As we reach the end of Term our students in Years 7 -10 will be receiving their reports. For many students this is a reflection of their effort and application across Semester One. When looking at your son’s report we encourage you to focus on areas of where he has demonstrated success and look at the way in which these have aligned to the goals he set at the beginning of the Semester. Try to encourage your son to have a sense of pride in his achievement and use this as a platform for motivation as we commence Semester Two. A report also provides an opportunity for discussion around the factors that have contributed to his success or hindered progress, helping him to take responsibility for his progress and identify areas of focus for Semester Two. Celebrating success and affirming effort are valuable tools in building self confidence as a learner and are closely aligned with our school wide strengths based approach. If your son is in Year 7 or 10, it might be a good time to consider the way in which he has used his strengths, as identified by the My Resilience and My Strengths programs, to contribute to his success in Semester One or how he might draw on his strengths to achieve his goals in Semester Two.

Furthermore, reports provide an opportunity for reflection. We encourage you to consider and discuss your son’s overall attendance throughout Semester One, recognising the strong correlation between attendance and academic success.

I would like to commend the boys and thank each of our families for the way in which you have worked with us throughout Semester One. We are very proud of each of the boys, not only when they do well but when they are able to stand up and take responsibility for their choices and actions. When they are able to consider the impact on others and are able to be honest about their behaviours, it reflects positively on them as individuals, as members of their families and as members of our community. It is our hope that throughout this semester the boys have learnt something about themselves as a learner and as a person in relationship with others.

Cyber Safety in the holidays

The holidays are often a time when young people spend an increased amount of time on social media. When used properly, this is an excellent way for young people to stay connected with one another across the break. Unfortunately, young people don’t always make the best choices when online and they don’t always know how to ask for help when they are upset by what they read or see online. Please find here a link to the eSafety Commissioner’s website which has some excellent resources to support both parents and young people in relation to online behaviour.

Most importantly if you or your son needs to report an issue, there is a red button in the top right hand corner of the screen labelled Report Abuse. Clicking on this button allows you to report abuse under 3 specific categories:

● Cyberbullying
● Image-based abuse
● Illegal and harmful content

Making a report through the eSafety commissioner can action the removal of content immediately. This is the fastest and most effective way to address inappropriate content. I encourage you to have this conversation with your son to ensure he is aware of this service.

Mrs Hughes
Director of Pastoral Care & Wellbeing