Hello everyone and welcome to Term 1 at Rosny College, I have the pleasure and privilege of being the Principal of this great community of learners.

Our staff are excited to have students back onsite and have been working hard to ensure that they feel welcome and supported. Here at Rosny, we want to ensure that our students build strong connections early and know at least two staff, within their first week, that they can go to for support. Our first week has involved our learners getting to know their Support Teachers, Learning Area and Wellbeing Leaders, Class Teachers and some of the key Support Specialists we have here at Rosny.

We have also placed great effort on ensuring our students are connecting to appropriately challenging courses that are suited to their interests and pathways of our learners by providing further course counselling opportunities over the next few weeks.

Our direction for 2023

At Rosny College we have a strong focus on improving our student’s engagement and growth in learning. We believe that all students can experience success in learning. Our priority areas for 2023 and beyond are:

Quality Teaching

Focused on ensuring the delivery of high-quality differentiated curriculum and practice that meets the needs of all learners.

Support and Wellbeing for Learning 

Focused on providing a safe, inclusive and positive school environment and culture.; an environment which fosters engagement in learning by building a sense of connection and belonging where our learner feels supported and are well known.  

Our Values

Values are the foundations on which culture can be built.  They underpin how we interact and what we come to expect from each member of our community.  The values at Rosny College are:

• Respect
• Relationships
• Learning

We expect all members of the Rosny College community member to live by our values. 

This year we are looking look forward to working with our community to revisit these and to revitalise the values of RC.

Communication

There are a number of ways in which the College will communicate important information to our learners and their families/carers. One of the main ways we communicate messages to our learners is through Support Group. This occurs every Wednesday 12pm -12:45pm. Attendance at support group is crucial. The student news bulletin is conveyed during this time and support group also provides a space for students to seek clarification of any information, as well as acting as a check-in space with their support group teacher regarding course work, college culture and wellbeing. The student bulletin is also uploaded to the Colleges CANVAS page under bulletin tab.

Over the next few weeks, our parents or carers are likely to receive a phone call from your Support Group Teacher introduce themselves and to find out your preferred mean of communication.

We also have social media accounts and can be found on Facebook and Instagram. At present we are not able to respond to question posed on this social media spaces, so please direct any questions to our office or teachers. Some Learning Areas (LA) also have their own specific social media pages for leaners and families to connect to such as 'Springboard'.  Information about these will come from each of these Learning Areas.

You will not receive much mail from us this year. Most communication is delivered to you via email. During Term 1 we will also implement a system where you give consent to excursions and other activities by email, as well as follow a link in emails we send you to pay invoices.

You will receive emails from our main college address which is rosny.college@decyp.tas.gov.au and also from individual staff members. Individual staff members’ email addresses always end in @decyp.tas.gov.au.

We also use email to regularly communicate with students. We have stressed to students the importance of them reading their Education emails at least once each week.

There will be at least two newsletters per term. These will be sent out in the beginning of term (Week 2-3) and toward the end of term (Week 9-10). Additional letters are often required that pertain to specific information and these will be sent out when required.

Attendance

We want to ensure that we are supporting our learners in their attendance at school. Many of you may have already seen some messaging regarding this on the TV. “Attendance Matters” and here at RC “Every Minute Matters”. Attendance at College is calculated by every class they attend. For each class missed, unless otherwise notified, a notification by text is sent to learner and family contact.

It will not surprise you that research has found, higher levels of attendance correlates with higher level of achievement. Attending gives you the opportunity to achieve more. We have revised our attendance processes so that we can engage with and support our learners and families when there is a potential attendance concern. We ask that if there is a concern, that you also take the initiative to discuss this with your leaner’s Support Group teacher.

The Education Act specifies the reason a young person may be authorised not to attend school. They are:

• sickness/incapacity.
• medical, legal or related appointments.
• natural disaster or extreme weather preventing your child from safely attending their enrolled school.
• terminal illness of an immediate family member.
• bereavement of a person your child had a close, significant or family relationship with.
• having witnessed or been subjected to family violence.
• being a participant or official at a recognised State, National or International event.
• participation in a recognised learning experience.
• an application for home education being received by the Education Registrar and provisional registration being granted.

What will happen if my young person is absent for a reason that isn’t listed?

• The absence will be recorded as an unauthorised absence.
• Text notifications are sent when classes are missed.
• Principals receive notifications about the number of unauthorised absences.
• The College may send you a letter notifying you of the number of unauthorised absences.
• We will seek to work with you to increase your child’s attendance to maximise their learning if the principal is concerned about your child’s attendance.

