In the words of Mary MacKillop, "We have much to be thankful for". (1873). The holidays and the Easter period are a great chance to spend time with the people we love and value time with. I ask that you take time to review your experiences in Term 1 and reflect on the positive experiences. Are there things you need to let go of? Are there things you need to celebrate? What will Term 2 bring?
Parent Workshops
Thank you to all the families that attended the workshops and have responded to the survey. It was great to see parents engaging in a range of sessions and receiving their feedback.
Anxiety and Reluctance to Attend School, Online Webinar, 2 May at 7PM
We have been fortunate enough to be able to have Dr Glenn Melvin, a practising clinical psychologist and an associate professor at the School of Psychology at Deakin University, commit to leading an online webinar. The webinar will provide great insights for parents around anxiety and how it may affect attendance and involvement at school.
Further information is available in the News page of this newsletter.
School start time
Every day except Wednesday, students need to be onsite before 8:35am. Many students are arriving late and may be required to do an after school reflection if the office is not notified.
Uniform
This is a quick reminder that the blazer must be worn in Terms 2 and 3. School bags are a compulsory item and are not to be replaced by tote bags.
Child Safety
A great resource for parents managing the online space is the e-safety commissioner: https://www.esafety.gov.au/parents
They have informative webinars for parents. Click the link below to see all webinars offered in 2023.
2023 parent and carer webinar schedule
Parent Input Working Committees - Volunteers wanted
The College is looking at establishing two working committees. The committees will meet quarterly and will look at policies/issues and how they can be embedded into College life. Expressions of interest are sought from interested parents/carers to join these committees by adding your details to this form HERE.
1. Child Safety
All parents/carers are welcome to join this committee.
We would particularly like to hear from those that have an interest or area of expertise in policy, juvenile affairs, child safety or social work.
2. Respectful Relationships
All parents/carers are welcome to join this committee.
This committee will look at embedding a culture of respect and equality across the entire community.
For further information about these committees and their purpose, please contact me: sbourke@msj.vic.edu.au
Getting started with social media: TikTok, YouTube, Instagram
This 30-minute webinar is designed for parents and carers of young people in primary and secondary school. It includes practical tech tips, conversation starters and digital parenting advice.
It will cover: creating a positive digital identity, privacy and sharing online, managing what you see online, good practices in group chats and help-seeking.
Term 2 dates (Australian Eastern Standard Time)
3 May, 7:30 pm to 8:00 pm
22 May, 12:30 pm to 1:00 pm
8 June, 12:30 pm to 1:00 pm
REGISTER HERE
Activities Days
It was great to see the MSJ community all involved in three days of alternative programs. This included Tertiary Visits for Year 11 and Year 12 students, some investigations of possible pathways by utilising the Morrisby test, Year 9 attended camp, Year 8 visited the city and ran programs and activities, and Year 7s had a mix of activities and Indigenous activities. It is imperative that students undertake these activities to enhance relationships, faith, wellbeing and learning. The Year 7s attended a camp at Lake Dewar this week and by all accounts, loved the experience.
Sleep - According to Headspace, sleep is vital
If you’re aged between 12-17, then 8 to 10 hours sleep is ideal. Keep in mind that different people need slightly different amounts of sleep. You might not know how much sleep you get, so it can be a good idea to record it in a sleep app or journal and notice whether your sleep impacts things like your mood and energy levels, or anything else you might notice. The senior students have just completed a wellbeing lesson on sleep.
Get Enough Sleep Fact Sheet
Hobsons Bay Youth Services
Hobsons Bay Youth Services is committed to providing services and supports for young people aged between 12 and 25 who live, work or study within the municipality.
They also provide seminars and courses for parents of teens to help build strong connections with their teen and assist them in their role as parents.
Hobsons Bay Youth Services are putting together a seminar series, and welcome parent feedback on which topics most interest you and how you would like these delivered. Click on the below survey link - it should take 1-2 mins.
https://forms.office.com/r/s87v6iUzSm
Stacey Bourke - Deputy Principal, Student Wellbeing
