Tiverton Campus News
Primary School — Year 5 and 6
The Primary School students and their parents attended a welcome BBQ that was coordinated by the parents association and the VCAL Senior Students at the Kinnoull Oval. It was heart-warming to hear all the positive feedback regarding the smooth transition into the College from the new Year 5 parent body, and the excitement of the Year 6 students into the new teaching and learning facilities. Many thanks to Mrs Anette Phillips, Mr Andrew Kearns and Mr Terry Atkins for their positive and proactive start to the school year.
We also wish our Year 5 and 6 classes all the best for their respective camps over the next few weeks. The Year 5 class will be heading to Sovereign Hill under the guidance of Mrs Anette Phillips, and the Year 6 students will be headed to Cave Hill Creek the following week with Mr Terry Atkins and Mr Andrew Kearns. We hope the students are enriched by these learning experiences. Further information will be coming out soon. In the meantime, the Year 5 and 6 students will have a leadership retreat with the Melbourne Football Club, and an excursion to the state library, treasury and expedition buildings. Term 1 is always a very busy one in the Primary School!
Year 7
The Year 7 and 8 students continue to settle well into the College and the two themes of “organisation” and “respect” have resonated well with the students. We do encourage students to plan accordingly through the use of their school diaries and Ollie for their homework each night, and each week to ensure the work is done so stress levels are reduced.
We will continue to reiterate at the College that the laptops are for educational purposes only. Students can access the library before and after school, and at recess and lunchtimes in order to complete any work. However, we do have a strict ‘no gaming’ policy as students are encouraged to concentrate, to learn and to respect others in the classroom environment. Also, lunchtime and recesses are used to eat healthy food, play with friends and socialise in a non-online environment.
The focus in assemblies has been one of respect for oneself with an appreciation of personal presentation and hygiene, but also healthy eating habits. We know that learning and memory are adversely affected by unhealthy diets and so we strongly suggest to all our students that eating breakfast is essential before school. Healthy snacks and lunches are provided to optimise learning opportunities and development for all our students.
We have also started to focus on respect for others both within and beyond the school community, in line with our key College theme of 2020 — ‘Respect’.
In a recent assembly, I expressed my concern for Year 7 and 8 students and their inability to cross busy intersections near De La Salle College on High, Glenferrie and Wattletree Roads correctly which has led to some disappointing messages from the general public. We will continue to educate our students on being safe and respectful, and for our students to call out any inappropriate or dangerous behaviours of others while not on school grounds.
Mr Martin Gibbs
Director of Students — Middle Years