Dear Parents, Carers and Community Members

We have now moved in to the second half of Term 3.  Term 3 is always a very busy time with so many things happening especially for Year 12 and Year 11.  As a school we are in the process of planning for the 2024 school year, determining what subjects will run in Years 9, 10 and 11:  organising staffing, reviewing, and updating teaching and learning programs etc.  All while ensuring, we continue to provide a quality education, opportunities for students to engage in the learning process and continue their development as young people, to be successful and get them where they need to go.

The school executive and staff have become increasingly concerned with student attendance.  With an increasing number of students missing whole school days or arriving to school late or leaving school early.  School attendance is a fundamental building block of a student’s education and to be successful.  While a teenager might think that attending school is just a mundane routine, its importance cannot be overstated.  Regular school attendance goes beyond just physical presence; it sets the stage for a myriad of opportunities for cognitive, social, and personal development that contribute to a well-rounded individual.

Consistent school attendance is directly linked to academic success.  Attending classes regularly enables students to engage with the curriculum, grasp new concepts, and participate in interactive discussions.  Missing school days hampers the continuity of learning, making it harder for students to keep up with lessons and assessments.  This gap in knowledge can lead to academic struggles and a lack of confidence, potentially resulting in lower grades and reduced enthusiasm for learning.

School attendance also fosters social interactions and emotional growth.  It is within the classroom and school environment that students build friendships, develop communication skills, and learn to work collaboratively.  These interactions contribute to the development of emotional intelligence, empathy, and conflict resolution skills.  Frequent school absenteeism can isolate students, hindering their ability to build these essential life skills and potentially leading to feelings of loneliness or alienation.

Regular school attendance instils a sense of routine and responsibility that carries over into other aspects of life.  By adhering to a school schedule, students learn time management, punctuality, and the importance of meeting commitments.  These habits are transferrable skills that are highly valued in the professional world, contributing to a student's preparedness for future career endeavours.

School attendance can cultivate a curiosity for learning.  Engaging with teachers and classmates in a structured setting may spark questions and intellectual exploration.  Students who attend school consistently tend to develop a genuine thirst for knowledge that extends beyond the classroom.  This mindset of lifelong learning becomes a driving force for personal growth and continuous self-improvement.

Education is a steppingstone to a successful future.  Opening doors for a myriad of opportunities to access a variety of career pathways, that may include higher education at university, TAFE, and other educational colleges both here and overseas, to apprenticeships, traineeships, and other work opportunities.  Moreover, it prepares students for the challenges of adulthood by equipping them with critical thinking skills and a broad knowledge base.

As the Principal of this great school, I ask parents and carers to support the school in ensuring that your child attends school regularly and therefore can make the most of the opportunity to learn and become the best of themselves.

“Each day missed is a missed opportunity for growth and enrichment.” 

‘Together with Christ we serve our community’.

Inspired by GOSPEL VALUES and the practical examples of St Mary of The Cross MacKillop and St Clare of Assisi our Mission is to…

CONNECT LEARN ASPIRE RESPECT ENGAGE

Kind Regards

Phillip Gibney
Principal