Director of Student Wellbeing

Our students should be very proud of the way in which they have commenced the academic year. They have embraced the Virgilian Way by applying themselves toward their learning, adjusting to a number of structural changes with ease and are representing the College and themselves with pride in their personal presentation. There have been many positive comments about the ‘vibe’ at Austins Ferry Campus. We cannot deny the positive impact our Year 11 young men are having on the wider student body. There is also no doubt this is the result of students, staff and families working in partnership and I encourage these positive, respectful interactions as we progress throughout the academic year. If parents or carers have any question or concerns that arise, please do not hesitate to get in contact with your son’s subject teacher or Pastoral Care Teacher. Similarly, staff may contact you to discuss academic results, work output or social and emotional concerns so we can ensure the best outcomes for your son. 

Online Safety

Last week important House Assemblies took place creating awareness for students of the current online safety concern targeting young teenagers, particularly males. As reported in the last edition of The Star there have been instances where offenders are coercing children – particularly teenage males – into producing images before extorting them for money. Students were provided with preventative strategies as well as steps to follow if they find themselves in this position and supports available. These were also emailed to them as an ongoing reference. The Welfare Team has a thorough process in place should this affect a student. Please do not hesitate to contact myself directly or your son’s Head of House.

Digital Thumbprint Workshops

To further support educating our students around online safety and positive interactions online, they will participate in Digital Thumbprint (a Trusted eSafety Provider) Workshops taking place on Monday. 

Year 11 - Digital Identity and Digital Balance

During the workshop, students explore the positive uses of technology on our wellbeing and take steps to improve our digital wellbeing through streamlining what our devices can do for us. Gives students the opportunity to examine their social media profiles and posts through the lens a boss applies in the process of hiring and during employment. Students work through improving their online identity for future success. 

Years 9 and 10 - Cyberbullying

Understanding the importance of respectful relationships and the impact of cyberbullying Explores Image Based Abuse & Consent online. 

Years 7 and 8 - Cybersecurity

How to create strong passwords, enabling privacy settings on social media, and understanding just how easily and far things can spread when shared on the internet.  

Student Wellbeing Program

This year we have introduced Extended Pastoral Care into our timetable. Extended Pastoral Care takes place once a fortnight, continuing morning PC until the end of Period 1. The purpose is to deliver our new Student Wellbeing Program which replaces the Welfare/Grade Assembly model from previous years. At the end of last year the Welfare Team created a Wellbeing Scope and Sequence from Year 7-11 centered around our College values. Year 7 - Community, Year 8 - Integrity, Year 9 - Kindness, Year 10 - Learning, Year 11 - Justice. Resources are created by the Welfare Team to educate students around social and emotional learning, mental wellbeing, positive body image, life skills, community and service learning, and study habits/academic skills. We’re also flexible, responding to issues as they affect our students. The program is delivered by our Pastoral Care Teachers who know your son best and I thank them for embracing this important learning program.   

Mother/Father & Son Events

Wednesday March 1: Mother & Son Evening for Year 7s - reminder for students to bring a treasured item to the evening.

Thursday March 2: Father & Son Evening for Year 8s - reminder for students to bring a treasured item to the evening.