Deputy Principal

“Do more than belong: participate. Do more than care: help. Do more than believe: practice. Do more than be fair: be kind.”

As we commence Week 3 it is timely to focus on our approach to the upcoming demands and requirements which can be thrusted upon us. We have had a great deal of focus on setting boys up for successful outcomes. Encouraging all students to;

• Have a go
• Try something new
• Test yourself
• Be prepared to be uncomfortable
• Communicate and let us know how you are travelling.

All of which we know can have an incredible influence on the experience and outcomes of our students. All students should be actively involved in some form of cocurricular which compliments individual interest and passion. We also encourage boys to try something new and get out of your comfort zone. As we well know meeting new friends, forming new relationships with staff and testing yourself is always a beneficial experience. 

Within the classroom

Our core business is teaching and learning. We know that in order to set ourselves up for successful outcomes we need to be mindful of the following.

• Have positive attitude.
• Be ready to learn (prepared with all equipment, iPad/MacBook charged, have a clear distinction between in class time and outside of class time)
• Be willing to ask questions and seek clarification and/or help when required.
• Difficult does not mean impossible and therefore I can’t. Challenges are there to be overcome.
• Put yourself first. It’s not about your friends it about you.
• How are you impacting others? How are you being perceived by others? Is this the true version of you?

The school day goes by very quickly and in turn stresses the importance of utilising our time effectively. As boys progress through to Senior School the expectations and demands inevitable rise. Setting up positive routines and work habits will enable for a smooth transition. After school time is a perfect example. We schedule every minute of our school time in the form of a timetable, so why not schedule in your study and homework requirements for out of school time. Below is an example which could spark the question of how you best utilise your time.

Canteen

It has been great to see so many boys pre ordering their lunch, with a new collection service proving to be highly efficient in getting lunch out to hungry boys. I strongly encourage families to utilise this service or pre ordering where possible. 

Drop off/Start of the School Day

With traffic issues and bus cancelations, we have seen at times an interrupted start to the day. I would be encouraging boys to reassess potential Metro bus routes and making a comparison with O’Driscoll Coaches. A reminder that no student should be on site prior to 8 am to ensure duty of care for our young men.

Metro: https://www.metrotas.com.au/schools/st-virgils-college/

Calows’s Coaches: https://www.calowscoaches.com.au/timetable/

O’Driscoll Coaches: https://derwentvalleylink.com.au/timetable-maps/