Head of Campus Update – 22 June 2017

Over the past 12 months, new Child Safe Regulations have been rolled out which have necessitated close scrutiny of our current practices and policies. To ensure the safety of our students, it is vital that all visitors to the school grounds report to main reception where they will be given an ID card to wear for the duration of their stay at the school. This includes all parents. At assembly this week, the Senior School students were introduced to the newly appointed Child Safe Officers – Ms Natalie Petruccelli (Art teacher) and Mrs Sarah Pay (Food Studies teacher). These staff have undergone training for these new roles and are well equipped to support our students and staff in the area of child safety.

Developing resilience in our students is an important part of our Wellbeing Curriculum. The Resilience Project has provided our students with the skills to develop their resilience through the practices of Gratitude, Empathy and Mindfulness. All parents are invited to attend the Resilience Project’s parent information session being held on Monday 31 July at 6.45 pm in the Rosanove Auditorium. This is a follow-up session to the very successful parent forum held 12 months ago and caters to both parents who have attended in the past and those who want to learn more about developing resilience in our girls. Put the date in your diary!

On 30 May, our school assembly focussed on Women in Sport and we were delighted to welcome back Breann Moody (Class of 2015) who has been making an impact on the national sporting stage as part of the inaugural AFL Women’s competition. Brea was drafted to Carlton via the Cranbourne VFL team and made her debut in the first ever AFLW match between Carlton and Collingwood held at Ikon Park in front of 24,000 fans, wearing the number 16 guernsey as she did for SMS during her 6-year school football career. Brea acknowledged the part that St Margaret’s School played in her football development. Also at the assembly was Mrs Michaela Kelly, previous SMS Head of Sport, who played a role in the creation of Girls Sport Victoria (GSV). Mrs Kelly spoke to the girls about the opportunities that are now open to them in professional sport and also emphasised the social, emotional and academic benefits of participating in sport while at school.

As Term 2 draws to a close, we will say a fond farewell to the following staff;

Mrs Deborah Coffey who has taught English and History over the past 12 months, Ms Brigid Alexander, Learning Leader, Mathematics, who is going on maternity leave and Mrs Karen Fisers, Deputy Head of Campus responsible for Teaching and Learning who is on Long Service Leave for Term 3. We wish them all well.

Mrs Fiona Williams
Head of St Margaret’s Senior School