Message from the Assistant Principal

Welcome to the 2026 school year. I would particularly like to welcome all the new families to the College who have children starting with us for the first time.

In this first newsletter for the year, I have listed some important information that will make the year run smoothly for students, parents and caregivers if we can work together, we will be able to keep all students safe and focused on their studies.

Before School Drop Off and After School Pick Up

A reminder to all parents dropping students off before school that all students should be dropped off in the bus bay before the first bell at 8.30am. Students are reminded that they are to move into the school grounds as soon as they alight from their transport. No student is to leave the College grounds once they have arrived.

In the afternoon the bell sounds at 2.45pm to conclude the day.

The College’s priority is the 15 buses that take students home and their safety.

NO CAR IS ALLOWED TO ENTER THE BUS BAY AREA UNTIL 3.10PM. NO PARENTS SHOULD BE IN CAR PARK IN THE BUS BAY PARKING AREA AS THIS WILL CONFLICT WITH THE 15 SCHOOL BUSES THAT FILL THE BUS BAY UNTIL 3:10PM. AT 3.20PM THE

REMAINING STUDENTS THAT ARE NOT PICKED UP WILL BE MOVED BACK INTO THE SCHOOL GROUNDS. THEREFORE, PICK UP WILL OCCUR INSIDE THE SCHOOL GATES OUT THE FRONT OF THE ADMINISTRATION BUILDING FROM THIS TIME.

Could all parents assist the College by coming to the College after 3.10pm and then follow the instructions of the staff when entering the bus bay. Parents are also asked to avoid attempting to enter the front school gates during this time as the safety of students leaving the College on foot is also our priority. The risk of car injury is reduced significantly if most students have already left for the day. REMEMBER THE SPEED LIMIT IS 5 KM/H. Your assistance with this matter is greatly appreciated.

Picking Up Students Outside of the College

Please be aware that dropping off or picking up in the surrounding streets needs to be done following the local road rules and parking restrictions. Parents are reminded that if you are picking your children up and are stopping and or waiting in marked ‘No Stopping or No Parking Areas’ council have indicated that they will be fining offenders. As a matter of courtesy, the College asks that you not only arrange for an appropriate area to pick up your children but please be mindful of local residents and businesses who also ask parents to follow the road rules and signage that is in place in the surrounding streets of the College. We suggest the Wilson Road Car Park as a safe pick up venue.

Students leaving the College on foot via the Traffic Lights out the front of the school

With so many students leaving at once, all students are asked to follow the road rules. Students are required to walk across Hoxton Park Road when there is a green signal only. Buses need to get out of the College and on their way, so students are asked only to walk quickly on the green signal and not continue across the road once this signal has turned red. Could parents please emphasise this to their children for both the safety of all students and the running of bus timetables and congestion at the front gate area. We thank you for your assistance with this process.

Opal Cards

The Bus company have asked the College to emphasise the importance that all students who are travelling to and from the College by bus, must tap on and off each time they board and alight. This is significant because this is the only information that the company has to use to determine services to and from the College. In other words, if students are not using their opal cards to tap on and off, this information will not be recorded and could result in overcrowding or even cancelling of bus services and the College cannot do anything about this. Please make sure that your children tap on and off when using the bus system.

Students with asthma puffers or epipens

Any student who has an asthma puffer or epipen needs to have it with them at all times while at school. This particularly includes sport (both Thursday afternoons and PE practicals) and excursions. It is not possible in a school of over 1300 students that the office is able to supply an epipen or puffer for all students that require one. Parents/Caregivers I ask you to please make sure your child has the required equipment with them. As well can I please request that if you have not updated your child’s action plan with the office that you do so ASAP as we use these action plans if your child was to present with any symptoms of allergy.

Sick Students

All students are aware that they should move directly to the sick bay located in the administration office if they feel unwell. Students are not allowed to contact parents if they are sick using their mobile phones. The College will make contact with parents concerning sickness and then suitable arrangements will then be made. If contact with your child is needed the office will be able to facilitate this contact.

Mobile Phones

I remind all parents and students that phones, smart watches and ear buds need to be placed into the pouch and then into the school bag before the students enters the gate in the morning. Phones can only be accessed after the final bell in the afternoon has rung.

Finally, I would like to share some advice for Year 7 students and parents/caregivers. If you have older children in the College you will no doubt have seen this advice before and concur with its contents. For new and old parents alike, we offer:

Seven Steps to Settling Into High School for Year 7

1. ASK FOR HELP: Ask for help whenever you are unsure about anything.

2. ASK FOR HELP: Ask for help whenever you are unsure about anything. (It is in twice because it is so important!!)

3. POSITIVE ATTITUDE: Look for ways to enjoy things about school and be positive in your attitude. It makes a big difference.

4. USE CLASS TIME: Really make the most of every lesson, staying focused and on-task and

completing all the work your teacher gives you. Start to really listen and think in every lesson.

5. HOMEWORK DIARY: Get in the habit of always writing in your homework immediately and checking it every afternoon when you get home. Stay up-to-date in your homework and complete all work.

6. START EARLY: Start assignment and test preparation early. You may be given other work later on so it is a good idea to start your assignments straight away and even try and have them finished a bit before the due date.

7. ALWAYS DO YOUR BEST: Don't worry about comparing yourself to other people, just always aim to do your best in everything you do for school and you will feel happy and your teachers and parents will be pleased with your effort.

 Library Opening Times 2026 

Monday 7:30am - 4:00pm

Tuesday 7:30am - 4:30pm

Wednesday 7:30am - 4:30pm

Thursday 7:30am - 3:30pm

Friday 7:30am - 3:30pm

Students are welcome to use the library during these times when they are not in scheduled classes.