From the Head of School Operations - Acting

Mrs Susan Lazenby

I trust that you enjoyed the long weekend and the beautiful weather. It seems that we had barely started the term, and now we are halfway through already. This week’s news is very much operational with some reminders.

Lost Property

We do our best but do need your help. Over the last fortnight, we had an avalanche of lost property, mainly due to possessions left behind at the Inter-House Swimming Carnival. Fortunately, most have been claimed. The Receptionists send Direqt Messages to students when the lost property’s owner can be identified; however, we still have some unnamed and unclaimed blazers, jumpers, cardigans, shirts, shorts, trousers, sports bags, books and pencil cases, a pair of black school shoes and oddly, one forlorn school shoe! We would like to clear the pile this week so check at home to see what could be missing. Please can you make sure that all possessions are marked with your child’s name to help locate their rightful owners.

The Great Locker Saga Our Business Manager likened the experience of the locker order delivery to that of a popular soap opera! The lockers are manufactured over east and their delivery was hampered by lockdowns and border closures. Just when we thought it would be safe to believe that the delivery was on its way, a train derailment added further delays. Nevertheless, we were able to borrow some and more will arrive this week for the new students who have patiently endured being without lockers.

Uniforms

This is a reminder that students are to wear full School Uniform to and from

school each day. There are of course exceptions when students are participating in all day events like the Swimming Carnival, or for the ACC teams at all day Inter-School Carnivals. Ms Scheele will let students know what the dress code is for those occasions. If for any reason your child cannot wear their full school uniform, please inform their PCG tutor. By the same token, if your child has a uniform mishap at school, the Receptionists have spare uniforms to tide them over temporarily.

It is also important that students always wear their uniforms correctly. Whether they are out in the city, on public transport or in the community, they are representing the School and should therefore be well groomed and well turned out.

Laptop and Mobile Phone Policy Students in Year 7 to 10 are to keep their phones switched off and in their lockers unless they have been instructed by a teacher to have them in class for educational purposes. There are several students who have permission to keep their phones with them for particular purposes. Year 11 and 12 students may have their phones with them; however, they are to be turned off when they are in the School. Smart watches are included in the policy; they need to be in aeroplane mode during the school day. Before the start of an assessment, all phones and all watches need to be given to the teacher. Students may not use their laptops during recess and lunch unless they have express permission from a teacher to do schoolwork. There are rooms on Level 1 set aside for this purpose.

The temptation to turn to a screen is great; nevertheless, during recess and lunch we encourage students to enjoy the company of friends, play some sport on the roof, join in a boardgame in one of the designated rooms, or if they have Senior Status, to go out into the city.

Electrocity at the Fringe Festival Have you purchased your tickets yet? There are only two performances next week:

Wednesday 10 March and Thursday 11

March at The Actors’ Hub. Tickets for the initial performances sold out very fast, so don’t delay! Each year, the students’ talent and creativity produce music of an exceptionally high standard. This is a performance not to be missed.

Parent Seminar Paul Litherland, an expert on internet awareness and cybersafety, will be conducting a seminar on Wednesday 10 March. This is a unique opportunity for parents to be kept up to date with what is happening online and to learn about cybersafe strategies. Make sure that you have sent your RSVP to book seats for the seminar to Sharon Gamble on sgamble@stgeorges.wa.edu.au

School Production The 2021 production of School of Rock will be held at the State Theatre on three nights: Thursday 20 May, Friday 21 May and Saturday 22 May. From my office, what I hear of the rehearsals have me toe-tapping and singing along. Those of you who saw the productions of The Addams Family and Annie will know why the performances are a sell-out. Keep an eye out for when booking opens.