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Year 7

Student Handbook

2018

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

INTRODUCTION/WELCOME ............................................................. 3

MISSION AND VISION STATEMENT ................................................... 4

IMPORTANT DATES FOR YEAR 7 2018 ............................................. 5

STAFF ................................................................................................... 8

PASTORAL CARE ............................................................................... 9

THE COLLEGE DAY – SECONDARY CAMPUS .............................. 10

JUNIOR HIGH SCHOOL................................................................... 11

TIME MANAGEMENT ....................................................................... 12

EXTENDED PASTORAL CARE .......................................................... 13

PERSONAL WELL-BEING .................................................................. 16

ATTENDANCE/PUNCTUALITY ......................................................... 17

DIARY ................................................................................................ 17

BAG/VALUABLES ............................................................................. 17

MOBILE PHONE POLICY ................................................................. 18

COMPUTER USE ............................................................................... 18

BACK UP & DATA STORAGE .......................................................... 19

LEAVING SCHOOL DURING SCHOOL HOURS ............................ 19

STUDENT SUPPORT – STUDENT SERVICES ...................................... 20

SUMMARY ......................................................................................... 21

COLLEGE MAP ................................................................................ 22

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Dear Parents, Students and Friends Welcome to the Secondary Campus. This handbook contains essential and helpful information. This will assist all families to get to know and appreciate the spirit of our community embedded in our Vision Statement. 2018 will be a year of significant growth and change in the life of all Year 7 students as they begin the journey of post-Primary Education. Whilst this is a significant change of direction for all students, what will not change is that St Michael’s will continue to serve the needs of the parents and students of the western suburbs of Adelaide by providing a quality, comprehensive and accessible Catholic Education – which it has done since 1954. We very much look forward to working in partnership with parents and carers to assist all students to develop and grow to “be the best they can be”. Please contact the College should you require any clarification of the information contained in this Handbook. Mr Aldo Calo Mr Angelo Zoanetti Year 7 Director Year 7 Co-Ordinator

St Michael’s College, Adelaide A Catholic School committed to a Vision of Lasallian Education

Secondary Campus 15 Mitton Avenue, Henley Beach, South Australia 5022 Telephone 08 8356 5966 Facsimile 08 8356 1092 Primary Campus 78 East Avenue, Beverley, South Australia 5009 Telephone 08 8346 6548 Facsimile 08 8346 9449

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St Michael’s College ABN 89 117 649 420 Email smc@smc.sa.edu.au Website www.smc.sa.edu.au

“To touch the Hearts of your pupils

and inspire them with the Christian Spirit is the greatest miracle

you can perform”

St John Baptist De La Salle

MISSION The human and Christian education of the young, especially the poor.

THE VISION OF ST MICHAEL’S COLLEGE St Michael’s College is a Catholic School committed to the Lasallian vision of education and to challenging and supporting students to “be the best they can be”. St Michael’s:

• Is a community that involves staff, students and their families, in learning that presents Jesus Christ as the model for growth.

• Is student-centred, inclusive and respectful of human differences.

• Combines the best traditional and contemporary educational practices.

• Prepares students for the broader community and lives of faith

and hope.

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IMPORTANT DATES FOR YEAR 7, 2018 (Subject to change)

Term 1

29 January 7, 8 and 12 Classes resume Music Performance (L1)

30 January 7-12 Welcome Assembly

5 February Year 7 Parent Evening/BBQ 6.30 p.m.

7 February Years 7-12 Mass

14 February Ash Wednesday 2017 Academic Assembly (Yr.7-12_

26 February Sports Day

28 February Year 7 Mass

1 March MAD Launch

12 March Adelaide Cup (Public Holiday)

20 - 21 March Years 7-8 Drama Residency

29 March Holy Thursday

30 March Good Friday

2 April Easter Monday

5 February Year 7 Retreat

6 April Mission Action Day

13 April Classes conclude 12:45 pm

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Term 2

30 April Classes resume

2 May Academic Assembly (Years 7, 8 and 9) Parent Teacher Interviews Early dismissal 12:45 pm

11 May Whole school Mass at Henley Campus Feast of St John Baptist De La Salle

15-17 May NAPLAN (Year 7 and 9)

