Wellbeing Report

By Mrs Elizabeth Ryan, Deputy Principal – Student and Staff Wellbeing

Travelling to and from St Patricks College

Parents, please ensure that your son is aware of his responsibilities as a commuter and the need to adhere to the code of conduct fair and reasonably expected of all commuters regardless of whether they are students of St Patrick’s College.

How a student travels to and from the College is a personal decision made by each family depending on the location of their primary place of residence, access to public transport, parents working commitments and, in the case of year 12 students, whether the boys themselves have access to a car and hold a driver’s license. The College respects each parent’s decision and their right to choose how their son will travel to and from the College.

Students driving to the College are expected to adhere to all road traffic laws. Should your son be using public transport in the form of a bus or train it follows then that they are bound by the code of behaviour expected of any citizen using these forms of transport. Pay the fare, not infringe on or the rights of other travellers, not damage the train or bus and not put their lives and the lives of other commuters at risk.

The College does not own or have control over Vic Rail or any of the bus companies which provide a service to College students and their families. Accordingly, if students continually breach the code of behaviour expected by commuters it is within the right of Vic Rail or the bus company to cancel the service and/or ban certain students from accessing their service.

Youth Suicide

According to Health Direct suicide is the leading cause of death among young Australians. About 350 young people aged 15–24 take their own lives every year – more than that die on the roads and for every youth suicide, there are 100 to 200 more attempts. In an effort to provide timely support and information about ways to address this important issue with young people I wish to draw your attention to the following resources available on the headspace website:

Resources for families:

• How to talk about suicide with young people
• Social media advice for families

Head of the Lake: February 23, 2020

 This year’s head of the Lake Regatta will be held on Lake Wendouree on Sunday, February 23 commencing at 8.30am. This year St Patrick’s Spit Crew will be located on the South side at the far end of the spit.

Each school participating in the Head of the Lake Regatta is allowed approximately 100 students to be part of their school’s cheer squad. Accordingly, only Year 12 students will form the official “Spit Crew” at the Regatta. Students in the Junior School, Middle School and Senior School who have brothers competing on the day are welcome to attend, however they will need to be in the care and control of their parents. They will not be allowed to enter the St Patrick’s College Spit Crew area.

Head of the Lake is always a great day with a great Atmosphere. Parents please remind your sons that they are representing the College and appropriate, respectful behaviour is expected from all who wear the green white and blue. Good luck to the 95 rowers representing the College on Sunday. Ekka Dora!