Wellbeing Report – July 16, 2015

It was great to see the return of the boys to school this week, bringing a -‘wintery bleak’ and empty school back to life again after the three week break. Students are the beating heart of a school and make it an enjoyable privilege to work with and teach-”complete with both their challenges and successes. Welcome to the new students who have joined us this term, and to their families.

I hope the term break provided a chance for people to catch their breath and spend time on all the other aspects of family life that gets neglected in the busyness of term time. Unlike the anticipation of the 30th of January when school commenced and everything lay ahead -“ fresh with possibility, students know what they are returning to in Term 3. There have been a few weeks to digest the contents of Semester One reports, and the upcoming Senior School Parent/Teacher interviews (Tuesday 21 July 4pm -“ 8.30pm) are a time to discuss the -‘evidence’, with the rest of the year in mind. What achievements can be built on, which strategies need to be adjusted, and in a few cases, what are the hard questions to be asked -“ and answered, about what must change for future success to be found? Students, parents and teachers are the forum for these discussions. Decisions about the future for some students are already being made on the basis of Semester One achievements.

SIS PARENT SURVEY

A cross section of the parent community will soon receive a letter from Insight SRC on behalf of the Catholic Education Office Melbourne and St Patrick’s College to participate in a survey to help in identifying the strengths and areas of development for the College. The survey is conducted on-line and access to the website including login ID and a password are contained in the letter. We would encourage you to consider participating in the survey and help shape the ongoing improvement of the College. Please click on this link to view a flyer regarding the School Improvement Survey.

KOKODA

Over the Term 2 break I had the privilege of attending Kokoda with 15 students, 2 College staff and a number of parents and friends of the College. Apart from the history of the track, the PNG culture that we were exposed to, along with its test of physical and mental endurance I was struck by the level of commitment and cohesiveness of the group. This was evident in the acts of support and genuine concern for one another during the arduous 96 km track. Acts of support unprompted by staff were evident during the eight days from the group making this a very truly special experience. I would like to acknowledge the efforts of the tour leader Mr Michael Weadon who is to be commended on his organisation of the trek. His guidance, support and care of the group was exceptional and the knowledge that he imparted along the track about its history was outstanding. Mr Weadon was ably supported by Mr Jarrett Giampaolo who through his great sense of humour was able to encourage and support the students during the walk. We are very blessed at St Patrick’s College to have such wonderful students who through their efforts were outstanding ambassadors of the College and should be congratulated on their impeccable behaviour throughout the tour. I would encourage all students to consider participating in the 2017 expedition which no doubt has had a profound impact on those who have been involved in the past.

Best wishes for the week ahead.

Kind regards

Jon Franzin

Deputy Headmaster -“ Wellbeing- – –