Bullying. No Way!

The Pastoral Academic Leaders and the Pastoral Teams are taking a serious stance against bullying behaviours and harassment this term. Over the next few weeks, our pastoral sessions will be focusing on inappropriate behaviours and discussing strategies on how to respond to bullying and cyber bullying. As well as promoting the theme of “Being kind online” in the lead up to the 2022 National Day of Action against Bullying and Violence on Friday 18 March 2022.

Our focus started on Monday 7 February 2022, with Years 7 – 10 hearing from Brett Lee of Internet Safe Education. Mr. Lee addressed student safety online and the issue of cyber bullying. He then ran an informative webinar for parents the same evening, recapping the topics he had covered with students. Mr. Lee gave excellent, practical strategies for both students and parents on how to respond to bullies and other issues regarding safety online. Students will be revisiting these issues in their PC groups and in their pastoral programs over the coming weeks.

Uniform Standards and Language

Thank you to all parents for their ongoing support of the College when it comes to uniform standards and expectations. PC teachers and PALS will maintain their focus on uniform standards over the coming weeks by conducting ongoing uniform checks. Students who do not meet the standards of uniform requirements, will be internally or externally suspended until such time that the issue is remedied.

Furthermore, our students are reminded that it is not appropriate to use foul language, intimidate or bully others or to be aggressive and/or argumentative when corrected for inappropriate behaviour. Students who do so will be sanctioned appropriately. In the case of swearing, students will be internally suspended and expected to work under supervision in the office for the day.

As I wrote in the previous newsletter, we are a community that greatly values the importance of respectful relationships and interactions. A consistent and supportive partnership between the College and parents is a key aspect in developing the students' understanding of the importance of good manners.

The high expectations we have of our students include wearing their uniform properly, both on campus and when out in the community, attending school every day, participating in all College events, striving for their best academically, demonstrating respectful behaviour and using their manners on all occasions.

While we have these high expectations of our students, we know that we cannot be successful without the support of you, the parents and caregivers.  Thank you for your continued support of your children and our College.