Issue 1 SJC News 2021

It’s nice to be back at school and I have a strong sense that all students are pleased to be back amongst their peers and teachers also. The students have been provided many key messages in the first few days that complement those provided during Headstart at the end of 2020.

GROOMING, UNIFORM and MOBILE DEVICE STANDARDS

We are keen to see a vast improvement in the grooming, uniform and mobile device standards and behaviours of the students. I was really disappointed with our senior students’ commitment to these standards on day one but I have been pleased with the quick turnaround since. I ask that parents and carers support the College to uphold these standards as we are keen to do better than ever in 2021.

• All boys are to be clean shaven and have their hair tied back if their hair touches their collar. There is no policy against a mullet style of haircut, however, if it touches the back collar it needs to be tied back. Students who have two tones of hair colour or a have a haircut or style that brings untoward attention, will be questioned and asked to fix.
• Wearing a visible t-shirt under their shirt is not part of our uniform either is wearing the sports jacket with the summer uniform. Their shoes also need to be black, polishable and lace up and the sports uniform is only to be worn to school on their day of practical Physical Education.
• The students are able to bring a mobile phone to school but at 8:45am when the bell rings for homeroom their phones must be kept in their locker for the day. Staff are able to confiscate the phone and the students would need to collect from reception at the end of the day.

I have attached our uniform code to ensure we all know what is and what is not acceptable. Please provide a note for your son if ever he finds himself unable to be in correct uniform.

OUR COLLEGE LEARNING AND BEHAVIOURAL NORMS

We have developed three sets of norms that align to the three subschools of Waterford, Westcourt and Mt Sion. Our teachers have been reinforcing these to the students to help them reach their best. The norms all fall under the subheadings RESPECT, RESPONSIBILTY, KINDNESS, RESILIENCE and POSITIVITY. I have attached the norms so you can help us instil them into all our students.

MT SION WELCOME, WELLBEING & STUDY EVENING

Next Thursday 11 February we will hold our annual Mt Sion Welcome, Wellbeing & Study Evening. This will be an online event and an e-mail with key information and links should have been sent out to all Year 10, 11 and 12 families. Whilst we usually host this at school we feel our reach may go further by adopting a similar format online. The presentations are all designed to help parents and carers support their sons during the final few years of their schooling life. The sessions this year are based around Restorative Relationships with Kristie Elliott, Careers with Karen Shum, Study Skills with Elevate, Wellness with Joanne Chappell and Mentorship with Tom Robb. The sessions will commence at 7:00pm and families are encouraged to choose two sessions to attend. The College Leadership team and House Coordinators will also introduce themselves via a pre-recorded link with some key messaging. For more information and to register go to: Mt Sion Welcome, Wellbeing & Study Evening

2021 SAFER INTERNET DAY - Tuesday 9 February

Parent Webinars

New webinars for parents/carers are being offered each Term.

Term 1 Webinar: eSafety’s parent guide to cyberbullying and online drama.