From the Deputy Principal
School Opening and Closing Times
As the days get shorter we’d like to draw your attention to safe places for your daughter to be. In term time the school office is open between 8.00am - 4.30pm and the Gibson Centre until 5.00pm. We are aware that a number of girls are at school outside of these times and we cannot take responsibility for their wellbeing when this is the case. For students waiting to be collected after 5.00pm when the Gibson Centre closes, we ask that they are picked up from the Boarding House which offers a safe and supervised environment.
Winter Uniform
Unless the weather is unseasonably warm, students would normally return for Term 2 in their winter uniform. Please ensure that all winter uniform items are named, clean and in good repair, that skirt lengths are correct - the skirt is required to be worn just below the knee and the kilt, midway between the knee and ankle - and that they do still fit. The winter shirts are designed to be comfortably worn buttoned at the neck. Shoes love to be given the nourishment and attention of a good clean!
If your daughter wants to wear a thermal layer for warmth, we ask that the top be white and not be visible under the shirt. These are available through The Shop for those girls feeling the cold.
The Rangi scarf is the only acceptable scarf for winter and isn’t worn indoors.
Whatever you may hear to the contrary, we have clear rules around the following: blazers are compulsory and are always worn in public. This includes to and from school, in the mall, at the supermarket etc as well as for formal occasions. If we are experiencing very warm weather, shirt-sleeves are an acceptable alternative or on rainy days, the navy school jacket or any plain navy or yellow raincoat are an optional garment. These may be worn to and from school when the weather requires it, or on sports trips and other school-related events where they are the agreed uniform wear. They are not worn inside and do not replace the blazer.
The only jewellery permitted (unless a pass has been provided) is a single small, plain gold, silver or pearl stud, or small sleeper in each ear lobe and a watch. No other piercings are acceptable with uniform. Please assist us in checking and maintaining these standards and encourage your daughter to wear her uniform with pride.
Cross Country
This will be happening on Wednesday 5 May from 1.30pm in Hagley Park and hopefully provides a whole school event opportunity where the students can ‘be their best’, and support their Clan. Those not able to participate will be supporting their friends, other students and Clans.
The students will walk over to Hagley Park after a roll check at school at 1.20pm. The first race is scheduled to start at 1.45pm. Parents are more than welcome to join us and can meet us in Hagley Park. We have normally finished racing by approximately 2.30pm and we then return to school. Years 7 & 8 have their timetabled period 6 class which finishes, as normal at 3.20pm.
If you are going to be attending the race and need to take your daughter home with you from Hagley Park, please ensure your daughter’s tutor is aware.
Care & Development Network
We hope this extended break will provide the opportunity to rest and recharge and to develop good sleep habits. The following are tips and resources from our School Nurses:
Sleep
Good sleep is like food for your brain! Developing healthy sleep patterns is vital for your wellbeing. Teenagers need 8-10 hours sleep per night.
* During sleep important body functions and brain activity occur.
Benefits of getting enough quality sleep include:
- Keeps your immune system working well to reduce illness
- Helps to regulate mood and emotions and manage stress
- Boosts energy levels, learning, memory, and concentration
Tips for good sleep habits
- Keep regular times for going to bed and getting up.
- Relax for an hour before going to bed with no screens.
- Avoid going to bed on a full or empty stomach.
- If you are not asleep after 20 minutes in bed, go to another room until you feel tired again.
- Many poor sleepers spend too long in bed.
- Keep distracting things out of the bedroom.
- Being active and getting some sunlight during the day can help you sleep
- Most teenagers of all ages need 8 -10 hours of sleep a day.
- An evening nap can make it hard to sleep at night.
If you have difficulty with sleep and would like more information or would like to discuss this further, please make a time to see a nurse or school psychologist.
Websites
https://www.sleephealthfoundation.org.au/ (a fantastic resource)
Apps
CALM – this app is designed to reduce anxiety, improve sleep and help you to feel happier.
Life Online
If you and your young people want to focus on education or have any concerns about online behaviour, Netsafe is the go-to provider of advice and resources. We encourage you to visit:
Wishing everyone who can a refreshing and relaxing break!