Since the beginning of term, I have been looking after the Year 8’s and will continue to do so for the remainder of the term in the role of Deputy Principal.

We have had a great term so far with the Year 8’s currently working towards completing assessment.  During week 5, the Year 8’s completed a half-day wellbeing incursion where they explored key themes of gratitude, boundaries, expectations and handling change. Everyone engaged so wonderfully on the day and I really do hope that all students got something out of the morning.

At the start of my tenure, I spoke to the Year 8 cohort about school being their full time job. As a student enrolled at high school, it is their job to be at school, engaging and learning each and every day. While I fully understand that there may be illness or other events come up and students are not able to come to school, it is so important that students are at school every day they possibly can to achieve the greatest success possible for them.  If students are sick or away for a genuine reason, ensure you’re letting the school know why they’re absent by responding to texts sent every morning or phoning the office. Currently, Year 8 attendance is at 84.4%, meaning that on average, a Year 8 student is missing ¾ of a day every single week which would be the same as missing 30 days or 6 weeks across the year, missing out on key learning time.

I challenged the Year 8 students to reflect on this and make an effort to be at school when they are able as well as encourage their peers to come along and ensure they are receiving all the teaching and learning they possibly can. Please work with your students to support them to be at school every day they can and let us know if they can’t.

I look forward to continuing to work with the Year 8’s throughout the rest of the term and wish them luck as they begin to complete their assessment. If your student requires support or you have any concerns, please reach out to the school and speak to the Year Coordinators Ms Fudge and Ms Yamasita or other members of the support team including Mr Masters, the Guidance Officer looking after Year 8 or myself.

Brayden Insley - Deputy Principal