It's been an exciting start to the year, and I'm thrilled to report that our Year 7 students have settled into school life with remarkable ease and enthusiasm.

In these initial weeks, our focus has been on fostering a supportive and inclusive environment where each student feels valued and empowered to thrive. We've embarked on various activities and programs to ensure a smooth transition into secondary school.

Our Respectful Relationships program has been instrumental in promoting positive interactions among peers, teaching invaluable skills for effective communication and conflict resolution. The engagement and participation from our Year 7 cohort have been truly commendable.

Additionally, our recent Laptop Bootcamp equipped students with the necessary digital skills and knowledge to utilise technology effectively for their academic pursuits. The Catholic Culture afternoon provided an enriching experience, fostering spiritual growth and strengthening our sense of community.

Amidst these specialised programs, we've also conducted PAT testing to gauge students' academic progress and identify areas for growth. Alongside these activities, we've embraced the rhythm of everyday school life, engaging in lessons, extracurricular activities, and forming lasting friendships. In addition, we've been fortunate to have Transition Specialists in each Year 7 class, dedicated to ensuring every student feels comfortable and supported in their new school environment. Their keen observations, combined with the valuable data gathered from PAT Testing, have played a crucial role in finalising official class lists from Week 4 onwards. Students can expect to receive their updated timetables on Tuesday of Week 4.

I extend my thanks to all of you, the parents and carers, for your cooperation and guidance of your children throughout these initial weeks. Your support has been instrumental in ensuring a smooth transition for our Year 7 students, and I, along with the entire Yr 7 PALS Team, am immensely grateful for your partnership in their journey.

As we progress further into the term, it's crucial to address the issue of online safety. We've observed some challenges arising from the use of certain social media platforms, particularly Snapchat. Ensuring our students' safety online is paramount, and I urge you to have open discussions with your children about responsible digital citizenship and the potential risks associated with social media use. As a school, we encourage you to stay informed about your children's online activities, establish clear guidelines for online behaviour, and monitor their usage to promote a safe and positive online experience. We will also be exploring positive and safe online behaviours in an upcoming Pastoral Focus Lesson.

On Wednesday as we left for Year 7 Camp the students were very excited, a recap and report of this amazing event will be had in the coming weeks!

Thank you once again for your continued support, and here's to a fantastic term ahead!

'With Jesus, we can reach the highest of heights’

Mrs Abbey Simis

Year 7 Coordinator