Newsletter Week 5, Term 3

From the Senior Executive

The NSW Department of Education is implementing a new Inclusive, Engaging and Respectful Schools policy. This will include changes to behavior management and suspension procedures commencing next term. There will be a presentation to the P&C at the next meeting to provide all parents with the opportunity to better understand the changes and what it means for our community. Some information about behaviour and suspension below which is important for all of us to understand so that we can support any student involved. When we work together we can achieve the best outcomes for your child and all other students.

From the department "what do I do if my child is getting into trouble at school?"

Steps to take if there’s been a behaviour incident

If an incident occurs, the school should contact you. If this happens, you should:

• Listen to what the school has to say about the incident. Try not to jump to your child’s defence without hearing all sides of the situation or to blame them before you’ve discussed this with them.
• Talk with your child. Keep an open mind. Hear them without adding input.
• Work as a team with your child and their teachers to assist them to make amends if they need to and move forward in a positive way

Set up a meeting with the school to discuss ongoing behaviour concerns

If your child is displaying ongoing behaviours of concern, you may need to set up a meeting with your child’s school and with your child if they are old enough. Together you can discuss what’s been happening and create a way forward.

How to problem-solve together

Work with your child and their teacher to develop a plan to solve the issue.

• Ask your child what they think possible solutions could be
• Speak to their teacher about whether these can be implemented in the classroom
• Work together with your child’s teacher to solve any issues
• reinforce school expectations, rules and routines often
• Celebrate success!

What do I do if my child is suspended?

All students deserve the right to feel safe and supported at school, and to access a high-quality education. Being suspended means a student is removed from school for a period of time, and normally only happens after a period of difficult behaviour or a significant behaviour incident After a suspension, your child will be welcomed back to school. How can I support my child?

Parents, carers and community members are encouraged to play an active role in the education of their children. New South Wales public schools value the partnership of parents in helping to enrich learning opportunities for students.

Positive and open communication between home and school helps provide students with the best chance to succeed. It is important for parents and schools to work together so that expectations are consistent, and children are aware of appropriate and inappropriate behaviour and the relevant associated consequences.

Clear communication can ensure that parents are aware of what the school's behaviour expectations are, how to raise concerns with the school and how to work with schools to ensure the best outcome for their child.

Talk to your child about what has happened and explain the process of suspension to them. Let them know the suspension is about the behaviour and does not reflect on them as a person.

How can I help my child move forward?

Being angry or yelling won’t change what has happened or help your child change their behaviour. Try to look at the situation from the perspective of “what do I want my child to learn here?” When you’re able to talk with your child in a calm, rational manner, there’s a greater chance you can find out what your child’s perception of the situation is — and possibly even problem-solve with them about what he/she can do differently in the future.

How do I work with my child's school during suspension?

Work with the school to:

• define the issue or behaviour of concern leading to the suspension
• determine the cause, including your child’s motivation
• give your child a voice in the process
• seek support for your child from a school counsellor, student support officer or other specialist staff members if available
• be involved in all relevant meetings related to the behaviours of concern/suspension to advocate for your child and partner with the school to consider solutions
• support your child to continue to learn while they are on suspension. See the Learning from home section for strategies and tips for success.

The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award Update

There continues to be significant interest from students and parents regarding the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award at Rose Bay Secondary. Unfortunately, the last two and a half years have imposed a number of challenges on the operation of The Award including the ability to offer safe and challenging Adventurous Journeys.

Traditionally the Award has been offered to Year 9 students starting at the Bronze level. However, after careful consideration it was communicated to the Year 9 cohort in Term 2 that we were unable to offer the program in 2022.

This decision also impacts our continuing Duke of Ed participants and their ability to complete the Adventurous Journey component through the school. For this reason, continuing participants have the option of attending an adventurous journey organised through a recognised third-party provider (see the link below) on a suitable date of their choosing.

Duke of Ed Activity Provider Directory

It is important to note that should any participants consider this option, parental approval is essential and all proposed journey details must go to Mr Dearing, The Award coordinator to gain approval to complete the activity before booking.

Students requiring assistance or wishing to know more about the program are encouraged to speak with Mr Dearing.

Assembly Item from our Student Leaders

During this weeks assembly, important information about mobile phone use was shared to our students. 

News from the Music Ensemble Program

MEP has a busy term ahead with the concert and stage bands preparing for the upcoming Bandfest at the Conservatorium of Music on Sunday 28 August. The bands are also working on a specially commissioned piece to mark the reopening of the Bondi Pavilion in September.