As young responsible adults we expect all learner to punctual to their classes. There are no bells at the college. We understand that this can be challenging for some learners, however, we will seek to support them with punctuality in instances where it is an ongoing concern, and we hope to have our families' support on this matter too.

Rosny College Timetable

For learners the school day starts at 8.30am and runs until 2.30pm each day except Wednesday when classes conclude at 3pm. Please see the College timetable below:

Most students at the College have a ‘free line’ if they are on a full-time student load. Student have been encouraged to be responsible with regards to what they choose to do in this time. We want our leaners to succeed here at Rosny College and using this time to engage with supports, study, undertake tutorial sessions, enrichments and leadership opportunities is a good use of this time. Using this time wisely and forming good habits early will ensure that students make the most of their time here and set themselves up for success.

New Enrichment Courses

We are excited that this year we will be reinstating our enrichment courses. Enrichment provides students with an opportunity to engage in tutorials, short courses, and other special interest activities. Information regarding these will be released through Support Group and we will be holding an Enrichment Expo in Week 3, for students to enrol into a wide range of enrichment offerings. Further information about enrichment and other exciting things happening at Rosny College can be found below.

This year there will a huge number of opportunities available to learners. We hope each student at least takes up one of these opportunities. Enrichment can provide our learners with the important balance they may need to maintain or improve their wellbeing. We also believe our enrichment opportunities will strengthen us as a College community by providing more time for our community members to connect through shared areas of interest. We are certainly looking forward to an exciting year ahead.

Andrew Woodham,

Principal

As Assistant Principal for quality teaching and attainment, my key areas of responsibility include:

• Curriculum, reporting and Learning Conversation events across the College
• Line management of the English, HASS, Maths and Science Learning Areas
• TASC compliance and oversight, and:
• Attainment (including Safety Net testing)

Now that we have settled into the academic year and most class changes have been finalised, I would like to provide you with some information about the year ahead.

We have implemented improvements in our College to ensure there is consistency in the information we provide to students. Detailed information about students’ courses, assessment and progress is found on each teacher’s Learning Management System.

Over the next two weeks, you will receive an email from each of your young person’s teachers, which will outline details of that teacher’s Learning Management System. This includes:

• information about where your young person can access information about the curriculum
• information about where your young person accesses their assessment tasks
• information about where your young person accesses their electronic marks books, which is updated on an ongoing basis
• each teacher’s contact details and preferred methods of contact

At Rosny College, parents and carers do not have automatic access to this information, but they can request it from teachers at any time and we encourage you to regularly sit with your young person and check on their progress.

Academic reports in 2023

You will receive two written academic reports this year:

• The first progress report is issued during Term 2 and it provides feedback on the level of students’ progress at the subject and criterion/unit level, e.g., ‘Criterion 1: Very Good, Need Improvement’.
• The second progress report is issued in the middle of Term 3 (after the mid-year assessment period) and may include examination information. Assessment is provided at the subject and criterion/unit level and provides an indication of rating. For example: ’Criterion 1: A- or B or C+, t or Z’.

For students enrolled in VET courses, their progress against the units that form their qualification are reported to you at the same time. Final academic results for the year are reported to you and your student in December by TASC (Office of Tasmanian Assessment, Standards and Certification) for TASC courses. VET qualifications are awarded at the end of the school year and a formal certificate will be issued by the Department of Education Registered Training Organisation.    

We encourage you to have regular conversations with your young person about how their year is progressing and regularly sit with them to review and discuss their electronic mark book. This will give you a good indication as to how they are progressing throughout the year.

Keeping an eye on key dates throughout the year will be important to help your planning for term breaks. These key dates are as follows:

Term dates for 2023:

David Bryant,

Assistant Principal of Quality Teaching and Attainment

College life can be an exciting time full of learning experiences, opportunities to form new relationships, and the beginnings of adulthood. But it can also be a source of stress and pressure for students as they navigate new responsibilities. With increased academic demands and the possibility of enrolling in Certificate II/III courses, students are also faced with adult concerns such as obtaining their Driver's License, finding employment, making decisions about their future, adjusting to new housing and social situations, and forming new relationships.

It is important to recognise that these are complex and demanding considerations for young people at this stage of their lives. By understanding the challenges that college students face, we can work to support them and help them thrive in their academic and personal lives. Central to our thinking, is that students who have strong resilience, positive friend and adult networks, and personal skills of self-regulation are significantly more prepared to manage life and academic pressures. In turn, those students achieve greater outcomes in all regards.

