Acting Pastoral Care & Wellbeing Coordinator
Compass Parent Alerts - Toilet Pass
We would like to inform you of a new process we are implementing at the College through Compass, aimed at keeping you informed about your child’s wellbeing during school hours. Starting next term, parents will receive an email notification whenever their child requests a toilet pass to leave class.
This notification is purely informational and designed to help you monitor the frequency of your child’s requests to access the bathroom during lessons. We understand that students may occasionally need to leave class, but this process allows parents to be aware if it becomes a recurring pattern that may need further attention.
Please note that this is not intended to restrict students' access to the bathroom but rather to support parents in keeping an eye on their children's habits. If you notice frequent notifications, we encourage you to discuss this with your child and, if necessary, reach out to the College for further support.
We appreciate your cooperation and understanding as we work together to ensure the wellbeing and success of our students.
"R U OK?" Day and Supporting Healthy Parent-Teen Relationships
Navigating the parent-teen relationship can often be challenging. With the pressures of academic demands, extracurricular activities, and the complexities of the digital world, communication and understanding between parents and their teenagers can sometimes falter. This week, as we observed "R U OK?" Day, we are reminded of the importance of fostering strong, healthy connections between parents and their adolescents.
"R U OK?" Day, held on the second Thursday of September, highlights the power of a simple question: "Are you okay?" While this may seem like a small gesture, its impact on teenagers, who often face stress and uncertainty, cannot be overstated. Opening the door to honest conversations about emotions, struggles, and mental wellbeing is crucial for their emotional development.
One of the core messages of "R U OK?" Day is the importance of mental health awareness and support. Adolescence is a period of significant emotional growth, and teenagers may wrestle with feelings of anxiety, stress, and self-doubt. A strong parent-teen relationship can act as a protective buffer, helping them navigate these challenges with greater resilience.
When teens feel comfortable talking to their parents, they are more likely to express their thoughts and concerns. Creating an environment of open communication fosters trust and allows parents to better understand their teenager's world. Adolescents need a safe space to share their emotions without fear of judgment, and emotionally available parents can provide this essential support. By modelling healthy behaviours and problem-solving strategies, parents can equip their teens with vital life skills that promote resilience and emotional wellbeing.
So, how can parents strengthen their relationships with their teenagers?
- Active Listening: Pay close attention to your teen’s thoughts and feelings. Show genuine interest, even if you don't fully agree or understand.
- Empathy: Try to see the world from their perspective and validate their emotions. Avoid dismissing their feelings as trivial.
- Quality Time: Set aside time to engage in shared activities, whether it’s a family meal, a hobby, or a simple outing. These moments build connections and create lasting memories.
- Setting Boundaries: Establish clear and reasonable boundaries, making sure your teenager understands your expectations while respecting their need for independence.
By fostering open communication and building strong relationships, we can create a supportive and caring community where our young people feel empowered to thrive. Let’s remember that asking “R U OK?” isn’t just for one day a year but part of a daily commitment to mental wellbeing and open dialogue. Together, we can make a meaningful difference in the lives of our teens.
Catholic Care Parent Evening - Monday 9 September
On Monday evening, our College library hosted a valuable presentation by Rita Maher and Dayna Sales from Catholic Care, focused on helping parents navigate difficult conversations with their teens. This session, held as part of Child Protection Week, addressed essential topics such as how to communicate effectively when teens are facing challenges like anxiety, depression, self-harm, or suicidal thoughts.
We extend my sincere thanks to all the parents who attended in person and those who joined us via Zoom. The session underscored the importance of fostering open, healthy conversations with teens, especially during difficult moments.
A special thank you to Dayna and Rita for their insightful and practical presentation. For those who may need additional resources, please refer to the slide below, which offers further support options for both parents and teens.
We appreciate your commitment to creating a supportive environment for your children and for engaging with such an important topic.
Term 4 Reminder:
Return to School in Summer College Uniform;
Monday 14 October
As we approach the school holidays, I encourage parents and carers to take the opportunity over the next few weeks to check their child’s uniform in preparation for Term 4. Given the growth that many students experience between Term 1 and Term 4, it’s important to ensure uniforms still fit correctly.
Please refer to our uniform guidelines outlined in the College Diary on pages 17-20 to ensure compliance with our standards.
A few important reminders:
- Sports Shorts: There should be no alterations to the length of College sports shorts. They must be worn as purchased from the uniform store, at the appropriate length. We have observed a trend of some female students rolling the waistband or cutting the shorts to a shorter length, mid to upper thigh. In such cases, parents will be contacted to collect their child from school to address uniform concerns.
- Skirt/Dress Length: As specified in the diary, skirts and dresses must be of a modest and reasonable length, sitting at or below the knee.
- Hair Cuts and Grooming Male students - An outline of what is acceptable for haircuts/styles is outlined in the College diary (a reminder nothing below a 2 gauge blade must be blended). Male students must also be cleanly shaved.
We appreciate your cooperation in maintaining the standards of our College uniform and thank you for helping us ensure that all students return to school appropriately dressed for Term 4.
Mrs Theresa Moore Miss Rebecca Toogood
Acting Pastoral Care & Wellbeing Coordinator
