Principal Team's Message

A term in review 

It has been an action-packed and positive start to 2023. A focus on establishing routines and engaging in learning has been coupled with a huge number of school events including, Year 7 and 8 Camp, Year 11 Formal, Yr 9 Lake Dewar Program, Swimming Sports, Year 7 first days, Year 7 Global Learning Centre visits, Parent Teacher Interviews, Interschool Sports, Year 10 and 11 Outdoor Ed / Geography trips, Year 12 Big Day Out, two work habits cycles, Year 7 and 9 NAPLAN and the establishment of student activities and clubs just to name a few. 

We would like to take this opportunity to thank and recognise all of our wonderful leaders, students, teaching staff, support staff, carers and families who have supported these valuable programs and events. Term 2 will continue to generate some excitement and energy with a focus shifting to the College Open Night, Athletics Carnival, Semester 1 exam assessment at the senior years, Year 10 Work Experience and the rollout of the Year 9 Program. 

Uniform 

The principal class team has taken great delight in purposefully meeting and greeting students each morning as they enter the school gates. These positive interactions are a great way for both the Principal team and students to start the school day and provide us with a great opportunity to see the fantastic manner in which our students take pride in wearing the College uniform. At times we have been able to provide students with short and long-term solutions to uniform concerns and we greatly appreciate students’ and families' support in ensuring students arrive and depart school in full uniform as per our uniform dress code. 

Healthy Eating School Environment 

The Principal team in recent weeks have observed an increase in food delivery to the school gates. While this is a creative initiative to ensure students have access to food during break time, students have access to alternative healthy food options through the school canteen, breakfast club and the wellbeing program. 

Students are encouraged to be organised and prepared with their Brunch & Lunch each day, this ensures that healthy food choices are being made and prepares students for learning. Often food delivery products have high levels of sugar, preservatives and foods that can cause allergic reactions. 

Students and families are reminded to make use of the school canteen or the other support programs available during the day. Food delivery is not an option as this often causes a disruption to a safe and orderly school environment for our staff and students. 

If you want to know more about healthy eating options please access the information provided by the better health programs. https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/healthyliving

Sleep and young people 

While we know sleep is essential for good health, research shows that many children and young people are not getting enough sleep on school nights. This can affect thinking, concentration, memory, reaction times and mood.

Research shows about 12% of primary school-aged children, a quarter of 12- to 15-year-olds and half of 16- to 17-year-olds don’t get enough sleep on school nights. The recommended amount of time to sleep for primary school-aged children is 9 to 11 hours. For teenagers, it’s 8 to 10 hours.

Signs that your child is not getting enough sleep can include:

• low mood and irritability during social interactions
• reluctance or arguing about getting off devices and going to bed
• falling asleep during the day
• difficulties waking up for school and sleeping in late on weekends to catch up
• changes to communicating or interacting at home.

You can help your child to improve their sleep by:

• establishing a regular sleep pattern and consistent bedtime routine
• supporting them to avoid using electronic devices such as smartphones before going to bed and in bed
• encouraging your child to exercise and spend time outside in daylight, steering clear of vigorous activity in the hour before sleep
• encouraging them to wind down and relax before going to bed.

If your child is still having trouble sleeping, has persistent problems with low mood, excessive daytime sleepiness, restlessness in bed, severe snoring or wakening unrefreshed, despite getting an adequate length of sleep, they should see a doctor.

For more information on sleep health, you can refer to:

 Sleep tips for children and Facts about sleep for parents and school staff, from the Sleep Health Foundation

Why sleep is so important, from the Kids Helpline’s

Sleep explained, from the Better Health Channel.

Have a safe and wonderful Easter break with family and friends and we look forward to welcoming students back refreshed and ready for Term 2. 

Best Wishes,

Mr. John Lane, Ms. Fiona Scott-Young & 

Mr. Wes Pfitzner