Cranbourne Campus News

Where do I belong?    Adjusting to a new school year

Ground Zero

The first day of a new year is always very daunting as we (teachers included) break the summer daze with alarm clocks, rushed breakfast while finishing chores, slipping into a formal uniform and the thought of having our movements dictated by the ringing of a bell. This is all quite robotic really and for some of us, returning to routine and having  expectations thrust upon us following holidays , is a challenge to adjust to. All I can say here is parents and guardians, continue to coax and encourage your teen to be in the right uniform, on time and organized for the day (including insisting upon a breakfast of some kind) and do this in the knowledge that you are not alone and that with patience, our young people will adapt. In fact, our experience working with young people, tells us that despite the grumbles, young people thrive with the predictability and certainty of routine.

To this end, the first day of school, "Ground Zero" if you like, was a day where students spent the first four hours of the day in Tutor Group with a mixture of practical and social activities to do. This plan was to assist the students in settling in for a smooth academic year having their Learning Advisor there to be able to answer questions and set  up the young people in their care. Further to this assemblies were held for our Year 7 and 12 students  - the school book ends, with an extra message of significance as they embark upon their first or last year in this wonderful community.

College Academic Assembly

On Tuesday, we welcomed our top achieving students from 2022 back to the College to receive their acknowledgement. This is a really special occasion for those students who have been able to shine according to the VCAL and VCE measures. Furthermore, this assembly is when we formally welcome our Year 7's to the College community and they process in to a processional fanfare.

Assemblies normally take place in the Pastoral Period (Tuesday mornings approximately once a term ) however this one took place in the heat of the day after lunch which had its own challenges, this was unique however all the same students were reminded of the importance of ceremony and formal events as opportunities to get together to celebrate who we are, and to build community.

Opening School Mass

On Thursday the community gathered for our Opening School Mass. This is yet another opportunity to support students to understand that they are a significant part of something bigger than themselves. Once again, the word " community" comes to bare. As a Catholic community we are inclusive and welcoming but also unashamedly Catholic,  using the Christian story to illuminate what we do and why it is that we strive to look outwardly toward the service of others, rather than always putting ourselves first. 

Early Update

Early indications are that students have adapted well to the new mobile device policy and teachers on duty and in classes,  are reporting a calmness in the College grounds and far more direct interaction between students. Naturally some students have adapted better than others and that is only natural but at this stage a clear plan supported by you at home and us at school is affording students the opportunity to focus on their learning and develop the skills of social interaction that will hold them in good sted when they graduate, Thank you for your support with this.

COMING UP

Swim Carnival - Tuesday, 14 February 2023

On Tuesday we will all be bused to Doveton Pool for the Annual House Swim Carnival. Whether you are a strong swimmer or just want to have some fun in the novelty events, this is yet another day of energy and enthusiasm for the College community as we all cheer their House home in pursuit of the coveted McGuigan Shield. These co curricular opportunities are an integral part of building a sense of belonging and so all students are to be in attendance. (NB. To support students to engage and build social skills ' and Consistent with our Mobile Device Policy, students are to leave mobile devices and earpods at school in their locked locker and are not permitted to take them on the bus or be seen with them at the carnival). The buses will depart after the start of the school day and will return before the end of the school day. There will be school appointed photographers to capture the moments of the day and these photos can be requested and shared  in the week following the Carnival  - I thank you for supporting this.

Year 7 Welcome Evening - Thursday, 16 February 2023

This coming Thursday (16 February) we host our Year and new student Welcome Evening from 6.30-8pm. This informal gathering is an opportunity for new members to our community to meet their child's House Leader and Learning supervisor and for our pastoral staff to learn a little about you and your child. Light refreshments will be supplied. Having your child show you their House Area and introduce you to their mentors is a one way to help strengthen the partnership between home and school. We look forward to seeing the parents of Year 7 and new students on Thursday.

On another note …

Traffic Management

As a person who grew up not far from this part of Gippsland, I do recall when it was all paddocks and cattle and St. Peter's College had space all around it. Since then the buildup has been manic and this has led to more traffic and greater congestion. The Hall Road and Thompson Road upgrades has made this even more frustrating. HOWEVER, parents and guardians need to  better plan where they will drop their child off if they are not going to use the designated drop off on Navarre Drive. It is highly illegal and very dangerous to be dropping students off in the bus lane of Cranbourne Frankston Road. And the practice that one or two parents have of pulling into the recess of the front gates to drop off, before trying to re-enter Cranbourne Frankston Road is very dangerous and can not continue. For the safety of those who use the roads and the safety of all children, your cooperation in following the road rules is appreciated.

Jeremy Wright

Deputy Principal - Head of Cranbourne Campus