At Rosny we are guided by the Department for Education Children and Young People’s ‘Child and Youth Wellbeing Strategy’. Central to this strategy are the establishment and understanding of the six domains of wellbeing. They are:

• Being loved and Safe
• Being healthy
• Participating
• Having material basics
• Learning, and
• Having a positive sense of culture and identity.

At Rosny College, we are committed to promoting a strong and healthy community for all students, parents, and staff. To achieve this goal, we are exploring new ways to increase understanding of the various domains that impact our lives. We are developing new initiatives aimed at addressing these domains and providing students with a wealth of opportunities to engage in diverse learning experiences, enrichment programs, and cultural activities. These exciting options will help foster personal and academic growth, and create a vibrant and supportive environment for all members of our community.

Professional Support & Our Wellbeing Network

We are proud to offer a comprehensive network of mental health professionals to support our students' wellbeing and resilience. Our team consists of psychologists, social workers, health nurses, an Aboriginal Education Worker, and a youth worker, who are available to provide a wide range of support services. These services include mental health support, psychoeducation, assessments, health advice, mindfulness practices, nutritional support, and cultural inclusion programs, among others.

For your convenience, there are several ways for students to access these services. They can complete a self-referral form on our Canvas page or at the iPad located near the student support services area next to the Café. They can also reach out to Support Group teachers, Learning Area AST's of Wellbeing, or visit The Hub for assistance in making a referral. Your Support Group teacher is your central point of contact within this network of support, and they are dedicated to following your journey at Rosny College and ensuring that your needs are met. Parents can also call the college and ask to speak with the Support Group Teacher if they are wishing to make a referral on behalf of their child. However, all referrals must be approved of by the student.

Our goal is to provide a safe and supportive environment where students can thrive academically and personally. If you are in need of support, please, don’t hesitate to reach out.

The Hub: Our Solution to Strengthen Gratitude, Empathy, Mindfulness and Cultural Sharing

At Rosny College, we understand the importance of promoting and maintaining positive mental health and wellbeing among our students. That's why, in addition to our professional services in social work and psychology, we have established "The Hub" - a dedicated space for students to take care of their physical and emotional wellbeing. The Hub is a primary way we respond to the six wellbeing domains, and it is at The Hub that you can find support in all of these areas.

Located in rooms 428 and 427 at the top of the main foyer staircase, The Hub is a drop-in space where students can unwind, engage with their peers, and participate in a variety of programs aimed at promoting mental, emotional, and physical wellbeing. Our health nurses Kylie and Grace, and Aboriginal Education Worker Cathy, manage The Hub and offer a range of resources and activities, including workshops on varying topics associated to health and wellbeing including sexual health education, and cultural immersion programs. Students are encouraged to reach out to Kylie, Grace, and Cathy in the first term. All students are invited to engage in these spaces and offer feedback to us about topics of interest. 

Our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students – known as ‘Rosny mob’ are given opportunity to share their cultures and are an integral part of our college community.  All Rosny mob students and their families are welcomed.  For our students particularly, the dedicated yarning space located at The Hub is theirs to find support, safety and share cultural knowledge while they are at college.   Rosny mob are encouraged to sign up for cultural enrichment activities which often take them beyond the college walls to camps and community events. All classes have the opportunity to learn through an Aboriginal cultural lens.  Our Aboriginal Education Worker spends time with classes across the college, sharing knowledge and ideas and is located at The Hub.

The Hub is also a student-centered space where student voice is heard and responded to. If you are looking to provide important feedback on the culture and activities in the school this is the place to meet, share and collaboratively develop our school culture.

We look forward to sharing further information about our wellbeing initiatives in coming weeks through the Support Group bulletin, for now, take the first steps to join our community, introduce yourself to our Student Support Services staff, get to know your Support Group Teacher, and visit The Hub. Having strong wellbeing and success in learning begins with being connected to a network of people who are invested in your learning, safety, health, and culture.

Welcome to Rosny College, from the Student Support Services Team

Kim White, 

Assistant Principal of Wellbeing and Support

Tristan Ferguson - AST of Wellbeing and Support.

Lauren Reading – School Psychologist.

Hollie Blackley – School Psychologist.

Petalynne Hay – Social Worker.

Michelle Sproule – Social Worker.

Kylie Swain – School Health Nurse.

Grace Buckpitt – School Health Nurse.

