Vice Principal's Report

Welcome to the start of 2020 and to that of a new school year. I hope all the members of our Padua College community have had a well-rested break and are ready to engage in another full year of challenging educational experiences.

As the dust settles, our Year 7s and their families are coming to realise that secondary schooling is a whole new ball game. This time of adolescence and emerging adulthood requires additional focus on the individual and the relationship that will be formed between your student, family and our school over the coming years. Part of our role at the College is to assist parents with this transition in this new learning environment.

If you want the best outcomes for your child or young person, then it is important that you become involved in as many aspects of your child’s education as practical. The involvement of parents can help break down the mystique about school that can exist for some children. Their chances of success are better when they see school as an extension of home rather than merely an institution for learning.

Positive parent participation demonstrates to children that you value learning as well as their school. Children are influenced by their parents’ views so your positive attitude to school and learning is important. Participating as a parent can be much broader than helping out in the classroom, as might have been the case in primary school. There is a range of simple things you can do at home that will assist our teachers to maximise the learning of your child. These include: talking with your child about their day, hearing young learners read, helping with homework and making sure kids go off to school happy, healthy and having had plenty of sleep.

School TV

Today parents face a multitude of modern challenges in raising happy, well and resilient young people. Whilst there is a great deal of information available, this can often be confusing and overwhelming for parents looking for guidance.

At Padua College we have subscribed to SchoolTV, an online resource designed to empower you as parents with credible and sound information. It provides realistic, practical and ongoing support strategies on a range of topics with comprehensive videos from leading specialists and organisations.

You'll also find Fact Sheets, suggested books, apps, websites and much more. And because SchoolTV is independent, they've pulled in some great content from organisations such as Beyond Blue, ReachOut, HeadSpace and others.

The information can be accessed by visiting the College website

This week’s special report is on Moving to a New School and is relatable to both our current Year 7s and those students moving to the senior school this year as well.

Moving to a new school is a big deal! Your child is going to meet lots of new people and be thrown into new situations. This is bound to make them feel a lot of different emotions. They may feel worried and anxious, but also excited and happy – all at the same time!

It is considered to be one of the most important transition periods of a student’s life and can present some significant psychological challenges for both students and parents.

Making new friends, learning new routines, discovering new environments, accepting new cultures and adjusting to new learning practices is all part of the process. Some children will sail through this period of change, whilst others may need a bit more guidance. It is important to give your child the chance to feel comfortable in their new space. This may take a few months, but ensure you keep the lines of communication open and check in regularly with your child to see how they are settling in.

In this Special Report, parents and care givers will be presented with a number of strategies that can be deployed to help ensure a smooth transition. We hope you take time to reflect on the information offered in this Special Report, and as always, we welcome your feedback.

If you do have any concerns about the wellbeing of your child, please contact the school for further information or seek medical or professional help.

Here is the link to your special report https://padua.catholic.schooltv.me/wellbeing_news/moving-new-school

Commending Uniform

Just before the start of school I wrote to all families about the Padua uniform. Our uniform is a vehicle in which we can express pride in our Padua community. The uniform identifies members of Padua College and assists in creating an atmosphere of uniformity, pride, loyalty and equity. All students enter the classroom as equals as far as image and dress are concerned; their individuality comes from their attitude, character, spirit and involvement. Students should wear the uniform proudly and well, realising that at all times they are ambassadors for our College. I wish to commend the families in the manner in which the students have presented themselves this first week. Well done!