Staff and students have spent a busy first week and a bit settling into the 2025 school year.  We welcome all Grade 7 students and students who are new to our school.  We also welcome our Grade 11-12 students who have chosen to continue their studies at St Marys District School.  I am sure students and their families will enjoy their time with us and experience the variety of opportunities open to them. 

We commenced the year with some team building and goal setting days for our students where they had the chance to spend time with their new classes and meet their teachers. This has helped to set students up for success as they moved into regular classes, setting up new routines and expectations and getting on with learning. Students spent time in house groups to decide which of the many activities they were able to compete in through challenges.  Points were awarded at the end of each challenge for the houses which will form the total points for the end of the year.  

During the time class teachers spent with students, the Department for Education, Children and Young People (DECYP) values of Respect, Courage, Connection, Growth and Responsibility were the focus of activities and discussions. Not only are the values guiding adults and students on the school site, but they form the foundation of high expectations and learner expectations. It is a requirement that on all DECYP sites students who bring their phones to school, must follow the direction of ‘off and away all day’.  We will continue to support students in this high expectation. As part of our wellbeing focus for all students, The Resilience Project will continue to be implemented every week. 

Grade 7 Camp 

This week, our Grade 7 students headed off to the South Mount Cameron Field Study Centre for three days of team building activities, bush walking and getting to know each other through challenges.  I would like to thank Laura Swanson, Christine Waters, Will Innis and Matt Hoskinson for attending this camp.  Without staff support, such opportunities would not be available.  We are looking forward to hearing about the camp from the students and sharing the photos from their experiences. 

ICT Challenge 

This year we introduced an ICT challenge – which class would be the first have all ICT user agreement forms returned to school.  If your child has not returned their form, please encourage them to do so. If they have lost this form you can contact the School Administration Office to request a new one. Students are not permitted to use devices until this form has been signed by the student and the parent/carer. 

Student Leaders 

We will soon begin working with our Student Leader Board (SLB) and we are calling on Expressions of Interest for students in Grades 9 and 10 who may be interested in leadership opportunities as House Captains (HC).  Voting will occur early next week once Grade 7 students have returned.  The SLB and HC will be working closely with our primary leadership students to develop and consider whole school activities and identify those that can help engender house spirit through events both sporting and non-sporting. 

Short Course 

Our students have commenced Short Course from this week with options including Sewing, Movie Club, Scamander River Swimming (from week 3), Design a Tattoo, Cricket, Drama and Board Games/Puzzles. These are wonderful opportunities for students to immerse themselves in an activity over five weeks to learn and develop a skill. We have many more exciting activities planned for students and thank our staff for their support with these activities.  

If you have any concerns for or about your child, or you have questions regarding opportunities, please contact your child’s class teacher through the School Administration Office on 6372 3900. 

2025 is shaping up to be a wonderful year and all staff are looking forward to be able to support your child through their learning opportunities.