This term we have had increased absences as a result of the various virus’s and illnesses that are prevalent at the moment. Thanks to all parents that have supported us by keeping sick students home and are communicating via PAM to keep us in the loop. On the other hand when a student has a day off here and there and then they need days off for an illness, problems start to compound. Currently the attendance rates are lower than we would like. We also know that some students avoid assessments. Each day missed leads to students being required to catch up on assessments and classwork. We are more than happy to support families that are having issues getting students to school. Please reach out to the relevant Learning Mentor, Year Level Team Leaders and House Leaders to assist you in this space. We can also engage the Student Services Team and one of our Diversity Leaders that supports re-engagement with our more challenging cases.
Did you know that being away from school one day a fortnight equals missing 1.5 years over 13 years of school?
Thanks to all the male mentors that attended last Friday as we celebrated with dads, grandparents, uncles and mentors as Paulie Stewart joined us. Paulie shared his journey through life as the front man for the painters and dockers, he acknowledged the loss of his brother as one of the Balibo 5, his time waiting for a liver transplant and now his work with the Timorese nuns. Paulie even sang for us and allowed us to join in with one of his songs.
Here is a link if you would like to purchase a signed copy of Paulie’s book: pauliestewart.bigcartel.com
Hosted by our PRISM team and led by Sophie Gathercole, Wear it Purple Day was held on Monday 15 September and is a day aimed to create a safe and inclusive place for all members of our school community. Students got involved by wearing a purple accessory. Students enjoyed listening to some music accompanied by our students, had lunch and joined in a range of activities.
I would also like to draw your attention to a free webinar provided by Hobson’s Bay Council. The Unplugged Psychologist, Brad Marshall will be able to provide support and guidance to parents as you navigate the upcoming social media bans.
Click the link for more information or to register: The Unplugged Psychologist
Stacey Bourke
Deputy Principal - Student Wellbeing
On Tuesday the 2nd of September, the Year 10 Peer Support Leaders ran the pastoral period with their Year 7 class. The focus for the pastoral period was ‘friendships and peer pressure’ with many games and activities for the year 7’s to complete to understand the topic better. The Peer Support Leaders discussed the features of what a good friendship looks like and what it really means to be pressured by your peers and how to deal with friendship problems and peer pressure. Different strategies were discussed on how to deal with peer pressure. The Year 7’s were able to add their own ideas into a treasure chest and a rubbish bin. The treasure chest represented what we want in a good friendship and how to deal with peer pressure and the rubbish bin represented what we don't want to see in friendships. To end the session, the Year 7 students were able to make friendship bracelets to give to someone else who showed the values of a good friend.
Grace Hesse - Year 10
On the 11th of September, our Year 12 students kicked off the first Rise and Revise Study Session.
Arriving bright and early, students shared breakfast while working together to revisit key concepts and support each other’s learning. The session offered a focused, collaborative start to the day, boosting confidence and reinforcing their preparation for upcoming assessments, setting a positive tone for the rest of their school day.
Natalie O'Brien - Learning Development Leader
