Thank you to our students, families and staff for your attendance at the Anzac Day services across our region. Recently I have received messages of thanks from the RSL organisers praising our students for their attendance and the respectful way they conducted themselves. Following our moving college assembly, we look forward to more students participating in 2026.

This week I travelled to Canberra to attend the Assistant Principals' Term 2 networking meeting. Together with Mr Andrew Kenneally and Mrs Sue Heffernan from St Mary’s Primary school, we participated in a presentation delivered by Jodie Davey, Director of Powerful Partnerships – Maximising the Performance of Your Team. Through exploring the content and participating in discussions we have a range of ideas and material that we can share with our colleagues to assist with developing us all in our roles that serve our communities.

This week, it was wonderful to be able to welcome our Year 6 students and their families to our Open House. Over the evening we shared with them the pastoral care structures and activities that we offer to support our students and develop their sense of wellbeing and resilience. We are looking forward to seeing them all again in November for their Orientation day.

National Families Week

From the website - Lending a hand to thrive: supporting each other is at the heart of strong families and connected communities. When families support one another through life’s challenges, they create a foundation for resilience and growth. Whether it’s parents guiding their children, siblings looking out for each other, or extended family stepping in during difficult times, these acts of care and encouragement strengthen family bonds. A helping hand whether emotional, financial, or simply being present can make all the difference in ensuring that no one feels alone in their struggles.

This year’s theme, Lending a hand to thrive: supporting each other, highlights the importance of connection, care, and resilience within families. It’s an opportunity to reflect on the strength of family bonds, reconnect with loved ones, and embrace activities that bring us together. No matter what family looks like for you, let’s celebrate the power of support and the difference we can make for each other.

Wellio 

In the first session of the Staff Development Day at the beginning of the term, our Wellio School Engagement Officer presented some of the analytics collected in Term 1 which indicated that students are benefitting from the program. Our partnership with Wellio provides us with valuable resources for our parents. In this newsletter, I have included some information entitled Owning Your Role as a Parent. The information offers some guiding questions to consider when supporting your child.

When to step in; The three question test

1. Is there immediate harm? If yes, step in. If not, it can wait.
2. Is this a teachable moment? If yes, step back so they can learn. If not, maybe a gentle nudge is better.
3. Will this grow confidence or dependence? If stepping in may lead to dependence, step back and play a supporting role.

How to step in; curiosity and collaboration

Approach with openness and investigation, not authority. Switch from “Do this!” to “What approach makes the most sense to you?"

View support as collaborators. Involve support people early, viewing them as partners, not last-resort fixes.

Example curiosity and collaboration phrases

“I’ve noticed X. What could your next step be?

“You said you want X goal. What support do you need?”

“Would it help to talk through some options together?”

 

Our recent Academic Care period presented the following content to our students.

Year 7- Study Skills Handbook; Home study environment

Year 8 – Wellio - Vaping; A global dilemma

Year 9 – Curriculum – Living History Incursion

Year 10 – Wellio – Organised and efficient

Year 11- Preparation for Carroll Day

Year 12- Study Skills Handbook; Managing stress

Over the next two weeks, our students have several opportunities to participate in a range of activities that help to build connection, school spirit and shared experiences with their peers. From Carroll Day, sporting events, and the annual DOOF all students are encouraged to get involved.

Happy Mother’s Day to all the special people in the lives of our students who show them love and care.

Kind regards

 

Mrs Louise Ibbett
Assistant Principal- Pastoral Care