High Potential Learners

This week marks an exciting milestone as our first group of High Potential Learners put their writing skills to the test by competing in the ICAS Writing Competition. These students are embracing academic challenge and showcasing their creativity, critical thinking, and excellence. We are incredibly proud of their dedication to learning.

This photo captured our junior group of Year 3-6 students. Shortly after their session, our senior students from Year 7-10 also took on the ICAS Writing challenge. Well done to all students involved.

Next week, members of the High Potential Learners group will participate in the ICAS English Competition, with Maths and Science competitions occurring later in August.

Respect starts with the little things: Addressing low-level teasing

We believe that every student deserves to feel safe, respected, and valued. This is fundamental to who we are and how we continue to grow great people within our College community. While the media often report just the major incidents across Australian schools when discussing poor student choices, it’s important to remember that the small things – what we sometimes call niggle – can have a big impact too.

Low-level teasing is often passed off by some as “just a joke”, but let’s be honest about one thing, it’s not harmless when students are laughing at another student or the intent is to demean them in some way. There is a giant chasm between laughing with another person and laughing at them and it is important that students understand this difference. Friendly banter is mutual, shared between close friends, occasional and both parties feel comfortable in that space. However, banter can easily cross the line when it becomes mean-spirited, aggressive, aimed at isolating or embarrassing another, or the target begins to feel upset about the repeated joke. While one student may feel that it is light-hearted and jovial, all too often the person that it is aimed at doesn’t consider it that way at all. Therefore, it has become unacceptable.

Whether it is a comment about someone’s appearance, interests, or achievements, negative remarks can chip away at a person’s confidence and sense of belonging. That is not the kind of culture we want in our College. Society does not tolerate the teasing of someone for a disability, so why should it be any different when someone is being teased for having an ability, like excelling at their academics, showing leadership beyond their years, or for being a lead role in the musical. The answer is quite simple: it shouldn’t be. Success at our College is to be congratulated and celebrated, not mocked.

I am calling for students to take responsibility for themselves. At assembly, I challenged every student to evaluate their recent behaviour across this past week. If they found themselves engaging in teasing and niggling behaviour, the responsible thing to do is to now reflect and change. It they witness it, then it is important they speak up or report it. Our staff care and are here to help.

In alignment with the Daniel Morcombe Curriculum that is being delivered this Term, students can:

• talk to their classroom teacher or the staff member on duty
• speak to another trusted adult at the College, perhaps Mrs Finch our Student Welbeing Officer
• book a time at the office to speak directly with me
• send an email if they are more comfortable to share in person

These are all valid and encouraged ways to seek help or to raise concerns. Together, we can all work to ensure that the environment in and around our classrooms continues towards kindness being the norm and being a place where every student feels proud to be themselves.    

Camp Rock: The Musical

There is a special kind of magic that happens when the lights are dimmed, the stage is set, and the students begin to perform. This year's production of Camp Rock: The Musical is no exception. It has been wonderful to see so many Middle Years students stepping into the spotlight, both on the stage and behind the scenes. From the vibrant cast bringing the characters to life, to the small but dedicated backstage crew managing the props and scene changes, this production is a shining example of what happens when creativity, collaboration, and courage come together. 

We encourage all families and community members to come along to support these students and the staff involved. For months now, they have been committed to bringing this story to life on our stage and it all culminates this weekend with the live performances. Your presence in the audience will mean more to these students than you may realise. It will validate their hard work, boost their confidence an prove to all that The Arts matter.

Participation in performances like this play a vital role in a student’s overall growth and development. More than just being confidence, it strengthens public speaking skills, fosters resilience, and teaches the value of teamwork and perseverance. These are life skills that extend well beyond the school stage.

So, let’s fill the seats, cheer loudly, and celebrate the incredible talent and effort of our students. Camp Rock is more than just a musical, it’s a moment of celebration and pride for our whole community. Tickets can be purchased through the trybooking link or purchased at the door.  

https://www.trybooking.com/DDBRQ

Show times:

Friday Opening Night - August 8 - 6.15pm

Saturday matinée – August 9 – 12.45pm

Saturday Closing Night – August 9 – 6.15pm

See you there

Kind regards,  

Mr Craig Cullen

Assistant Principal Middle Years