Being Proactive – The Junior High Handbook
Schools can be very complex places with lots of rules and procedures to follow. This can be particularly challenging when you are new to the College. The best source of information for parents and students regarding most day-to-day school matters and regulations is the Junior High Handbook.
The online version of this document is the most current and we advise parents not to print it as changes are occasionally made through the year. The two areas of Firefly I encourage parents to become most familiar with are:
Secondary Parent Information CLICK HERE
Year Level Pages CLICK HERE
‘Healthy Habits for Life” - Guest Presenter – Katherine Maslen
Last week we were delighted to once again welcome to the College. Katherine Maslen from The Shift Clinic in Milton, to speak with our Year 8 and Year 9 students as part of our Academic Care and Wellbeing program.
In her presentation Katherine highlighted six key areas to focus on in order to develop Healthy Habits for Life included:
- Diet
- Sleep
- Hydration
- Movement
- Stress
- Mental Health
Katherine presented to our Year 7s and Year 8s in 2022 and to our Years 7s last term on the importance of sleep. We hope the students found the presentation informative and we look forward to welcoming back Katherine again in the future.
ELEVATE EDUCATION- Student & Parent Sessions
As part of our Academic Care and Wellbeing Program we have scheduled a visit from Elevate Education to run Study Skills Sessions with our Year 7 and Year 8 students. More information about these workshops will be published closer to the date. However, Elevate is also running a 16-part series of free parent webinars this year.
Term 2 2023 Webinar topics are:
- Motivation – 10 May (6:30-7:30pm AEDT)
- Ask Me Anything – 24 May (6:30-7:30pm AEDT)
- Exam Preparation – 7 June (6:30-7:30pm AEDT)
- Exam Room Skills – 21 June (6:30-7:30pm AEDT)
For more information CLICK HERE
In Year 8 Pastoral Care lessons last week, Form Class teachers began working through with students the study skills follow-up session provided by Elevate. Topics throughout the term will include: Dynamic Reading, Note-taking and Mind Mapping.
In Week 6 (Wednesday 24 May) our Year 7 students will participated in their first Elevate Study Skills sessions.
Organisation & Assessment
One of the best ways to assist your child to set themselves up for success is to help them develop good organisational skills. Note that this does not mean organising things for them but helping them to develop routines and systems to manage themselves.
Term 2 Assessment Calendars are now available on Firefly, and we encourage students to look through the calendar and write their specific due date into their College diary. Spending time with your child while they do this can be an opportunity for you to connect and share some of the strategies you use to keep on top of professional and personal tasks.
Year 7 Assessment Calendar
Year 8 Assessment Calendar
Year 9 Assessment Calendar
College Uniform
I’d like to take this opportunity to point out some of the finer details regarding the wearing of the uniform in winter.
- Please make sure your top button is done up when wearing your tie.
- As (if/when) the weather gets colder, black opaque tights may be worn with skirts.
Blazer:
- The blazer must be worn to and from school each day.
- Students may wear their jumper during the school day instead of their blazer if they find it more comfortable.
- The blazer must never be worn with the HPE uniform, a St Peters tracksuit jacket may be worn with the PE uniform for warmth. Tracksuit pants are also available.
When naming items please ensure all your child’s uniform items and belongings are clearly named/labelled.
When in public students are reminded that when in uniform they are representing the College and that their actions and language reflect on everyone at the College. When catching public transport or going to the shops students are highly visible so this is particularly important. Students should always be in their complete uniform when out in public i.e. they are completely in uniform or completely out of uniform, never half uniform with casual clothing or footwear.
We support Translink’s expectation that ‘school students give up their seats to adults who are standing’. School bags should not occupy seats that are needed by others. Please remind your child of these expectations of courtesy.
Clubs, Groups & Activities
If your child is wishing to get involved or would benefit from getting involved in one of the lunch time Clubs or Groups at the College, they can find out more information about when various activities are held on Firefly.
Mobile Phone Use
Some students can find it difficult to adjust to mobile phone restrictions when they return from holidays or long weekends. The College understands that mobile phones and wearable devices are a part of daily life for many students. We also acknowledge that these devices can cause distraction to learning, inhibit opportunities for making real world connections and at times, support antisocial behaviour.
Whilst our rules around devices at school has not changed, I would like to reiterate the expectation and processes within Junior High, so that you can engage in conversations with your student and discuss any details that may be unclear for them.
What is expected:
Students are reminded that we require them to keep their mobiles secured in their locker during the day. They can access them at their locker during break times for important messages only. If a call is required to be made outside of lunch breaks, students should seek access through their Year Level Coordinator or Junior High Reception. Wearable devices are permitted in the classroom however are not to be used as an extension of a student’s mobile phone.
What happens if a student chooses to ignore the rules?
If a student chooses to keep their phone on them during the school day (including in their pocket, pencil case or laptop bag) or if a student is in the vicinity of their locker but using their phone for purposes other than checking a message e.g. scrolling through social media; a staff member may confiscate the device and it will be stored at Junior Reception for collection by the student at 3:10pm.
If a student has their phone confiscated on three occasions, they will be given an afternoon detention as a result. Further confiscations beyond this will require a discussion involving parents/carers and may result in the student having to hand their phone in each day or other appropriate consequence.
Payments for transactions across the College
The ‘My Student Account’ system is the preferred payment system at the College and students are not able to use their phones or watches to make transactions across the College (Café/Tuckshop, Uniform Shop or during fundraising events).
ID Cards
All students should carry their ID cards. These cards should be kept on them at all times to enable the purchasing of food and for signing in/out at Reception. We recommend keeping them on a lanyard or somewhere easily accessible.
The ‘My Student Account’ system is the College preferred payment system. This system allows students and their families to top up their ID card with funds. This is located HERE.
- Choose “Quick Links” (top right hand corner)
- Choose “My St Peters”
- Choose “My Student Account” and top up accordingly.
If your child misplaces their card a new one can be printed at the IT Help Desk in Theile House. Students need to have $10 on their account to cover the cost of a reprint.
Patricia Aishford
Head of Junior High
SAVE THE DATE
Junior High Mother's Day Breakfast
Friday 12 May 2023, 6:45 am – 7:45 am
St Peters Lutheran College - in front of Grandstand Café
To order breakfast CLICK HERE