18 May Years 7-9 Cross Country L6-L7

29 May Year 7 ICAS Science Competition

30 May Year 7 Mass

31 May Years 7, 8 and 9 Photos

6 June Year 7 and 11 Breakfast

11 June Queen’s Birthday Holiday

15 June Year 7 Drama Performance

27 June Year 7 Assembly

4 July Year 7 Mass

5 July Year 7-11 text book returns

6 July Classes conclude

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Term 3

23 July Classes resume

25 July Academic Assembly

26 July Years 7-11 Australian Maths Competition

8 August Year 7 Mass

22 August Year 7, 8 and 9 Assembly and Subject Selection

7 September Years 7/8 Drama Excursion L4-L8

19 September Year 7-9 Co-Curricular Assembly

26 September Year 7 and 11 Breakfast

28 September De La Salle Day Classes conclude and early dismissal 12:45 pm

Term 4

15 October Classes resume

24 October Year 7 Mass

31 October Year 7 Academic Assembly

9 November Remembrance Day Ceremony

11 November Remembrance Day (Sunday)

15 November Year 7 Drama Performance

28 November Year 7 and 8 ID photos

30 November Year 7, 8 and 9 Lasallian Sports Shield

5 December Year 7 Pastoral Day

6 December SMC’s Got Talent L7-8

Year 7-9 text book return

7 December Classes conclude - Early Dismissal 12:45 pm

10-12 December Camp La Salle

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STAFF

Principal: Mr John Foley Deputy Principal – Learning & Teaching Excellence: Mrs Teresa Cimmino Deputy Principal – Pastoral: Mr John Lambert Director of Curriculum & Assessment: Ms Bron Kemp Director of Pastoral: Mr Sam Kitschke Head of Campus Ministry: Mr Robert Dempsey CO-ORDINATORS Gifted and Talented Coordinator: Mr Stratos Karnas Boys Co-curricular Coordinator: Mr Jordan Young Acting Girls Co-curricular Coordinator: Ms Leanne Burton Learning Support Co-Ordinator: Mr Michael Balic HEADS OF DEPARTMENT/SUBJECT CO-ORDINATORS Business: Mr Hamish Redden English: Mrs Jane Sykes Health and PE: Mrs Sally Nicholson History: Mr Matthew Muscat Information Technology: Mrs Maria Cardillo Mathematics: Mrs Anne Finlay Science: Mr Gavin O’Reilly Design and Technology: Mr Greg Cloy Visual Arts: Mrs Nicole LeRay-Warren Humanities: Ms Catherine Pearce Italian: Ms Angela Benedetti Acting Director of Music: Mr James Musci Drama: Mrs Giselle Becker Religion: Mr Angelo Spadavecchia STUDENT SERVICES Student Counsellors: Ms Sarah Davies, Ms Ida-Marie Tullio, Mr Anthony Vizaniaris Career Counsellors: Ms Rose Coorey, Mr Anthony Vizaniaris College Chaplain: Sr Nithya VET Coordinator: Mr Kevin Woolford Administration Assistants: Mrs Lynda White & Mrs Nikki Tidd YEAR 7 PASTORAL STAFF Year Level Director: Mr Aldo Calo Year Level Co-Ordinator: Mr Angelo Zoanetti Pastoral Teachers and Pastoral Rooms:

7BPC-1 Mr Angelo Zoanetti Rm 58 7BPC-2 Mr Jack Alberton Rm 59

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PASTORAL CARE The Pastoral Care of students at St Michael’s College is informed by the Lasallian Vision of schooling, to assist with the development of all students so that they are able to reach their academic, spiritual, emotional, social, and physical potential. More specifically, through Pastoral Care we: 1. Provide an environment in which every student is valued, feels

safe and has someone to talk to. 2. Respect the dignity of each person. 3. Develop a spirit of community through positive relationships

between staff, students and parents. 4. Develop self-discipline and responsibility. 5. Provide opportunities for spiritual growth. 6. Educate students in a Christ centred model of leadership 7. Encourage participation in social justice initiatives. 8. Provide activities and strategies that develop students'

personal, organisational and lifestyle skills and choices. 9. Provide assistance with regard to subject selection, vocational

and career options. 10. Foster participation in community building and recreational

activities. Application of the above is in specific Year Level Pastoral programmes.

