08 AUG 2023 From the Deputy Principal: Students

Term three has already started to fly past with many students achieving wonderful milestones during this early part of the term. I have seen wonderful performances by Year 9 Premier League participants, Senior Soccer and Basketball games have been high class and I have witnessed the choir and other performing arts students continually develop their performing abilities. The Student Senate is in full swing with a representative from each PC meeting weekly to look at leadership attributes with each student being assigned a portfolio to work on for terms three and four.

August always begins the process for thinking about next year with students and teachers working hard on subject selection with much effort from staff in advising all students of the most appropriate selections. This process is a continual refinement and I ask parents to continue to discuss with the teachers on what is best for their son or daughter.

One area to highlight is student attendance. All students by law are required to attend school. If for any reason that your child cannot attend parents/guardians are asked to contact the College so the absence can be recorded. This is particularly important for VCE students as they are required to attend 90% of scheduled classes. If there is an absence it needs to have supporting evidence so that it can be verified eg. Medical certificate. If the College or the VCE Leader does not have a record as to why a student is absent, they can fail the unit which then may place a successful completion of VCE at risk.

Students who are late to school without a valid reason will receive an after-school detention and any student who is truant (deliberately does not go to class) will receive a Saturday detention. While these measures are punitive in nature, they are necessary to change the habits and behaviours that some students have. If this continues a parent meeting will be necessary with guidelines put into place to assist the student to make better decisions.

The College also recognises that it is difficult for a few reasons that some students may not attend school and we have many ways to help including counselling, access to specialist school refusal services and other agencies. It is important to discuss with your child’s PC teacher, Year Level Leader, or Director of Students anything that may impact attending to school. We will work with you to decide on the most appropriate support needed.

As always, I welcome any conversation or discussion you may like to have.

Mr Cameron Whitford
Deputy Principal – Students