Uniform

I must say that the personal presentation of students has improved drastically this term and the sense of College pride has likewise increased.  As mentioned previously, the start of Term 2 marks the end of the transition period between the old uniform policy and the current.  The current uniform policy is attached.  There are a few items to note to ensure that everyone is adequately prepared for the start of the term:

• Winter uniform is to be worn in Term 2 and 3.  This includes ties for both boys and girls in the Middle and Senior Years.
• Joggers are to be mostly black, with black, white or red trim only. 
• Jackets are only to be worn with sports uniform unless it is extremely cold where they can be worn over the College pullover. 
• Confro jackets can only be worn in place of the sports jacket, not in place of the College pullover. 
• A cotton/polyester blend College pullover will be available in June.  If students cannot wear the wool pullover due to medial reasons, it is a parental responsibility to ensure this is up to date in parent portal in the medical tab.

Our uniform policy will be followed through in full from the start of Term 2.

Thank You

I would like to thank all of our students, staff and community for a wonderful start to 2019.  While it is evident that everyone is in need of a holiday to rest and refresh, it is due to the considerable effort given by all.  Foremost, I would like to acknowledge our amazing staff who have gone above and beyond this term.  Transforming to a digital platform and pedagogy for students in Years 7-12 is a significant achievement in such a short period.  Compared to our progress this term, there are other colleges and whole education systems that have not been able to shift as quickly and effectively over many years.  The rigour of the curriculum is ever increasing at our College as we heighten our standards and expectations of the academic, social, cultural, behavioural, spiritual and sporting domains.  I encourage students and the community to take a minute and let a staff member know the value of their work.  A parent reported this morning that this was the best term they have ever had, and it sure was appreciated by one staff member who has given their all this term. 

Similarly I would like to thank the parents and community members who continue to support their children and our College.  Raising children sure doesn’t get any easier as time goes by (trust me – I have a 3 year old…), and the ease with which the parents have adapted to the Digital Enhancement of the Curriculum with student laptops in Years 7-12 has been excellent.  We look forward to rolling out parental capabilities in Canvas throughout the year so that parents will also have access to many of the learning materials as well as academic calendars. Beyond this, the happy faces and smiles we see in and around our College every day are a result of the work you do in raising well-rounded, caring and compassionate families.  Thank you also for entrusting your children to us every day.  We really value this, and due to this, do our best to educate your child the best we can every day.

Of course, our students have adapted to much this Term, and we couldn’t be more proud.  From uniforms to laptops to higher academic and assessment rigour, they have risen to the task and are taking on the learning.  It is hard, and at times there will be failures, though failures are what make a good person.  Last week’s gospel, the prodigal son (Luke 15:1-3, 11-32), reminds us that sin can present itself in many forms, either through the haste and recklessness of the younger son, or through the resentment, condemnation, belittling and judgement of the older brother.  The father though, embraces the failures of his young son, embraces him, and celebrates his return.  In education circles, we refer to this as demonstrating a growth mindset.  That is the ability to recognise failure as learning and to get back up and continue to succeed.  Literally, we are nothing without our amazing students, and we trust you are enjoying the challenge as much as everyone else.  Enjoy your break, everyone!

NAPLAN

It is almost time for NAPLAN again! Between Tuesday, 14and Thursday, 16 May, all students in Years 3, 5, 7 and 9 will complete an array of assessment in reading, literacy conventions, writing and numeracy.  While social media circles tend to publicise any deficit they can regarding NAPLAN, much of the time they miss the point entirely and make assumtions about what NAPLAN is really used for in schools.  It is NOT a measuring stick, a report card, a way to compare children;  it is simply a consistent measure we can apply across the nation to determine what is working well and not so well in the learning of literacy and numeracy.  This allows us to focus on improving particular aspects of the what, how and when we teach specific skills to ensure we are creating the best learners we can.  Especially important is that it is not a test of Mathematics or English.  It is regarding Numeracy and Literacy, which are part of the general capabilities of the curriculum, meaning that they are both taught in every subject. We are working with staff in ensuring we are developing the skills of children to best demonstrate their knowledge and skills by being assessment capable.  I look forward to seeing our progress in NAPLAN results this year and encourage all to be involved and show everyone how well they can do. If you would like some more information, please check out the website at https://www.nap.edu.au/home or arrange a time to come and have a chat with one of the leadership team.

Farewell

We also say farewell to our two Japanese exchange students, Yosuke Inagaki and Sarina Kakegawa who have been attending the College for most of Term 1. Both students have enjoyed their time here and we are pleased to report their English has vastly improved. We wish them a safe journey home to their families.

Peter Cuskelly

Principal