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THE COLLEGE DAY – SECONDARY CAMPUS

Movement Bell 8:40 am

Pastoral 8:45 am Lesson 1

9:00 am

Lesson 2 9:40 am

Lesson 3 10:20 am

RECESS 11:00 am

Movement Bell 11:20 am Lesson 4

11:25 am

Lesson 5 12:05 pm

Lesson 6 12:45 pm

LUNCH 1:25 pm Movement Bell 2:05 pm Lesson 7

2:10 pm

Lesson 8 2:50 pm

DISMISSAL 3:30 pm

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JUNIOR SECONDARY HIGH SCHOOL St Michael’s College subscribes to a philosophy that the unique needs of students in Years 7 – 9 can best be met in a junior secondary school setting that provides a student-centred program and recognises that students in early adolescence are undergoing greater physiological and social re-orientation than at any other period in their lives. The overall purpose of the Junior Secondary School should be to meet the educational, developmental and social needs that emerge in this transitional period. The Middle School Pastoral and Academic Programs therefore provide all students with a supportive and flexible environment in which all students will have opportunities to develop skills and explore a variety of learning experiences while making the transition from the primary to the middle school. In keeping with this philosophy, our Junior Secondary provides: • A positive climate that fosters respect, self-esteem, self-discipline

and student responsibility. • Close contact and communication between parents and

school. • Intervention and acceleration when needs are identified. • An extensive advisory and counselling program. • Knowledgeable educators who are committed to Middle School

methodology. • A quality Pastoral Care Program. Every Pastoral Classroom at St Michael’s will have a wall-chart which addresses the key student responsibilities which enable each child to be happy and successful in their lives. Student Responsibilities are also at the front of the College Diary.

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TIME MANAGEMENT – BE ORGANISED • Drawing up a simple home timetable using a calendar to plan

activities, study requirements, deadlines for assignments, etc. • Listing key dates and other commitments. • Setting a priority against each task to help achieve goals, rather

than being overwhelmed by what has to be done and then rushing at the end.

• A “to do” list is a very good idea! Students should set aside a particular time to study – somewhere private and quiet if possible. Work out a daily timetable that incorporates all student needs and interests. Regularly viewed TV programs, club activities, co-curricular activities and sport should all be part of the timetable. Ultimately, students will need to manage their own study with the support of parents and teachers. • Home Study Home study is a term implying school work done at home. This may involve: • Set work and/or reading; • Research assignments and projects; • Revision and study; • A combination of all three. It is hard to establish a required time each night, however research suggests that there is a high correlation between the volume of time given to study and completion of work and the true realisation of innate potential.

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EXTENDED PASTORAL PROGRAM During Extended Pastoral Care our students spend time working through a number of different themes including: Term 1 – Building Community and Positive Relationships All parents want reassurance that their child is not going to be bullied, harassed or intimidated at school. They also want their child to be respectful to others. It is an issue that St Michael’s College always takes seriously. It is important that we do this through promoting positive relationships with each other. Bullying occurs when someone acts aggressively towards another person to gain power over them on a consistent basis. It is a deliberate attempt to make the other person feel uncomfortable or unhappy. It can happen verbally, via SMS or email, through social networking sites and through physical abuse or social harm. A key pastoral focus for Year 7 is the building of positive relationships through the Year 7 retreat, and also by implementing effective anti-bullying programs including, drama performances and public speakers, who provide current and thought provoking content. St Michael’s has an anti-bullying plan, which includes specific ways to deal with bullying, harassment and intimidation. Students are also provided access to on-line support websites including Bullying No Way, Lifeline, Kids Helpline, and Lifeline’s Justask. As well as the impact of bullying, anti-bullying strategies are presented as part of our Pastoral Program. As an emerging issue in society, anti-cyber-bullying values and standards are taught with a number of key speakers and presentations at Year 7 Assemblies and Pastoral Classes, particularly in Semester One. Term 2 – Responsibility for our actions and Community Now is the time students are developing crucial study habits and firming up attitudes about their success as learners. St Michael’s wants each child to be a successful learner and to develop confidence, resilience, a love of learning and a respect for others.

