Pastoral Care & Wellbeing Coordinator
Welcome Back to Term 3
Thank you to all students and families for ensuring a smooth return, with a high standard of uniform and grooming observed across the College.
This term promises to be an exciting one, filled with rich learning experiences and a continued focus on student wellbeing. From academic challenges to pastoral initiatives, there are many opportunities for growth and engagement this term.
A special mention to our Year 12 students as they begin their final term of high school. We wish them every success as they approach this important milestone with focus, determination, and pride.
Attendance - CEDoW Policy
Daily school attendance is vital for every student’s academic success, personal development, and sense of belonging. Each day missed is a lost opportunity for learning and connection. Parents play a critical role in supporting this by ensuring their child attends school every day, on time, and ready to engage. Consistent attendance builds strong habits and sets students up for long-term achievement.
Catholic Education Diocese of Wollongong (CEDoW) schools, in partnership with families, are responsible for encouraging and supporting the regular attendance of students at school. Under the Education Act 1990 (NSW), it is the duty of a parent of a child of compulsory school-age to cause the child to be enrolled at and to attend a government school, or a registered non-government school, or to be registered for home schooling.
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From the CEDoW Policy Responsiibilities of Parents |
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| 2.1 |
Under the Education Act 1990 (NSW), it is the duty of a parent of a child of compulsory school-age to cause the child: (a) to be enrolled at, and to attend, a government school or a registered non-government school; or (b) to be registered for home schooling with the NSW Education Standards Authority (NESA) and to receive instruction in accordance with the conditions to which the registration is subject. |
| 2.2 |
Parents are responsible for: (a) communicating to the school any concerns they have identified in relation to their child’s pattern of attendance; (b) working in partnership with the school to plan and implement strategies to support their child’s regular attendance at school; (c) promptly, and within seven calendar days, explaining to the school any absence of their child from school. For the avoidance of doubt, the explanation must be provided to the school within seven calendar days of the first day of any period of absence; (d) providing to the school reasonable advance notice of any extended absence for their child; (e) providing to the school reasonable advance notice when seeking an exemption from enrolment or exemption from attendance for their child; (f) promptly providing to the school any documentation required by the school in relation to attendance or enrolment. |
BAKE SALE - Year 12 Fundraiser
A big thank you to all students and families for supporting the recent Year 12 Bake Sale. It was a great success, with plenty of delicious treats and an enthusiastic crowd eager to support our senior students. The stall was buzzing with activity as students lined up to purchase cupcakes, slices, and other sweet delights. The funds raised will go towards Year 12 graduation celebrations and other end-of-year events. We truly appreciate the generosity and community spirit shown by everyone involved. Well done to our Year 12 students for their efforts in organising and running the event!
Teens & Screens
In today’s hyperconnected world, screens are an unavoidable part of teenage life. From social media and streaming to gaming and schoolwork, technology plays a central role in how young people learn, communicate and unwind. However, while the digital world brings many benefits, growing evidence highlights its impact on adolescent mental health.
Constant connectivity can fuel anxiety, disrupt sleep, reduce attention spans, and contribute to negative self-image—particularly through social media. Teenagers are at a stage of development where identity, self-worth and peer relationships are particularly vulnerable. Endless scrolling, fear of missing out (FOMO), cyberbullying, and exposure to unrealistic portrayals of life can take a toll on their emotional wellbeing.
While it’s not realistic—or productive—to remove screens entirely, there are meaningful steps parents can take to support their child in navigating the online world. By approaching technology use with curiosity, consistency and compassion, parents can help their teenagers build a healthier relationship with screens—and foster the resilience they need to thrive both online and offline.
The Black Dog Institute has a wealth of resources to support parents in navigating this area. Please see click the link to a recorded webinar. Refer to this flyer for 9 parent strategies to help you support your teen in an online world.
Mrs Theresa Moore & Mrs Clarissa Pearce
Pastoral Care & Wellbeing Coordinators
