people.

Do not forget our great resource SchoolTV available all year round bringing a wealth of advice and information on raising happy and resilient young people. Access is found on the SPACE parent portal and on our website. During the year I will alert you to special editions that concentrate on specific topics such as school refusal, safe partying, and cyber safety. 

A new start in 2023 is one that begins on time.

The new school year brings the opportunity to reset our expectations and ambitions we have for our young people. Critical to aligning success with expectations and ambitions is routine which starts by being on time every day for school.

I urge all parents, guardians and caregivers to set the expectation for your child to be on time for school, in correct uniform and with all the necessary school equipment required for each class. Students who are late for school start the day disadvantaged, missing important Tutor Group information, preparation for classes and the opportunity to meet with friends before the school day begins. This year we are targetting lateness. There are times when it is unavoidable but we have seen a trend in too many students that it has become a habit. This needs to change this year. 

Some of the smiling faces of our 2023 Year 7 students – Welcome 😊

I wish you all a safe and productive week.

Julie Banda

Deputy Principal - Head of Clyde North Campus