Cathy Ransom – Aboriginal Education Worker.

David Adams – Manager Student Residence.

First Couple of Days

On Wednesday 8th February, the College finally came alive again with the buzz of students and their excited anticipation for the new school year. Students were incredibly happy to catch up with old classmates, and to hear holiday stories and recounts of the past couple of months. Students were equally enthusiastic to meet their Support Group teachers and class teachers, and to find out their timetables for the year. The BBQ on the terrace was really appreciated by students and staff alike, as there were many hungry mouths to feed by lunchtime. Teachers noted that students were very keen to purchase a lock for their locker this year, indicating our cohort of learners are already preparing and organising themselves ready for their school year. The new Course Counselling team was operating from the Common Room to help students with any timetable issues, and students have appreciated the easy access to these specialised teachers to help them settle into classes. A big thanks to all staff for their work and support in making the first couple of days an enormous success.

Meet the Support Group Teacher Evening

Rosny College’s 'Meet the Teacher' evening is happening on Tuesday 28th February 5:30pm-7:00pm, at the college (doors open from 5pm). All parents and carers are invited to come and meet their young person’s Support Group teacher and Wellbeing AST. These key teachers are the primary contact for your young person. This year they will be communicating with you at home around your young person’s learning progress, around their attendance, and around their overall wellbeing. Unlike previous years, there will also be an opportunity to meet your young person’s subject teachers. Key information about the college will be presented during the evening and we encourage all parents, guardians, and carers to save the date in their calendar. Reminders about the evening will be on social media, sent on SMS and email, and via letters home. All Rosny teachers are looking forward to meeting you, so please be there! We also encourage students to accompany you to this event.

Student Association

The Student Association is up and running! Association students had their initial meeting on Friday 10^th February with Clare Latham – the Student Association Coordinator, Kylie Swain – the school Nurse, and Kate O’Neill – Student Association Support. Their first event was to attend the GRIP Conference at MyState Arena to build team leadership skills. The Student Association not only encourages the personal development of student leadership skills and builds capacity to work with others, but it enables student agency and voice to genuinely have positive impact in building our college culture. Based on student surveys the Association will develop their priorities during Term 1 which will be actioned throughout the year. The association members uphold the school values of relationships, learning and respect. If your young person still wishes to become an association member, please contact clare.latham@decyp.tas.gov.au for further details.

Enrichment Expo

The 2023 Enrichment Expo will be held straight after support group next Wednesday 22nd Feburary. Enrichment activities are voluntary (though encouraged) and they take place outside of regular classroom time. This year’s program includes fitness and sporting activities like badminton and karate, wellbeing activities like yoga and mindfulness, or you can learn a new skill like painting, drawing or creative hand stitching.  You can also gain nationally recognised employment qualifications in First Aid, Responsible Service of Alcohol, Open Water Scuba, Prepare and Serve Espresso Coffee. There will even be camps to spectacular locations and a ski trip. This is a great opportunity to try something new or continue something you love and meet new friends. Come to the Expo to find out more.

Course Changes

Students have received their timetables and have had at least 1 session in each of their subjects since classes resumed last week. At this stage of the year, it is common for students to make course changes. It is our aim as a college community to ensure that students are enrolled in an appropriately challenging and engaging program of study, as early as possible in the college year, preferably from day 1.

Students and parents can initiate a course change over the coming weeks and unless there are extenuating circumstances, we stop course changes from the beginning of Week 5. Course changes are completed via the course change room which is currently located in the student Common Room. Parents can initiate course changes via contacting the main office.

Course changes that have a student moving from a Level 3 course or a VET course into an alternative course will require a signature or verbal approval from a parent/guardian. From Week 3 (20th Feb), blue forms for course changes will be sent home. Please support your young person in completing this form efficiently and returned to school. Please note, at this stage of the year classes often reach capacity for student numbers and your learner may be placed on a waiting list, during which time they are expected to attend the class they are wanting to move from, for attendance purposes.

Please contact the school office if you have any questions regarding this process.

Breakfast Club

Breakfast Club runs daily in the College Café, from 7:20am – 8:20am. Breakfast is provided free of charge and is available to all students.

We have cereals, toast, tea, coffee and Milo, and ‘specials’ every now and then (think pancakes, hot cross buns….). 

Why not start your day off by having a casual breakfast with your friends?

Sam Jesney,

Assistant Principal of Wellbeing for Learning

&

Kate O’Neill,

Wellbeing for Learning Lead