Schools reflect the society in which they exist, so issues that exist in the general community will arise within the school.  However, schools are in a privileged position to help shape the future and continue to contribute to improvement in society.  While the curriculum plays a part, leading to help develop curious minds that lead to better technology to improve life and the environment, so too does the way schools respond to the range of issues that arise in any school.  The secret is to view these as 'teachable moments' - as an opportunity to help shape thinking and attitudes that lead to better choices.  This is not a quick process, but it is more enduring and successful than most other strategies.

Many years ago I came across a wise observation. It was: "You can be fair or you can be simple, but you can't be both." I have found that this applies to almost every complex scenario I've encountered.  More recently I found an excellent piece of research that quantified this concept.  The research identified four different approaches to managing student misbehaviour and measured how each impacted upon:

• how focused on learning the student became after the action;
• how positive (or negative) the student felt toward the teacher after the action; and
• if the student felt the action was justified.

The following diagram summarises the findings:

The direction of each arrow indicates if the outcome is positive (up) or negative (down) and the length of the arrow is a measure of the strength of the relationship.  (The numbers are the measured correlations.)  Thus, while punishment is quick and simple, its result is not positive.  It is the more time-consuming strategies that are more effective.

We are becoming aware of a culture of fighting that is increasingly prevalent in schools in this region, and I have noted that this may become an increasing concern for us.  I want to respond quickly to ensure that our students feel safe and do not suffer any trauma by witnessing violence.  Thus, I will employ the same strategy as we do for reports of drug use.  We will involve local Police to work with us and parents to help explain the dangers and consequences of fighting, reminding everyone that the school boundary does not make people immune from assault charges.  We also need to assist people to find more successful and effective ways of managing conflict.  As with everything we do, the well-being of our students is a significant priority for us.  I am sure you would expect nothing less of us.

Stay safe, keep happy and I will keep you in my prayers.

Frank Pisano

The Senior Secondary Hospitality class held a Long Lunch for some lucky teachers on Monday. They were served several courses cooked by the students, which included an alternate drop of Caesar salad or Carbonara pasta, a selection of cheeses, and a fruit crumble with custard.

Our favourite piece of equipment, the Van Der Graaf Generator, comes out again in a demonstration for Year 12 Physics.

Kim Walters
Deputy Principal: Pastoral Care

40% off selected shoes in the Midford Uniform Shop.

The applications for the January 2022 National Youth Science Forum (NYSF) close soon!

Click on the link to find out more about the program and how to apply.

https://www.nysf.edu.au/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/Year-12-program-Flyer-2022.pdf

Please see below information for a tour and information at Degree C next month. Please look at the list of various apprenticeships they offer and if you are planning on applying later in the year, it is important that you attend and get your face recognised.

Any questions, please let me know.

Thanks,

Mrs Banfield
Careers / Futures Planner

Completed work experience forms for the term 2 holidays are due to be returned to Mrs Banfield by Thursday 3rd of June. If a student is interested and does not yet have a form, please see Mrs Banfield before the 3rd of June.

Whitney Banfield
Careers / Futures Planner

Next week the SRC are running a Mental Health Awareness week. Each day we will be focusing on a different area of mental health, with the hope of educating our school population on how to manage these issues, as well as where they can find guidance and support.   

We will be finishing the week with our Do-nut stress day. Teachers have agreed not to set any assessments on this day, and donuts will be available for purchase at lunch time. 

Tickets for this year's College Production We Will Rock You will be on sale Monday through the paranaple Box Office.