Dean of Primary - 2022 Term 2 Edition #3
Dear Parents and Caregivers,
This week I have raised a number of important issues with the boys. All of these issues require attention to ensure that the high standards we strive for, are maintained. A brief summary of the main issues are listed below. I would appreciate parents discussing the importance of these with your sons.
- Basic manners: It is an expectation that boys say “please” and “thank you” to staff and each other. Saying “good morning” and “goodbye” are also important in a community built on respectful relationships.
- Uniforms: Some boys need to make greater effort to wear a “complete” uniform to school each day. This includes polished shoes, tie and blazer. Socks should be pulled up and shirts tucked in. It is an expectation that boys look neat and tidy, in complete uniform from home to school, and home again.
- Public Transport: All boys are reminded that they represent themselves, your family and our College community when they travel on public transport. They should demonstrate basic courtesy, such as allowing passengers to hop on/off before them, offer seats to standing adults, be aware of the volume and content of conversations and keep isles free of bags etc. Most boys are doing an outstanding job and give us all a great public reputation, but it only takes one or two to damage the good work done by many.
House Choir
This week, the boys gathered in their “House” groups to prepare for this year’s House Choir Competition. Ask your son what his allocated song is and please encourage him to learn the words. The choir competition gets better every year and the collective efforts of Primary and Secondary competing together really helps build a positive House spirit.
National Sorry Day
This week, there has been an increased awareness of “National Sorry Day” and the spirit of the apology to First Nations people. The boys have been told stories about Australian history and the significance of the day has been explained. Young people (especially boys) are very open to reflection and broadening their perspectives, attitudes and understanding of historical events.
It was great to see them engage this week in classroom discussions and also in the smoking ceremony today with the rest of the College.
Brett Lee (Cyber Safety)
On Wednesday, all boys listened to a presentation by Brett Lee from INESS. Brett covered age appropriate content and topics and provided some simple tips for boys to be safe and protected in the cyber world. His main tips were.
- The internet is PUBLIC and PERMANENT
- I protect my personal details online
- People I only know on the internet are strangers
- We all have rules on the internet and computers
- I talk to a trusted person if I have an online problem
Debating and Public Speaking
On Tuesday, we had two Year 6 teams debate against Ambrose Treacey College and ten Year 5 boys involved in public speaking for Round 2. The boys worked really hard during the week preparing and they did a great job presenting arguments and delivering entertaining talks.
Junior Ensembles Concert
The Music Department hosted the Junior Ensemble Concert last Thursday. The concert was very well done, with all groups showing their skills. The night was expertly compared by the Primary Music Leaders (Jack Johnson and Ethan Littlefield) with the large crowd being treated to a fantastic show.
Mini Vinnies
In the next fortnight, we have some terrific events coming up. The “Book Swap” to raise money for the “Indigenous Literacy Foundation” is being run by the Minnie Vinnies group in Week 8 (June 6). This is always a huge success and a great opportunity for the boys to purchase high quality books for a gold coin. Please help by bringing in books to donate if you have any at home. More details can be read in “Events” section.
Student Absence Notification
REMINDER: (Absent or late for school)
We are adding a new process for notifying the College about your son’s absence from school. This process allows you to log into the Parent Lounge and log an absence digitally. We will continue to have the absence line open for you to call if you wish, this new process is simply an alternative for those who wish to use it.
To use this option, log into your Parent Lounge and select Attendance from the menu. From here you can select your child and compete the options regarding reason and timing of absence. Step-by-instructions can be found HERE. Please be aware it is still acceptable to contact the Primary Office if your son/s are absent PH:30101142 or email primary@slc.qld.edu.au
End of Term Raffle:
As we approach the end of term, It would be great to receive some additional donations for our end of term “Mega” raffle. If you are able to donate a prize (big or small) the boys will be very appreciative in the last week when we conduct the Term 2 draw.
In this Edition of the Primary Newsletter, you can also read about Curriculum Updates, Student of the Week, Music, Date Claimers, Events, Upcoming Events and Sports.
Kind Regards
Regards
Cameron Wigan
Dean of Primary