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Experiencing positive relationships, being genuinely engaged in learning and developing high self-esteem will have a major and lasting impact on students as they move into young adulthood. During this period of students’ lives they are moving from concrete to abstract thinking. They have an intense curiosity and a growing capacity for higher-order analysis and reflection. They are also moving towards more rational decision-making and a better understanding of the consequences of behaviour. As a result, students are encouraged to become independent thinkers and learners taking greater responsibility for their own actions and developing a greater sense of empathy for the needs of others. Term 3 – Digital Citizenship and Cyber Safety It is always a good idea to review digital citizenship skills with students and to encourage a culture of respect and positive interaction in their online and offline worlds. With many students expected to sign digital use contracts on social media, and agree to acceptable use policies, we spend time this term supporting the Year 7 community to consider and act on the issues the digital world can present. Term 4 – Choices and Community As a part of the Pastoral Program our students explore the value of celebrating differences with each other and being comfortable with our individual talents and abilities as this defines who we are as individuals. We involve our Year 12 student leaders to present to the year level about their experiences at SMC and the importance of being true to yourself. In addition, we encourage all of our students to become an actively involved member of our St Michael’s community. This is encouraged right throughout the year, but will have a particular focus in Term 4 when we work with St Vincent De Paul on the Christmas Hamper Appeal. Our students will also be involved in activities which promote supporting each other as a part of the Year 7 Community. Putting the needs of others ahead of our own and thinking of ways which we can show support and give back to our community are explored through the term.

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Understanding change Attending St Michael’s will be a new, exciting and often challenging experience for each child. From day one, there will be many changes that students will need to get used to. The school is very likely to be much bigger than his/her primary school, and some children may feel a little unsure about it all. Instead of being a senior student in a smaller school, they are now a new student in a much larger school. With the support of family, friends and school staff, students usually adapt quickly to their new situation. St Michael’s has a wide range of initiatives and activities to support each child’s social and personal development through Pastoral Care. Some of these include: • Year 6 to 7 transition programs • Peer support • Student mentors • Gifted and talented programs • Academic Awards and recognition certificates • Drug and health education • Anti-racism education • Health and fitness programs • Student leadership opportunities • Student driven social justice initiatives • Retreats and excursions • Goal setting courses • Access to individual counselling services • Safe Social Networking presentations

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PERSONAL WELLBEING - HEALTHY BODY, HEALTHY MIND Being fit, healthy and active benefits each child socially, emotionally and intellectually. Research has shown that young people who do regular physical activity have: • Improved emotional wellbeing and feel more confident, happy

and relaxed, with improved self-esteem and self-concept. • Improved health and a feeling of physical well-being. • Improved mental health, better concentration skills and the ability

to manage anxiety and stress. • Increased capacity for learning and productivity – active children

are generally more motivated and better organised than children who are inactive. Physical activity has direct links to improved learning outcomes.

• Enhanced social skills, such as cooperation and teamwork, as well

as meeting new people and developing friendships. • A more positive school outlook – active children are generally less

aggressive and experience fewer discipline problems. All students will take part in a wide range of physical activities at school and learn more about positive body image and self-esteem in their Personal Development and Health and Physical Education classes.

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ATTENDANCE/PUNCTUALITY Year 7 students are required to be at school by 8:40 am each day. All absences must be accounted for and parents are requested to contact the College via the Absentee Line 8150 2323 by 9:30 am if a student is going to be absent or late. Prolonged absences through illness should be accompanied by a Medical Certificate and the Year Level Director contacted so work can be forwarded if appropriate and in keeping with the successful recovery of the student. If students arrive at school after their pastoral class has concluded they MUST REPORT TO THE Administration Office with a diary note. If a student has been marked absent by the Pastoral Teacher and has not signed in at the Administration Office, a text message will be sent to the parent regarding their absence. If students feel unwell at school they must report to the First Aid Room in the Administration Office. Students must not contact parents during school. In emergency situations students may request to make a phone call from the Year Level Director’s Office. DIARY The diary provides important information, including College policies and guidelines. Please read it carefully. Students and Parents/Carers are asked to sign the “College Policies and Guidelines” page to acknowledge that they are familiar with the information in the diary. Middle school students should also have their diary signed on a weekly basis to monitor its use. BAG/VALUABLES Year 7 students are required to be ready to start Pastoral Care by 8:45 am. Bags must be stored in lockers. No large school bags are to be carried during the day. Small PE bags may be used to carry books. Students are not to bring valuable items to school. Mobile phones should be stored safely, but they may not be switched on or used

