Assistant Principal - Mission and Wellbeing

Attendance Matters 

Students are expected to have above a 95% school attendance rate because days missed can add up to years lost. That’s why making sure your child comes to school every single day (unless genuinely sick) is important.

Maintaining a school attendance rate, ideally above 95%, is crucial for a student’s academic success and overall development. Here are several reasons why consistent school attendance is important:

• Continuous Learning: Regular attendance ensures that students are consistently exposed to new information and lessons. This continuity is essential for effective learning, as concepts build upon each other over time.
• Development of Learning Skills: School attendance is not only about acquiring knowledge but also about developing essential learning skills. These skills, including critical thinking, problem-solving, and collaboration, are honed through active participation in the learning process.

• Establishment of Routine: Consistent attendance helps students establish a routine, promoting organisational skills and time management. These skills are transferable to various aspects of life and contribute to overall success.

If you’re having difficulty getting your child to school on time every day, contact the school so we can work together to find a solution.

Reaching out to the school is a proactive and constructive step if you're experiencing difficulties in getting your child to school on time.

Contact your child's Year Coordinator to discuss any specific challenges your child may be facing. Subject teachers can provide insights into the classroom dynamics and academic progress, helping to identify potential areas of concern.

Collaborate with the school to identify any underlying issues contributing to the difficulty in getting your child to school on time. This could involve academic challenges, social issues, or other factors impacting your child's motivation or wellbeing.

Read about School Avoidance HERE.

ASH WEDNESDAY 

Last week we celebrated Ash Wednesday, which marks the beginning of Lent. It is the season of reflection and preparation before Easter, and its observance culminates in the solemn celebrations of Holy Thursday, Good Friday and the Easter Vigil which lie at the heart of the Catholic year. In Catholic tradition Lent is marked by fasting, reflection, giving to others and deepening our sacramental living, especially in Reconciliation. 

During Lent our focus will be on giving and living out our Mercy value of Compassion. Students are encouraged to support Project Compassion throughout this time. Our first fundraising event was on Shrove Tuesday where students were welcomed at school to a breakfast of pancakes cooked by the Mission team and student helpers. 

LEAD 

LEAD is a Student Leaders Conference that enhances Senior MinistryTeams of Year 11 and 12 students to be equipped for ministry in their schools by nurturing their own faith and developing them into supportive communities.

Returning from LEAD, these students will be encouraged to meet regularly to support each other and to facilitate Youth Ministry initiatives within their own school communities and at regional events such as SHINE. The gathering will include dynamic keynote speakers, SHINE-style rallies, Mass, small group discussions, seminars and interactive breakout sessions that provide formation in youth ministry skills. Student participation in this year’s LEAD is offered to any Year11 and 12 students who are interested in being active in Senior Ministry Teams in Schools. The cost for participants is $20.00 and names are to be given to Mr Howard by Friday 23rd February. 

Sacramental Program 

The Sacraments of Confirmation and Holy Communion will be celebrated later this year in the Clarence Valley Parish. If your child would like to undertake the Sacramental program could you please phone the College and discuss this with Mrs Kathy Warby or our Leader of School Evangelisation Mr Thomas Howard. We will aim to support your child in undertaking the program to prepare them to receive the Sacraments.

SWIMMING CARNIVAL 

Our annual Swimming Carnival will be held on Wednesday 21st February at the Maclean Olympic Pool. The Carnival will begin at 9.30am and finish at approximately 2.30pm. All parents/carers will receive an event notice via Compass which will outline all important information. Please ensure this is completed so that transport can be arranged for students from the College to Maclean and back again.

VAPING 

Below is an infographic from the Catholic Schools Parent Assembly regarding vaping. As parents we encourage you to have conversations with your child about the harmful effects of vaping and address it as you would any other risk to your child’s health. It is important to keep the lines of communication open and show your child that you are concerned about their health and safety.

We have previously shared information about the harmful effects of vaping. Vaping is on the rise in Australia and has become popular amongst teenagers and young adults. Alarmingly, a recent study has also shown that there is an increase in the number of primary school-aged children who are experimenting with vapes. There are many misconceptions about vapes being fairly harmless and that vapes in Australia do not contain nicotine. Although purchasing vapes containing nicotine without a prescription is illegal in Australia, many vapes labelled as nicotine-free do contain nicotine. 

Although advertising and peers can heavily influence your teen’s decisions, the impact

you have as a parent, carries enormous weight. Research has found that parental involvement and a positive outlook can make a significant difference in healthy decision- making, both now and in the future. 

Mrs Kathy Warby
Assistant Principal - Mission and Wellbeing