From the Principal

Dear Parents and Carers, Staff and Students,

Welcome to Term 2! I hope the holiday break was a time when you could stop, relax and enjoy some time with family and friends. I spent time visiting friends on the Mornington Peninsular and catching up with my daughters in Melbourne. On return to Grafton, I joined students and staff at the Grafton ANZAC Day March and Service. I sincerely thank all staff and students who attended Marches across the Valley during the holiday break, representing our College and paying their respects to all those who have served this country, who continue to serve and to those who have given their lives in service.

Wreaths were laid at services in Yamba, Maclean, Grafton, and South Grafton. Madeleine Schroder gave an address at the South Grafton Service on the Battle of the Coral Sea, and Amelia Cox gave one of the 4 addresses at the Grafton ANZAC Day service. The theme of Amelia’s speech was the Battle of Kokoda. Madeleine presented her speech at our own ANZAC Assembly last Thursday. Each student who participated in the marches and ceremonies will be recognised with a merit certificate at a Year Assembly in the near future.

Our week 1 Assembly and Pastoral Care lesson focused on ANZAC Day. Mr Lobsey’s Year 11 Modern History students led the Assembly prayer, which highlighted the importance of service, gratitude, and resilience. In addition to Madeleine's address, students laid poppies at the Cross. The ceremony included the Ode, the Last Post, and the Rouse. Thank you to Mr Lobsey for organising our school ANZAC Assembly.

Welcome back to our staff and students who have been on the MCC European Tour for 24 days. What a fantastic trip they had, travelling through Germany, Austria and Italy. Many have followed their adventure on Instagram, and the student community was given an overview of the tour at our weekly Assembly. There is also a report in this Newsletter. 

Punctuality & Attendance

Punctuality will be a focus for our community from the start of week 2 this term. Students are losing learning time due to lateness. We are removing the warning bells, so students will now move on one bell. Students who are continually late to class will be required to pay this time back during their break time. I ask that parents note that the school day starts at 8.45 with Homeroom.

All students' attendance should be 95%. Families whose child’s attendance is under 90% have been receiving letters of concern. If you need assistance with your child’s attendance, please contact the Wellbeing Team. 

Staff Changes

  • This term in weeks 1 to 4, Kathy Warby will be on leave. Kathy will be replaced by Margaret Bertalli as the Assistant Principal - Mission and Wellbeing. Anthea Kinny will replace Margaret as the Leader of Pedagogy.
  • Megan Barton has been appointed as School Counsellor 2 days a week, replacing Kiya Saffigna. 
  • Kathryn Arnold has been employed in the Front Office as an Administration Officer, replacing Bernice Pitt.
  • Destinee Walker has resigned from her position as an Aboriginal Education Worker. We wish Destinee all the best for the future. 
  • We will be advertising and appointing a Student Wellbeing Officer, Aboriginal Education Worker and an Ag Assistant in the near future.

Tell Them From Me Annual Survey  - School Improvement

The annual survey is open from Week 2 and closes on 24th May. I encourage all families to complete the survey to provide us with feedback to help us improve and grow. This is part of our continuous commitment to school improvement. Each family will receive a link to the survey via email.

Events this fortnight 

  • Yr 12 Parent Teacher Student Interviews - Tuesday 7th  May
  • Close the Gap - Wednesday 8th May
  • Mother’s Day Breakfast - Thursday 9th May
  • Senior Charity Ball - 11th May

Other dates to note

  • Year 12 Retreat - 27 - 29th May
  • Staff Development Day - 30th May
  • End of term for students - 4th July
  • Staff Development Day - 5th July

Mother’s Day

Sunday, May 12th, is Mother’s Day, and I wish all our mothers (and grandmothers) a Happy Mother’s Day. I hope you are able to stop and feel special and have an opportunity to connect with family. Connection and relationships are so very important, which is a message we continue to promote in our school community. We are hosting a Mother’s Day Breakfast on Thursday, May 9th, at 7.45 a.m. Please come along for some breakfast and a chat with staff and parents.

Kind regards,kate.PNG

Kate

Kate Thomson
Principal

“We should be shining lamps, giving light to all around us.”

Catherine McAuley