Welcome back for Term 2. I trust that you had a good break, are well rested and enjoyed time with family and friends.

Term 2 is relatively short and shaping up to be quite busy. Apart from the academic program, rehearsals have started for the school production, planning is underway for Feast Day in Week 5, Year 10 Outdoor Education students are preparing for camp, Year 7’s have started Premier League, students are preparing for various interschool events such as badminton, cross country and futsal, and the after school and lunchtime activities are back in full swing. 

I know that Years 9 and 10 students have an eye on their exams in Week 8, and that they understand that good exam preparation doesn’t happen the night before an exam but is continuous over the semester.

Between study, out of school commitments and involvement in co-curricular activities, students have many things to juggle. To assist all students with preparation and planning, we will have a strong focus on diary use throughout the school. The effective use of a diary assists with planning, organisation, goal setting, focus and reflection. The College diary is also an invaluable source of information about wellbeing and learning strategies based on the Berry Street Education Model (BSEM). We encourage families to support students in using their diary by checking it regularly.

I wish students and families a fruitful and fulfilling Term 2.

Inviting all Families 

In the coming fortnight, you are invited to two very important events for families. Firstly, the Cybersafety Family Education Night on Wednesday 10 May. Supporting young people to be safe online and to operate as responsible digital citizens is a concern for many families. It has been the number one topic in our community conversations over recent years. Technology provides incredible opportunities, both for learning and to engage with others, however, if misused, it can negatively impact both wellbeing and learning.

Secondly, we will have our annual Mother’s Day Breakfast on Monday 15 May. This is an opportunity to celebrate our mums, grandmothers and the special mother figures in our lives whilst enjoying a delicious breakfast and a slower start to the day.

Information about both is included later in the newsletter and has been communicated via other mediums. Much preparation has gone into both events – I encourage families to attend and look forward to seeing you at one or both.

Enhancing Catholic School Identity (ECSI) surveys

Thank you to all families who completed the ECSI survey late last term. Your time and input is very much appreciated. I recognise that it was no simple task to complete the four surveys. Responses from students, families and staff are now being processed by KU Leuven and a report will be forwarded to the school in early October. The information will be important for our school review in 2024.

Thank You

Thank you to all families for your participation of the Student / Parent / Teacher interviews at the end of Term 1. Your interest is very much appreciated and is of great support to your son / daughter. I hope that you and your child found the time spent at the College to be valuable. 

The mid-term reports and interviews provide students with the opportunity to celebrate what they’ve achieved, to reflect on their learning and to set goals for the rest of the semester. 

Uniform

All students should now be in full winter uniform. This includes wearing the blazer to homeroom each morning, and the wearing of the school tie for both boys and girls. The uniform policy and requirements are in the Student Diary.