UNIFORM AND HAIRCUT EXPECTATIONS

The consistency of students wearing their uniform correctly is a continued focus and area for improvement for both Senior and Middle Years students.

As we have now entered the second half of the term, it is time for some students to schedule an appointment with the barber to ensure they comply with the College’s expectations for the duration of the term.

Reminder: Any hairstyle which may be described as a mullet, including burst fades, and any faded styles shorter than a ‘No.2-blade’ are not permitted.

I would like to commend the Senior Years students for the noticeable improvement in wearing the grey felt hat to and from school. Well done gents, and continue to lead by example in demonstrating this self-discipline and respect.

PUBLIC TRANSPORT ETIQUETTE

All Ionians are reminded of the expectation to represent the College with humility and distinction whilst travelling on public transport. The following are examples of expected positive behaviour on public transport:

• Being mindful of other passengers by limiting the volume of conversations and ensuring you use appropriate language.
• Allowing other passengers to disembark or board the train / bus first. Senior students can lead younger students by ensuring members of the public have a clear pathway on and off the train or bus.
• Keeping aisles and seats clear of your belongings so that others can freely move by and use seats.
• Iona students should always offer their seats to standing adults as a matter of courtesy.

STUDENT DRIVERS

All students who drive to school must complete the Student Driver Application Form which can be collected from the PROSPER Centre.

Student drivers must use the designated student carpark and should not be parking in the streets surrounding the Bulgin Avenue entrance, or in Eustace Street.

Students must also continue to cross the road only at the Graham’s Crossing traffic lights. Thank you to those students who continue to comply with these expectations.

UPCOMING ASSESSMENT PERIOD

Exam and assessment periods begin in Week 8, with the commencement of the Year 11 Exam Block and the annual NAPLAN testing.

The Year 12 Exam block also commences in Week 8, followed by the Years 7-10 exam period in Week 9.

Year 11 and 12 students are reminded to use block exam time to prime their body and mind for optimal performance.

A healthy and balanced diet, maintaining exercise routines, and ensuring you get the appropriate amount of sleep are essential for success.

These periods are certainly not the time to take on extra casual work, or for increased social activity.

I wish all students the very best in their preparation and completion of term one assessment. 

VISIBLE WELLBEING PARTNERSHIP AND THE ‘SEARCH’ FRAMEWORK

Students have now completed three lessons of the PROSPER wellbeing curriculum this term. These lessons serve as key moments for students to further develop their understanding of the SEARCH framework and their own wellbeing literacy.

Each of the six pathways of the framework comes with its own set of outcomes, including ways to reduce ill-being, ways to foster wellbeing, and ways to use the pathways to enhance learning outcomes.

For a more detailed understanding of the SEARCH framework and an explanation of how these elements may be used in the classroom, please see the article The Need for Positive Wellbeing Frameworks in Schools written by Prof. Lea Waters.

The Heads of Student Wellbeing plan the scope and sequence of PROSPER lessons, and these lessons are taught by the student’s Head of House, and other experienced staff with a passion for student wellbeing.

These lessons form an important part of the College’s wellbeing program.

As an example, this fortnight, the Senior Years students have completed, or will complete, lessons on the following topics:

Best regards,

Mr Ben Devlin
Dean of Senior Years