Last weekend, it was wonderful to be on campus for our second home game of Term 1 and the College community was fortunate to use the newly covered Keswick Road courts. I would like to thank the College leadership and facilities teams, and our contractors (Apollo), for delivering this facility.   

Given we are well into the second half of Term 1, I encourage all students to ensure that they are meeting their commitments and arriving prepared for training, rehearsals, fixtures and events. If there is a good reason for you being unable to attend, please ensure you communicate in advance and complete the Clash Notification Form.

Parents and Guardians are reminded of expectations regarding before and after school student supervision. The following excerpt is taken from the College Policy 2.21 Supervision of Students.

Before School Supervision – Students in Prep – Year 6

To ensure the safety of our younger students, any student in Prep to Year 6 who is on the College grounds prior to 8.00am (and not directly involved in an extra-curricular activity) should be booked into and attend the Out of School Hours Care Service (OSHC) located near the College Uniform Shop. This service operates from 6.30am to 8.00am Monday to Friday term time.

Before School Supervision – Students in Years 7 – 12

Students should not be on campus prior to 8.00am unless they are attending training or at a teacher supervised activity. As there are no staff members on duty until 8.00am any student, who may on occasion arrive between 7.30am and 8.00am, are to present to the library. The Claridge Centre library is open from 7.30am Monday to Friday

After School Supervision – Students in Prep – Year 6

Parents are requested to collect students promptly at the conclusion of the school day at 3.00pm. A staff member will be on duty in the Junior School pick-up zone until 3.20pm. Students not collected by this time will be directed to wait outside Junior School reception. Students who are unable to be collected promptly after school will need to be enrolled and booked in the OSHC Service, so that their safety and wellbeing can be assured. Camp Australia runs OSHC programs for students in Prep to Year 6 until 6.00pm. Please refer to Camp Australia’s website for further information www.campaustralia.com.au.

Junior School students who are involved in extra-curricular activities are to remain at the venue with their teacher/supervisor/coach. Students who are not collected within 15 minutes of the scheduled finish time for the activity are to be accompanied by the teacher/supervisor/coach to After School Care where fees will apply.

After School Supervision – Students in Years 7 – 12

In the afternoon Middle and Senior School students are expected to be collected from the campus by 3.30pm. Middle and Senior School students who are waiting to be picked up after 3.30pm are to report to the Claridge Centre library where they can complete homework or schoolwork until they are collected by their parents. The library will close at 4.30pm each weekday. Senior School students can also access the Flexible Learning Space in the SB Building until 4.30pm.

Students who are being picked up from sports training, excursions or special activities are to remain at the venue with their teacher/supervisor/coach. Parents are expected to pick up their children in a timely manner and no later than 15 minutes after the scheduled finish/ collection time of the activity. Students who are not collected within this period may be transported home in a taxi at the parent’s expense. In such cases teacher/supervisor/coach will contact parents or nominated emergency contact person to advise.

It is not appropriate for younger and/or older siblings of students engaged in an extra-curricular activity to wait at this activity, around the Lostroh Centre or any other area unless they are supervised by their own parent.

I respectfully request your compliance with this policy and supporting the College in our efforts to ensure the wellbeing and safety of your children.

A big thank you to:

• the Music Department for the recent Choral Reading Days,
• the Dance/Drama Department for the Hip Hop incursion with Royal Family,
• the FOTA team and all that donated baked goods for the highly successful Bake Sale on Friday 28 February, and
• to Mr Doyle, Mrs Ellis, Mr Burt and all the staff involved in last week’s outstanding Year 10 camp.   

For those following the 2025 challenges, (a reminder these are taken from Ted Lasso) the previous two have been:

1. Courage is the willingness to try.
2. Winning is an attitude.

This week I would like to focus on “see the good in others”.

At last weeks Year 10 camp, the facilitators told stories of mateship in extreme situations. At the core of each story my takeaway was that looking at the “good” in others and working to support them. I challenge each of us to consider the idea that, if we look for the “good” first, we will find our purpose. A purpose is also critical to a winning attitude and having the courage to take the first or next step.

Heath Del Favero

Director of Student Experiences