Thank you to all the parents and carers who attended the recent subject selection evening. Your engagement is essential for your child's success and wellbeing at school. We were delighted by the strong turnout, which promises great things for our year group's future.

SUBJECT SELECTION REMINDERS

• The subject selection information booklet has been sent out to Year 8 students and their families. 
• On-line Elective Requests have now closed (closed Thursday 4th July 2024).
• A reminder that Students are to print completed subject selection form with parent signature and return to PALS teachers by Friday 26 July 2024. 
• Students will be advised of their electives for Stage 5 studies (2024-2025) in Term 4.

Here is a recap of the pastoral and learning support information shared with parents and carers during the subject selection evening:

ESAFETY TIPS

Managing Social Media: To help support your child with social media use, the eSafety website offers valuable resources, including videos, tips, and advice. These materials can help both parents and young people stay safe online.

https://www.esafety.gov.au/parents 

Video Resource: The "Digital Technologies and Mental Health" clip explains how to support a young person's mental wellbeing while using social media and apps, targeting parents and carers of young people aged 10 to 18 years old. Link: Digital Technologies and Mental Health.  

IMPORTANCE OF SCHOOL ATTENDANCE

Impact of Low Attendance: Regular attendance is essential for student success. Even seemingly minor absences can add up significantly over time. There is a direct link between low attendance and poorer academic performance, mental health, and social functioning. Research indicates that students with an attendance rate below 90% are at risk. The St John’s attendance process is designed to actively support and improve student attendance.

The following article from ReachOut addresses the issue of school refusal and teenagers. It includes signs and strategies to support young people and parents who may be experiencing school refusal. Reachout Article: School refusal and your teen 

ORGANISATIONAL SKILLS FOR SUCCESS

• Study Environment:  A dedicated, quiet, and well-lit study space at home can significantly improve your child's organisational habits. This space should be free from distractions (e.g., phones) and ideally in a visible area for parental supervision. See https://study.uq.edu.au/stories/how-create-positive-study-environment-home for more information and guidance in this area. 
• Use of School Diary:  Consistently using the school diary to record homework, assessments, and important dates can help students manage their time effectively. Writing checklists and to-do lists in the diary can also be very helpful.

• Daily Routine:  Establishing a consistent daily routine with set times for homework, study, and relaxation can aid in organisation. A regular bedtime and wake-up time ensure students get enough rest and are ready for school each day.

ST JOHN'S PHONE POLICY

The phone policy supports our core values of "excellence in learning" and "peaceful and just relationships."

Students should not use mobile phones during school hours. If they need to contact a parent or carer, they must go to the front office.

Consequences for Misuse:

• 1st Offence:  Phone taken to the office and returned at the end of the day.
• 2nd Offence: Phone taken, student attends a lunch withdrawal, then the phone is returned.
• 3rd Offence: In-school withdrawal, email home, phone returned.
• 4th Offence: Monitoring process implemented, in-school withdrawal, no phone at school or logged in/out of the office daily for a predetermined period (4 weeks).

Students are also reminded that no photo or video footage should be taken on school grounds or shared on social media, including before or after the bell and of students in their school uniforms.

The use of the mobile phone at school also extends to iMessage and other chat based applications on student laptops. It is vital that students follow these school expectations to ensure that they are striving for excellence in their learning and also finding a balance to instil peaceful relationships with their peers and classroom teachers. 

YEAR 8 SRC

A big thank you and congratulations to our Year 8 SRC students who have been successful in researching and planning for ways to better our school. Next term the SRC team will be collaborating with Ms Dias’ Year 9 Short Course class to plan for new seating to be put around the school.

KEY CONTACTS

For more information or support about any of the above information or processes, please reach out to the relevant contacts.

Year 8 Coordinator: Ms. Jennings

Pastoral Care Coordinator: Ms. Diaz

Curriculum Coordinator: Ms. Murphy

Subject-Specific Queries: Class teacher or KLA Coordinator

General Concerns: PALS teacher

'Let your light shine. '