Dear members of the St Gregory’s family,
Sunday is a very special day as we celebrate our mum’s. The College had some wonderful celebrations on Thursday and Friday with our Junior school and Year 7 and 12 students involved. Despite the rain threat, the three events went off without a hitch due to the hard work behind the scenes from volunteers, boarders, and staff. I wish all mums in our community a wonderful day on Sunday!
Recent reports of male violence
There has been much reported in the media in recent times regarding male and domestic violence, and rightfully so. It is a great blight on society, and we must be better. Over the years, I have been fortunate to work with Dr Zac Seidler, a clinical psychologist, and a researcher for Movember, amongst other key roles. I encourage all to read a short article he published this week, with one part of the way forward.
Men's role in tackling domestic violence.
In the next few weeks, the College will also welcome back Old Boy, Dr Vincent Hurley, a lecturer of Criminology at Macquarie University. He will be hosting a Youth Forum with Year 11 and 12, challenging them as the next generation on eliminating this abhorrent problem. He was recently featured as a member of the audience on ABC’s Q&A when the topic of domestic violence was discussed. His contribution can be found here.
eSafety resource for Parents
Despite the many sessions and discussions had at school, eSafety is still a huge issue for us all. Sadly, even our youngest students are being exposed to many dangers. As parents, it is vital that, as first educators and the people who are with them most during unstructured time, that the role you play is understood. This is not a school-only issue.
I would encourage again, all parents to open the link below and read the many resources https://www.esafety.gov.au/parents
Recent Events
It was wonderful to see so many families supporting ANZAC Day, despite the holidays. The community marched at Picton, Campbelltown, and Camden.
In sport, the PDS Volleyball teams represented the College outstandingly in the Grand finals (winning seniors), Rugby Union teams against The Shore School on Saturday, the First Grade Rugby League team winning the first round of the Peter Mullholland Cup and our Bill Turner Football side on their Round 1 victory over John Therry. We have boys representing the College in Dubbo this weekend at the Sheep Show and we will also have a stand at the Boarding Expo in Dubbo. We will also host a family dinner in Dubbo tonight. Finally, to our debaters, best wishes for their opening debate tonight.
Email Expectations
Staff were reminded at the beginning of term my expectations around their use of email. One point is that no staff are expected to be on email or reply to email after hours. Staff are expected to reply within 2 business days. It is unreasonable for parents to expect a reply after hours.
I would also like to remind you that aggressive emails are unacceptable. Unfortunately, I had to speak to a number of parents about their emails to staff at the end of last term. When I spoke with these parents on the phone, the matter was resolved. I will continue to call out poor parent behaviour, as our staff do not deserve it, and it is against the culture of collaboration and community building, examples of which I see daily. Can I ask that you please think before sending that email in anger or frustration and understand our staff have a life too and may not get back to you immediately.
My vey best wishes again to all the special ladies in our lives this Sunday.
May Mary Our Good Mother, and St Marcellin, continue to watch over our community.
Matthew Brennan
College Principal (K-12)