Issue 4 / 20 March 2015
Middle/Senior School Bulletin
Middle & Senior School News Positive Community: Tomorrow is Harmony Day, a day which celebrates Australia’s cultural diversity, inclusiveness, respect and a sense of belonging for everyone. It’s a day about living in community, something we do really well at St Andrews. Our students and staff feel a strong sense of belonging and I witness the values of respect, appreciation, tolerance and love each day as I interact with students who show genuine concern and support for one another. I’ve just returned from the CRC where I was incredibly impressed with the Year 12 Study Session and the mentoring of Middle School students that was happening. Last week, the lunchtime basketball tournament that was being held in the COLA was another fine example of the support and togetherness of this community. As I drove to work this morning, I came across two Kokoda teams training, students involved in running club and I arrived to see Mr Ivett’s netball training and to the sounds of our wonderful concert band rehearsing. At lunch I met with the Year 7 & 8 Debaters to plan our strategy for our next debate. It is simply superb to see so many students and teachers taking the opportunity to engage in such a wide range of activities.
ers Agreement which covers all members of our community. Most importantly, I reminded students that photos and comments made online are not private, regardless of privacy settings, and that they are morally and ethically accountable for what they post. Their digital footprint stays with them even after they reconsider and remove an image or comment. Relationships, online and in real-life, can sometimes be challenging and as a community we need to remind ourselves that it is our differences as well as our shared experiences that make this a special community. We all share the responsibility for making St Andrews a safe and supportive environment for learning. While most online issues arise outside of school hours, online aggression and bullying impacts on our students’ wellbeing and ability to learn. As parents, you can support your child to develop positive relationships and resilience by reminding them of two things: 1. Each of us faces different challenges that encourage us to develop resilience and the ability to cope but none of us need to tolerate being treated poorly. 2. In all our relationships, and in our decisions, we need to be mindful and respectful of others. As a College we have high expectations and clear policies that are aimed at safety, wellbeing and being a positive community. Parents are encouraged to contact the College if they have any concerns about bullying or relational aggression involving their child. Today was our last Years 7-12 Assembly for the term and the College Captaincy team talked to their peers about the importance of showing good judgment, valuing perspective, wisdom and empathy. It was a powerful message about making sure we all do our part to make this a place ‘where everyone is someone.’ The message was clear; at St Andrews we treat one another with care and respect and when things go wrong, as they occasionally do, we work together to promote positive choices and relationships.
One area of concern of late has been the careless and inappropriate misuse of Social Media by some students. As a community we need to be as caring and supportive in the online world as we are face to face. I wonder sometimes if students simply don’t understand or forget how hurtful and ‘viral’ their posts, images and comments, can become. I addressed the students this week about our expectations and we revisited the Social Media Policy and ICT Acceptable Us-
Easter Service Parents are warmly invited to join us for the P-12 Easter Service on Wednesday 1 April at 8.45am in the Multi-Purpose Hall. As a Christian community, it is fitting that we come together to reflect on God’s blessings at this important time in the Christian calendar year. Cross-Country Carnival The Cross-Country Carnival is being held on Thursday 2 April at Schuster Park. The Years 4-6 events will be held in the morning, to be followed by the Years 7-12 events from 12 noon. We wish all of our competitors every success as they