We welcome all our community back for 2024. I am very much looking forward to sharing the wonderful events that are occurring in the Pastoral Care and Wellbeing space for 2024. Our dynamic team spans across the College and we support students daily to grow and achieve things in their everyday lives.
We are continuing to develop and grow our Pastoral Care Program through using The Resilience Project GEM-E (Gratitude, Empathy, Mindfulness-Emotional Literacy) program here at the College. It is an exciting time as many new and existing staff have undertaken the GEM online training and are ready to implement the program in their classes with the support of Year Level Co-ordinators.
7-12 Pastoral Care Education Plan
We are excited to be undertaking our 7-12 Pastoral Care Education program this year. The program is already underway, with students in Year 7 completing the Think You Know program run by Tas Police, and Year 8 are booked in for the Love Bites program with guest facilitators coming to the College to run this. Throughout the year, we will aim to have dedicated sessions which are targeted to specific year levels to educate our students on current and relevant topics at their age level. This plan will continue to be built upon throughout the year and as we undertake it for the first time in 2024.
Marist Regional College Values Awards
This year we will be continuing with our Marist Values Awards. The nominations have already begun to roll in from class teachers which is extremely exciting. I would like to share with you a piece of my speech to the school at our first whole school assembly.
It is my privilege to stand before you as I inform and remind you all of the most essential pillars of our school ethos – our VALUES: respect, compassion, justice, responsibility, and hospitality.
These values are not just words plastered on posters or signs around our school; they are the guiding principles that shape our interactions, decisions, and the very fabric of our school culture. They represent who we are as a community and the standards we strive to uphold each day.
Firstly Respect. Respect is the foundation upon which all other virtues stand. It’s about recognising the inherent worth and dignity of every individual, regardless of differences in background, beliefs, or opinions. It’s about listening attentively, speaking kindly, and treating others with courtesy and empathy.
Compassion. In a world often fraught with challenges and struggles, compassion is the beacon of light that guides us through dark times. It’s about showing kindness, empathy, and understanding to those in need. It’s about lending a helping hand, offering a listening ear, and standing in solidarity with the vulnerable and marginalized.
Justice. Justice is the bedrock of a fair and equitable society. It’s about ensuring that everyone is treated fairly, that rights are respected, and wrongs are made right. It’s about standing up against injustice, advocating for equality, and fostering a community where everyone has the opportunity to thrive.
Responsibility is another crucial value we hold dear. It’s about recognising our duties and obligations, both to ourselves and to others. It’s about taking ownership of our actions, making ethical choices, and contributing positively to our community and the world at large. It’s about being accountable for our words and deeds and striving to be the best version of ourselves.
Lastly, Hospitality. Hospitality is about creating a welcoming and inclusive environment where everyone feels valued, accepted, and respected. It’s about reaching out to others with open arms, embracing diversity, and celebrating our differences. It’s about fostering a sense of belonging and camaraderie that transcends barriers and unites us as one school family.
Have a blessed 2024.
Mr Sam Johnstone
Deputy Principal: Pastoral Care and Well-Being
“For students to succeed, they need to know you believe in their ability to solve problems”.
This quote is a favourite of mine and I believe rings true when it comes to teaching students to take responsibility. What a great start to the academic year in the Middle Years. The students have been invested in turning up on time, looking the part regarding wearing the uniform correctly, and organising themselves in their classrooms. There is something about new beginnings that provides an array of emotions. It can be exciting, and daunting, but always an opportunity for success. Over the next few weeks, I am looking forward to getting to know all our new Year 7 students and welcoming back the many familiar faces in Year 8. I am excited to work in partnership with families as we commence the 2024 school year.
Ms Maxine Neaton
Director of Middle Years