Year 10 parents and students will get some of this in an email sent directly to them, but I share it here because it has implications for all parents.  (I encourage you to tell your friends to read it.)

Following the Senior Secondary ‘Ball’ we turned our attention to finalizing plans for the Year 10 Formal.  September 4 had been suggested as a suitable time, however, with an announcement on the opening of borders delayed to the end of August (with a possibility of it remaining closed for longer), I had thought we may have some capacity to push it later.  However, following a meeting yesterday, I have conditions that I need to adhere to that leads me to push for the event to be held at the earlier date.  So, to be as succinct as possible, I can share the following:

The Year 10 Formal will take place in the Genesis centre on Friday evening, 4 September.  The starting time will be confirmed as soon as possible but I’m expecting it to be 6:30 pm.

The Formal will be a meal without dancing. (We could have one or the other and the majority of the students prefer the meal.)

There can be no public viewing (aka ‘arrivals’) so a Facebook live steam will be broadcast for family and friends. (For Privacy reasons, the camera will be set up for when students enter the hall proper, rather than at the foyer.

There can be NO PARTIES held after the event. While this is beyond the College’s control and sits with parents, authorities are concerned that these are a health risk and are considering banning formals altogether if parties are found to be taking place. Thus, for the greater good of students in other schools, I urge parents to not facilitate any such events.

While the health risk being referred to, above, is in relation to COVID19 and physical distancing, I take this opportunity to support parents who often feel pressured by their children to allow them to attend parties. No parent who is hosting a party would have any concern about being contacted by another parent wanting to know what supervision and safety steps are in place.

Stay safe and I will keep you in my prayers.

Frank Pisano

It seems like every other day our roles as guardians and parents are challenged by newly released computer applications, websites and social platforms.  It can be hard to navigate and keep up to date with what our children are doing online, and they often know about new technology before we do as they have greater exposure to these through their ICT savvy generational friendship groups.

A lot of online social platforms begin with good intentions but can change over time as more people use the platform.  Unfortunately, some use them inappropriately.  With this in mind, I would like to bring to your attention an application called "Discord", which has many real-world benefits in collaboration, however, also has some elements (including exposure to inappropriate content) that you should be aware of.  There is a great article written for parents and guardians which explains Discord so you can be up to date with knowledge.  It can be found here, and you are encouraged to read it.  Information is also available here.  Please note that safety settings are minimal and can be easily changed by users.

Nathan Sharp
ICT Manager

Friday 14th August is a Casual Clothes Day for students.  No gold coin donation is required.

Year 9 & 10 Business Enterprise and Technology students partaking in Blind Food & Drinks Tasting to see if people actually buy products based on their tastes and preferences or the power of Marketing. 

Imelda Martinez
Teacher

Across Victoria, students and their families are experiencing challenging times with the state being in various stages of lockdown yet again. However, this second wave of the pandemic is now also beginning to impact other areas of Australia and New Zealand. Riding this corona coaster and navigating the ups and downs of the current reality is proving to be confronting for many people. The coronavirus has turned our lives upside down with some students returning to remote learning and parents continuing to juggle the home environment.

The uncertainty of not knowing what will happen next may have an impact on many students and their families. There is a concern that mental health issues such as anxiety, depression and substance abuse, will increase, especially amongst young people. In the coming weeks, it will be vital for adult carers to reduce the stress levels at home and make life seem more manageable.

As an adult carer, it will also be essential to look after your own wellbeing during this time. Ensure you make time to de-escalate your own nervous system and maintain your sleep routine, healthy eating habits, get some regular exercise and reach out virtually to friends and family.

In this Special Report, families are encouraged to embrace the guidance offered to help minimise the impact of this corona coaster. We hope you take time to reflect on the information offered in this Special Report, and as always, we welcome your feedback.

If you do have any concerns about the wellbeing of your child, please contact the school for further information or seek medical or professional help.

Here is the link to your special report  https://sbsc.tas.schooltv.me/wellbeing_news/special-report-riding-corona-coaster  

Kim Walters
Principal - Pastoral Care

Starting this week, the Vinnies group will be collecting items in each homeroom for Men's Swag Bags (a similar concept to the Women's Dignity Bags).

There is currently demand on the North-West of Tasmania for mens toiletries and good clean second hand clothing for those in need.  If you can donate, it would be most appreciated.  

Items that can be brought in to Home Room:

• Mens toiletries (new and in sealed packaging) such as deodorant, toothbrushes, toothpaste, soap, shampoo, combs, brush etc.
• Mens clothing in good clean condition (no stains, tears or rips) - jumpers, jackets, trousers, tshirts.  Brand new packs of socks.