Congratulations to Elliot in Year 11 who has been asked to be part of the Arts Unit’s high-performing State Wind Band, which will be playing at the Opera House on Monday 29 August.

MEP’s next committee meeting is on Monday 5 September on Zoom and everyone is welcome to attend. The link can be found on our website.

MEP is also on the hunt for a new treasurer. If you know your way around a spreadsheet we need you! Please contact us via email or let the P&C know if you are able to help.

Wheelchair Sports Roadshow

On Monday Stephan Rochecouste came to Rose Bay Secondary College with his Wheelchair Sports Roadshow van. Stephan was born with spina bifida and has been involved with Wheelchair Sports NSW/ACT for as long as he can remember. Stephan played wheelchair tennis from the years of 2006-2017 before transitioning into wheelchair rugby league.

Being able to deliver such a fantastic road safety and disability awareness program right across NSW and the ACT is something that Stephan finds truly rewarding as it not only gives him the platform to teach new things to young people, but also the opportunity to close the gap of understanding when it comes to knowing disability as a whole and how young people can show empathy and inclusive behaviours for all. Stephan brought with him 10 red and blue sports wheelchairs, basketball hoops and balls and encouraged some great games of wheelchair basketball. The IEF had two sessions and three Year 10 PASS classes, and a sports class had a session each. 

The students and teachers enjoyed the experience and welcomed the new perspective.
A huge thank you to Shelly Diamond the coordinator of the Maccabi, All Abilities for organising and funding this amazing opportunity.

Legacy Public Speaking Competition

Congratulations to Gus, who has progressed through to the Regional Final for the Legacy Public Speaking Competition. Also, a special mention to Hugh, who also represented RBSC in the final. Students were required to deliver a 5 minute prepared speech and a 2 minute impromptu speech.

The Voice of Australia Cabaret 2022

On 20 July, 120 RBSC students performed in the school cabaret entitled ‘Voice of Australia.’ The cabaret explored the different aspects of Australian life. Including, the land, the people, moments that changed our nation and the importance of Indigenous history and culture. Students were involved in every aspect of the show, performing (Dance, Drama, Music, Art), writing, backstage, lighting, projections, sound, and promotion.

After two and a half years of not being able to perform in front of a live audience it was so exciting to have a packed hall. The support from family, friends, students, and teachers was very appreciated by all the cast and crew.

A special thank you to the teachers, cast and crew who gave up many hours to ensure that the show was a massive success.

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Children's Book Council of Australia (CBCA) Book Week Display

Our Library at RBSC has mounted a display of books which have been short listed for awards from the CBCA, together with posters on the theme of "Dreaming with eyes open...". Our two Year 11 ambassadors, Sophia and Emma, stand ready to encourage other students to begin the "dreaming".

Library News and Reviews

It is that time of year again to celebrate book Week. In primary schools it is a time of joy and fun to choose a special book and fancy dress and to proudly come to school and revel in the fact that it is a special day. Sadly, at high school we are more subdued, and don’t have a special day for fancy dress and celebrations.

However, we, (staff in the Library), love our books and celebrate them all the time. Come and borrow a book this coming week and acknowledge the importance of books.

That said, I would like to give a shout out and congratulations to a wonderful Australian fantasy author Garth Nix. Filled with magic, vivid imagery that ignites the senses, so one can easily imagine in pictures all that is occurring, the reader joins into the sequence of the plot and the personalities of the characters and becomes part of the magical story rather than a reader.

It’s extra special that he is a part of our RBSC school community and has had his book, Terciel and Elinor shortlisted by CBCA (Childrens Book Council of Australia) for this year’s BOOK OF THE YEAR 2022 awards. Congratulations and Good Luck!

PRC reading challenge is now over. Well done to those students who entered.

Reminders this week:

RBSC reading competition. See previous note about altered conditions

HSC student collection. Study guides and textbooks to better prepare our HSC students for greater success in their final exams.

Homework club every Monday and Wednesday from 3:30–5:00 pm. Assistance is given to any and all students with research, homework, assignments, and any studying issues they may have. 

Year 9 & 10 Social Event - Reminder

RBSC P&C are keen for Year 9 & 10 parents to get back on track after 2 years of disruption. This event allows Year 9 & 10 parents to reconnection and continue to build strong community bonds that will last throughout your teen’s high school experience. Please buy your tickets to this event ASAP to ensure it can proceed and give everyone the opportunity to connect as part of the RBSC community

Alumni Anniversary Event - Reminder

Opportunities for current and future teachers

There are currently many great opportunities for current and future teaching positions. If you or someone you know is interested in becoming a teacher, please read the information below.