The College Diary

The diary is given to all students in the college and must be taken to all classes. College rules and procedures as well as a map are placed at the front of the diary. Students who wish to leave class are required to have a note written and signed in their diary. Most importantly, the college diary is a key component of a student’s organisational skills. It is to be used to record all homework and information about school activities.

Diaries are not to be decorated with pictures, graffiti or irrelevant personal information. Pictures of hunks, babes, Australian Idol candidates, Home and Away stars, etc., etc., are not appropriate.

Parents are welcome to use the diary to communicate with teachers and teachers may choose to do the same.

If parents note that their child’s diary has very little homework recorded in it, they should follow up the matter with the student’s level coordinator.

Homework and Study Requirements

The work done at home by each student is a vital and necessary extension of the class lessons to enable the students to consolidate and reinforce work covered during the day. The Homework Policy is clearly set out in the College diary.

When no formal homework is set, students are expected to read or revise class notes. Too many students leave assignments and the like to tackle the night before they are due. Plan to finish work well before due dates so any necessary help can be obtained before it is too late.

HOMEWORK POLICY

Homework:

Helps students by complementing and reinforcing classroom learning, fostering good lifelong learning and study habits.

Provides students with an opportunity to be responsible for their own learning.

Provides an opportunity for parents to become more involved in their child’s education.

Helps develop time management skills and self discipline.

Encourages students to research and use resources outside the school.

Fosters better communication between parents and school.

D.E.T. Suggested Times

Year 7 45 minutes a day Year 9 60 minutes a day

Year 8 60 minutes a day Year 10 90 minutes a day

VCE will range from 1 hour to 3 hours per day and up to 6 hours on weekends during peak times.

Failure To Complete Major Homework

Parents will be informed and resubmission expected in most cases.

Assessment of unapproved late homework can only be S or N.

Extension requests for homework should be made in advance or upon receipt of an approved absence note.

Persistent failure to complete homework should result in study skills education and/or counselling through Sub-school Co-ordinator or YLC.

The school is also open after school until 6pm for those who prefer to do their study and homework at the College.

Please note that the College operates a Homework Club each Thursday after school from 3.30 – 4.45pm where students are supervised and a suitable study environment is provided.

Keeping Parents Informed

College Council, the Swamp Network, Parents Association, Parent Tutors, the Uniform Shop and the Canteen all provide opportunities for parent participation. Annual College activities such as the Debutante Ball, Camps, Musical, the reading assistance program and instrumental bands welcome the support and participation of parents.

Parents and Guardians are kept informed of College activities through COMPASS, the College website and the College Facebook page.

The best time to visit

Parents and guardians are always welcome to contact the college for information or to discuss concerns. If you want to come in person, please note the following:

Meetings for teachers are held Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday afternoons between 3.30 and 4.30. Staff will not be available at these times unless it is an emergency.

It is always best to make an appointment time in advance, if possible.

PROVIDING SUPPORT

Student Wellbeing

The Student Wellbeing Services Centre is able to provide a variety of support to students and their families throughout the year, eg. counselling and emotional support, information and contacts, mediation between students by Yr. 11 students who have been trained as Peer Mediators, etc. Support staff include a Guidance Officer, Social Worker and Adolescent Health Nurse. The College also utilises the services of Cardinia Shire Youth Services, the Vibes Youth Bus from City of Casey and other outside agencies.

Some second hand books are still available for purchase through Student Wellbeing.

Don’t hesitate to contact me at the College regarding any wellbeing matters about which you are concerned.

Mr Tim Ward, Student Wellbeing Coordinator