From the Assistant Principal - Students
Year 7–10 Parent Teacher Interviews
The Student Learning Conference for the Semester 1 Year 7–10 courses will be held on Thursday 4th July (12:30pm–4:45pm) and Friday 5th July (10:00am–2:00pm). The event will take place in the Junior Campus Hall. Families can book either session through Compass, and will receive an email shortly with booking instructions.
Year 7–10 students will be dismissed at 11:45am on Thursday 4th July, and Year 11 and 12 will have normal classes that afternoon. If a teacher is teaching Year 11 or 12 on that day, they will be unavailable for interviews until 3:00pm.
Friday, 5th July is a Pupil-Free Day for the Parent Teacher Interviews.
Unity Day 2025
On Friday 27th June, we will celebrate our Annual College Unity Day. This is a day for students to celebrate their cultural heritage with the broader school community.
Students are invited to wear cultural outfits and take part in the fashion parade. All other students should wear their sports uniform.
The day will include a liturgy spoken in different languages, a smoking ceremony, cultural activities, and a showcase of song and dance performances from various cultures.
Hands-Off Policy
St Andrews College has a strict hands-off policy. This policy and its expectations are about respecting each other’s personal space. “We were just mucking around” is not an excuse for touching another student. We do not touch anyone for any reason—whether in anger, affection, or joking.
Breaching the hands-off policy could result in external suspension, so be mindful of your actions.
Uniform
All students must be in full winter uniform every day. As it gets colder, students may want to wear extra clothing. We recommend thermal clothing worn under the uniform. If a student wears non–St Andrews clothing, they will be asked to remove it. Gloves and scarves must be navy or black.
All students are expected to have a College bag with them at school each day. On Thursdays, students must wear the complete sports uniform or they must wear their full winter uniform. Non–St Andrews track pants and leggings are not permitted.
If your child cannot wear a part of the uniform, please notify the College via phone or written note. Students wearing incorrect uniform may be asked to complete a detention, remain in the office, or return home to rectify their uniform.
Attendance
All students need to be mindful of how many days they are absent. While we understand that sickness and family issues can affect attendance, there are times when students are well enough to attend but choose to stay home.
Our goal is for student attendance to be at least 90%, but many have dropped below this benchmark. Every day a student is absent, they miss vital learning, which may negatively impact their future.
Every absence or lateness must be explained. All absences must be for legitimate reasons. Please ensure you respond to Compass notifications and notify the office if your child is unwell.
If you need support getting your child back into a regular school routine, please contact the Leader of Wellbeing for your child's year group. If you would like to know your child’s attendance level, also contact the Leader of Wellbeing.
What’s in the Planner?
This week’s key strengths to focus on are optimism and hope. These qualities help you overcome challenges and give you a sense of purpose.
Negative thinkers often have a fixed mindset—they focus on what they can't do and assume they can't improve. For example, someone might say, “I'm no good at maths,” and stop trying.
A growth mindset means believing you can improve with effort and support. Instead of saying, “I can't do algebra,” say “I can’t do algebra—yet.”
Using assertive language when dealing with situations is a great life skill. Say what’s concerning you, how you feel about it, and what you’d like to happen. Avoid being aggressive or too timid, and don't use SMS or emails to avoid personal interaction.
Being organised is essential both in school and in life. Planning ahead—especially for assessments—will help you succeed. Everyone organises themselves differently, so explore what methods work best for you.
Remember to exercise regularly and eat healthy food—these habits help you flourish. Poor nutrition and lack of movement can negatively impact your wellbeing.
Have you completed the VIA Strengths Survey yet? Visit http://www.viacharacter.org to identify your top character strengths. Tell me your top three to earn bonus house points!
Top character strengths to focus on this week: teamwork and curiosity.
God Bless,
Mr. Nick Thrum
Assistant Principal – Students