I am pleased to report that Term 2 has had a very positive start. Students have returned with a focused attitude towards their learning, and we have seen an improvement in the wearing of the school uniform, which we greatly appreciate.

UNIFORM EXPECTATIONS & REMINDERS

As the cooler weather sets in, we would like to remind families of the expectations regarding the school uniform:

• Full winter uniform, including the blazer, is required on all days except when students have a practical subject or sport.
  
  
• All Year 9 students have sport on Tuesdays and are required to wear the full sports uniform on that day.
  
  
• Students will also need to wear their sports uniform for PDHPE and PASS practical lessons, as well as double lessons for Bushcraft and Agriculture.

To clarify the sports shoe requirements:

• Shoes should be classified by the manufacturer as “gym” or “training” shoes.
  
  
• Shoes should not have flat soles, be made of canvas, or have platform soles. 

Additional Uniform Notes:

• Students may wear a plain white undershirt under their uniform for extra warmth.
  
  
• On sports uniform days, students may wear the school jacket.
  
  
• On winter uniform days, students must wear the school blazer, and may also wear the school jumper underneath for extra warmth.
  
  
• Sports shorts must be loose-fitting and mid-thigh in length.

Please remind students to keep an eye on their uniform items, ensuring that their names are clearly labelled in the instance where an item is misplaced. 

We appreciate your ongoing support in helping us maintain high standards for uniform, presentation and pride in our school.

TECHNOLOGY USE & SCHOOL POLICY

We would also like to remind students & families about the school’s technology and phone use policy. Mobile phones and messaging platforms, including iMessage on laptops, are not permitted to be used during school hours.

At a recent Year 9 meeting, students were reminded of the following expectations:

• Screen sharing, Bluetooth file sharing (unless for learning purposes as approved by the classroom teacher), and the use of VPN blockers on school devices are not allowed at school.
  
  
• All technology use should be for educational purposes only and must comply with the school’s acceptable use policy.

We ask for your support in reinforcing these expectations at home to ensure a safe and focused learning environment for all students.

STUDENT REPRESENTATIVE COUNCIL (SRC)

This term, our SRC members have been encouraged to take on more active roles within the year group. They are now helping to lead year meetings and are working collaboratively to brainstorm and organise whole year group activities. One exciting initiative currently being developed is the Year 9 House Cup, set to launch later this term and continue throughout the year. We look forward to seeing the positive impact of their leadership.

PASTORAL LESSONS

This year, our pastoral lessons have focused on helping students build effective learning and study habits, an essential foundation for success as they move through high school. Coming up, students will participate in a session on Sleep and Screen Time, an important area for supporting wellbeing and balance.

Earlier this term, our Year 9 girls were fortunate to attend a session with Susan from the Endometriosis and Pelvic Pain Clinic at Milton Medical Centre, where they were educated on endometriosis, periods, and pelvic health. We thank Susan for providing such valuable information and support.

STAFFING UPDATE

As many of you may be aware, I, Mrs Jennings, will be commencing maternity leave toward the end of Term 2 in anticipation of the arrival of my baby boy. I want to take this opportunity to thank all our Year 9 students and families for your continued support throughout the year so far.

I plan to return as Year 10 Leader of Wellbeing in Term 2, 2026, and in my absence, Ms Ross will be stepping in as the Year 9 Leader of Wellbeing. I am confident she will provide fantastic support and continuity for the cohort.

Wishing all our students and families a positive and rewarding Term 2, and a successful remainder of 2025.