Welcome to the new school year. I hope everyone had a restful and refreshing break and all students are ready for the year ahead. We welcomed many new faces into the Middle Years this week, and while the majority were in Year 7, there are also new students joining the other three cohorts as well. Its great to have new families join us.

There was a real buzz around the students on Monday they entered the improved Middle Years Plaza area for the first time. From the new locker area to the eating areas and the undercover assembly space it has been wonderful to see students spreading out at breaks and capitalising on the extra space they have been afforded. So popular is the new area, we have had many older student visitors strolling through at break time simply to have a look. We are very blessed to have such a wonderful space for our Middle Years students to enjoy.

It is important that students get back into good routines and habits as quickly as possible, so they hit the ground running this school year. Thank you to the parents that responded to the letters and correspondence regarding uniform and haircuts that have been distributed over the last few weeks. Please check your child’s diary for information regarding the uniform and grooming.

I encourage all students and their families to think about the study spaces they have set up in the family home. A designated area for students to complete homework that is free from distraction is a vital part of completing the necessary work outside of school. Often, the student’s bedroom is not the best place for this outside of school work. In many cases there are too many distractions in that space or students cannot be adequately monitored while completing work and therefore the standard of work can decrease, or the students become less time efficient while completing work.

Sleep routines are also another important factor that needs adjusting now that school has returned. The holiday period often can result in a relaxation of bedtimes, and it is important that students get sufficient levels of sleep to perform at their best while at school. [ 

I wish every student a wonderful start to the year.

Craig Cullen  

Assistant Principal