Principal's Report
BULLYING NO WAY
Today (15 March) is the: “National Day of Action against Bullying and Violence.”
At Magdalene we take these issues very seriously and, as you will read and view later in this newsletter, recently we took time out of learning to make a stance and share our strong view by physically forming the words “No Way” as a whole student and staff body on our College Oval. I encourage you to view the video.
As KidsHelpline.com.au makes explicitly clear, bullying is: “never ok. It’s hurtful and can impact someone for a long time. Remember, you’re not alone. There are people you can talk to and things you can do to stop the bullying.”
As you should know, Magdalene’s approach to bullying is zero tolerance. When we are aware of an issue, we will follow through with our processes to ensure this behaviour is stopped and both education and consequences are used to ensure this behaviour is remedied, punished and a clear way forward for the victim and perpetrator is provided (including support).
Occasionally, one-off cruel and/or inappropriate actions are regarded as bullying – but bullying is an ongoing behaviour. Either way, students need to know that we are a safe place and if issues or problems exist, they need to speak out – whether that be to their Pastoral care Teacher, Year Coordinator, Pastoral Care Coordinator or other trusted staff member. All issues will be taken seriously and dealt with as is necessary.
MOBILE PHONE POLICY AT THE COLLEGE
Students and parents/carers are reminded that we would prefer mobile devices are not brought on College grounds. If they are, then students need to take full responsibility for these devices. Similarly, unless requested by a staff member, devices are not to be used during College hours (i.e. between 8.15 and 2.35). Students who use these devices inappropriately will have the device temporarily confiscated and, depending on their action/s, may face further consequences.
Unless directed by a classroom teacher, as part of a learning activity, it is never appropriate to take video of other students or happenings around the College. Furthermore, as has been clearly raised at Year Meetings and College Assemblies in the past, students uploading, sharing or posting such videos will face serious consequences at a College and possibly higher level (depending on the subject matter of the material). I would encourage the support of parents/carers in sharing these messages in the home.
GROWTH MINDSET
This week’s book recommendation is Carol Dweck’s Mindset: The New Psychology of Success.
Dweck is a world-renowned psychologist from Stanford University and her exploration of the idea of growth mindset is very powerful. In this book, she writes about her 30 years of research regarding the incredible power of being positive and forward thinking. With this knowledge, she then writes at length about two different types of people – those with a fixed and those with a growth mindset.
People with a fixed mindset believe that their intelligence is set. They care about how they are perceived and avoid challenges because these might lead to failure or impact on their self-image.
Those with a growth mindset, on the other hand, see their intelligence as something that can be shaped or moulded. They also have an intense desire to learn.
The book looks at ways in which individuals can practice and exercise a growth mindset in day-to-day situations. Additionally, it also shows how to change our talk and the comments we say to others, comments which, while we may intend for them to give confidence to others may actually give the wrong messages. Thus, with the right mindset, we can motivate others we love and care for and transform them for the better.
For this reason, this book is very powerful and thoroughly recommended.
CONVICTION AND SENTENCING OF CARDINAL GEORGE PELL
Given the events of earlier this week, I would like to reiterate our own Bishop’s stance on this matter: “This is a difficult time for everyone as the pain of today is being felt by so many—it is a shared pain. Let us reaffirm our desire, broken as we are, to become the Church that Jesus calls us to be.” A full copy of this statement can be located at:
Mr Matthew McMahon
Principal