Assistant Principal Pastoral Care Report
Each College assembly offers an opportunity to build and enhance our students' understanding and appreciation of a range of issues. This week, the focus was on the language students use as they interact with each other during the school day and in the wider community. Students were challenged to ensure that their language, expressions and gestures are appropriate and do not breach community standards and the laws that exist.
As part of this reflection, we explored the relationship between language and discrimination. Students were made aware of the definition of discrimination as being the unjust or unfair treatment of some people in our community and that everyone needs to be mindful that some of the comments people make are discriminatory and can cause deep offence to the people they are directed at or about.
We raised the point that discrimination, by our actions or the language we use, is against the law in certain public spaces such as workplaces and places of education ie. schools. The characteristics covered by discrimination laws include:
· disability (includes diseases and illnesses)
· sex (includes pregnancy and breastfeeding)
· race
· age
· marital or domestic status
· homosexuality
· transgender
· carers responsibilities
Students are aware of the concepts of vilification and victimisation and how these are viewed here at school and in the wider community. After this presentation, it is hoped that our students will be better placed to live in an inclusive and supportive environment.
Vaping
Recently Mrs Heffernan emailed parents information from the Cancer Council about the dangers of vaping. Currently, there is an increased urgency from the medical profession to educate parents and students about the dangers this behaviour has for the health of our young people. Please take a moment to visit these links so you are aware of the facts.
Biggest Morning Tea
Our celebration of the Biggest Morning Tea happened this week. On Wednesday students were able to purchase a delicious caramel cupcake from the canteen. On Thursday the staff got on board with several fundraising options including a cuppa and slice option. Thank you goes to the Year 9 and 10 TAS students for preparing our treats supported by Mrs Dalgleish, Ms Garland, the Senior Leadership Team, and the senior students who made our lovely hot drinks on such a cold day. So many of our families have been touched by cancer and we hope that the funds raised can contribute to a more promising future.
Marshalls Bus changes and information
Marshalls Bus Company has recently advised us that from the commencement of Term 3 they will no longer be allowing surfboards, bicycles or other large and bulky items to be transported to school on the bus. These items and the loading/unloading and securing of them place too great a risk to personal safety. They apologise for any disruption this may cause.
Marshalls have also advised the College that transport NSW has approved a designated bus from Congo to Broulee to reduce overcrowding on one of the bus services. From Tuesday 15 June 2021, they will have another bus in our school bus zone. This bus is called Congo - Broulee/S400 which will arrive between the Bodalla – Broulee / S391 bus and the South Head – Broulee / S393 in the afternoon at school.
Students who currently catch the South Head – Broulee S392 bus who live in Congo will now have their own bus and will not have to interchange.
Please note – there is a flood plan in place in the event the Congo causeway floods, which alters the Congo and Congo-Broulee services. Please see attached.
If parents have any questions, please call Marshalls direct on 02 4474 4991.
Yuin Country Explored
Last week, I was privileged to view the release of Yuin Country Explored. This is a magnificently produced documentary telling the stories of our local first nations people, the tragic impact of early contact with Europeans and the ongoing effects. If you have the opportunity I strongly recommend this to you.
Youth Climate Resistance Forum
Next week we will be taking a representative group of students to the Youth climate resilience forum organized by Eurobodalla Shire Council. The young people of our area requested that the Council host a forum for their voices to be heard regarding the climate resilience plan. Currently, the plan is being developed by the environmental team at council. At the moment the plan is currently in a draft form and the team would like to get the ideas/solutions and input from young people in the Eurobodalla so that they feel included in the process and have ownership of the plan once it has been completed. We wish this group well as they put forward their ideas.
Thank you to all our parents for the support we receive as we continue to teach, encourage and support our students and care for their wellbeing here at the College. If you have any concerns at all, please do not hesitate to contact the College.
Louise Ibbett
Assistant Principal Pastoral Care