Dunhelen
Mrs Francis Scuderi
Welcome Back
Welcome back and I look forward to a wonderful term. I trust that students had a relaxing mid-year break and are refreshed and eager to head into Semester 2.
Class Captains Semester 2
Homerooms, if they have not already decided, will be choosing their Semester 2 Class Captains soon. I encourage students to nominate themselves and ‘have a go’ at involving themselves more in the College life.
School Commencement Time
School commences at 8.45am and it is important that students are here by that time. Missing the start of the day can be disruptive and means that important information may not have been received. Students should be aiming to arrive at school at 8.30am. Please note that students should not be arriving to school before 8.00am as teachers are not on duty before this time.
Uniform
Your assistance with school uniform is greatly appreciated. Students should be in correct uniform every day and this includes their blazer. Parkas can be worn over the top of the blazer to and from school. The parka is an optional uniform item. Girls' skirts should be just below the knee, hair tied up, no nail polish or fake nails, no make-up. Students are only permitted to have one earring per ear lobe and a watch. All students should be wearing a tie and lace up black school shoes. For more information, the uniform policy can be found on My Aitken. Notes for being out of uniform should only be written for valid reasons.
Phone Rules
Students have been reminded of the phone rules in Dunhelen. If a student is found using their phone between the hours of 8.45am and 3.15pm, the phone will be confiscated for the day. Our aim is to have more noise and social interaction in the school yard. Obviously, phones in the classroom can also be a distraction. Please refrain from calling or texting your child throughout the school day as this places your child in an uncomfortable position of wanting to answer you but knowing they may get caught using their phone. Urgent calls should go through Dunhelen Administration, who will get the message to your child.
Sleep Routine
It is a well-known fact that sleep is needed to maintain a healthy life. Students (teenagers) should ideally be sleeping 8 to 9 hours a night. Students who do not have a healthy sleeping pattern demonstrate this in the classroom and in their work. It is important, even during the teenage years, that children are given a bedtime routine. Set time for bed, lights out at a certain time, no devices in the bedroom etc.
I have attached an article from Headspace in relation to teenagers and sleep. Please do take the time to read it and perhaps discuss some of the facts with your child.
Rules
It seems that my newsletter, this time, is full of rules, however, we are trying to teach students that rules make up most of our lives and cannot be avoided. We cannot simply do as we want, when we want. This would create anarchy and it is important to remember that the small (or what may be seen as insignificant) rules are just as important as the ‘big’ rules. Hume City Council is providing some information sessions for parents. Sessions are free; however, you will need to book. please see the attached flyer.
Year 8 Respect Ourselves Day
On Tuesday 30 July, the Year 8 students will be participating in Respect Ourselves Day. This is an all-day incursion and is run by staff from the College. The day will cover areas such as: screen time, resilience, respecting differences and sexualisation. The students can wear their PE uniform for the day. Any questions in regard to the program can be directed to Mrs Katie Hart, Head of Faculty - Life Skills at: