INFORMATION EVENINGS

I hope that everyone is settling in to the 2020 school year. I know that it has been a very difficult start for many. As we step into the 2020 school year, knowing what to expect for each student in all particular year groups will assist every student in getting a sense of normalcy and empowering their confidence and thus assist them in being successful.

With this in mind, over the coming weeks we are holding parent and student information evenings for Years 7,10 and 11. These meetings will cover the content relevant to the students in the specific year group. We believe that by having students and parents present at these meetings together, we can assist and support you in planning and communicating around important aspects of each student's school experience. In addition, the PALS teachers are involved in these meetings in a significant way. 

This will enable you to get to know the teacher who spends each morning with your son or daughter. There will also be light refreshments available before the meetings so that you can informally meet staff and other parents from the same year group.

The dates are as follows:

Week 3: Monday 10 February

Year 10 (5.45pm) and Year 11 (6.30 pm) - Tea and coffee available from 5.30pm

Week 5: Year 7 Monday 24 February

(5.45pm) - Tea and coffee from 5.30pm

It is an expectation that the students do accompany their parents to these events and we hope that much will be gained for all involved. 

POSITIVE BEHAVIOURS FOR SUCCESS AT SCHOOL

I would like to remind students and parents of the importance of attending school everyday with the view of making every lesson count on their educational journey. To ensure success students must learn more than course content.

It is essential that they develop good learning practices and thinking skills. They must develop an ownership of their own learning. Parents can support this development by helping students develop organisational skills. This includes ensuring that they bring their equipment, including laptops, to school each day.

The diary provides ALL students with a very useful tool to help them with their organisation. The diary is a required item for every student from Year 7 - 12, every day. The diary is a useful tool for parents to check in and see how the student is going across all subjects. We ask that you sign the diary once a week upon sighting the diary. Students are aware that there will be consequences if they do not bring their diary to school and each lesson. Parents are encouraged to read the front pages of the diary as they contain essential information for all students. The diary will also contain homework, assignments and key dates and deadlines to assist the students in organising their time and being successful in their learning.

UNIFORM

Our school uniform is distinctive and those who wear it should take pride in it and their appearance. We endeavour to develop in the students a respect for their school and a deeper awareness of their own personal responsibility. Such values are reflected in behaviour and dress. It is important that students abide by the school expectations at the beginning of the year in order that the focus can be placed on student learning. Guidelines are in the student diary and were sent home to each family at the end of Term 4, 2019 to assist in the purchase of new items. 

Teachers have discussed uniform with students whose wearing of the uniform is of concern. I would like to highlight the concern I have stated numerous times last year regarding the girls' sports shorts being too tight and too short. I asked students to rectify this over the holiday period. I will be meeting with individual students in the coming days should they not have addressed this uniform issue.

We are grateful for your support in these matters when issues arise. I look forward to meeting our new parents and carers and hope to work in partnership in the education and care of your children.

CAR PARK SAFETY

Parents are asked to collect their children from the front of the school. It is very unsafe to park across from the bus bay and have your child cross the road as buses are swinging around corners and moving quickly through this area - not expecting pedestrians.