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during school hours. Students who are found using their phone will have it confiscated. Be aware that students are responsible for items such as USB’s and Graphic Calculators. These items should at all times be in their possession. They are not to be left lying around. It is recommended that all possessions, uniform included, are clearly labelled with full name. No valuables are to be left in PE change rooms. MOBILE PHONE POLICY Mobile Phones/IPods/B.Y.O.D. (bring your own device) are not to be used during the College day. If a student does bring either to school it is entirely at their own risk. The mobile phone or IPod must be switched off during the day and stored securely throughout the day. If a student is found in possession of an activated mobile phone, IPod or BYOD it may be confiscated and returned via a Year Level Director or Deputy Principal. Contact with the student’s parent may be required. Other consequences may apply in line with normal St Michael’s behavioural processes. DEADLINE POLICY Purpose To help students and teachers to manage workloads, and school-set deadlines for assessment tasks. Scope This policy applies to all teachers and students and requires parental support. Definitions: Deadlines The latest time or date by which an assessment task is to be completed and submitted to the teacher.

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Policy Position For assessment tasks that are completed over an extended period of time, a number of dates are generally set at various stages of the development of the assessment task (CHECKPOINTS). Procedure In these cases there is an expectation that: • the students will provide evidence of their learning to their teacher or follow a procedure outlined by their teacher; • the teacher will monitor the progress of the student during this period. Extensions There are occasions when an extension of an assessment deadline can be approved for a valid reason. Acceptable grounds for the extension are determined by the teacher. • Students are expected to negotiate the extension with the Subject Teacher before the deadline and submit a completed “Request for Extension Form”. • Teachers are expected to follow the Work Completion Session Process when work is not presented according to school-set deadlines and where there is not a valid reason - as outlined above. CONSEQUENCES for non-completion of work Non-completion of Summative Assessment Tasks by the deadline and without negotiated extension 1. Students who do not meet deadlines, including CHECKPOINT deadlines, and have not negotiated an extension with the subject teacher will be given an after-school WORK COMPLETION SESSION the next school day. 2. During the WORK COMPLETION SESSION, the student will be expected to complete the set task in order to meet requirements. 3. If the task is not completed during this supervised time, the student will be assigned further WORK COMPLETION SESSIONS (including Saturday in some cases) until the assessment task is completed to a satisfactory standard.

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4. However, if the task is not completed after 3 WORK COMPLETION SESSIONS there will be a meeting with the student/parents/subject teacher(s)/Year Level Director and/or Head of Department. This meeting may result in an Internal Suspension. 5. If a student is repeatedly required to attend WORK COMPLETION SESSIONS (i.e. 3 or more across a number of subjects in one term) there will be a meeting with the student/parents/subject teacher(s)/ Year Level Director. This meeting may result in an Internal Suspension.

The consequence of not doing the work is DOING THE WORK

Concerns Teachers aim to ensure that an excessive number of assessment items do not fall due on the same date. Generally, they also aim to return marked material within a week. Should concerns arise regarding these or any other areas of assessment please pass them on to your Pastoral Teacher or Year 7 Director. COMPUTER USE The Information Communications Technology (ICT) facilities at St Michael’s College are provided exclusively for educational purposes. This policy has been established to ensure all students are given an equal opportunity to develop information literacy skills in an educational setting. All College computers, devices and on-line resources will be used in relation to the College Curriculum and in accordance with the philosophy and standards of St Michael’s College. The Integrated Learning Technologies (ILT) initiative will be issued at the commencement of Year 7 for a 3-year life cycle. The device can be used at home as well as at school, however the College

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reserves the right to capture, store and review all internet browsing and emails across our school network at any time. In the event of inappropriate use of the ICT facilities, the College could:

• Inform parents that their child has breached the ICT Policy • Deny access for a period of time or to terminate access to any

of the ICT Services • Issue other consequences in line with College Behaviour Policy.

It is the responsibility of the student to ensure that the ICT facilities are used for educational purposes only. More information regarding the College’s Integrated Learning Technology Program can be found on the College home page under ‘College/Parent Information’. BACKUP AND DATA STORAGE It is important for students to keep a backup file of their work. Technology can fail, be lost or stolen, so it is extremely important that all students take action to ensure they have backed up their school work. Office 365 (O365) is a Microsoft (MS) product that all staff and students have access to at St Michael’s College. It combines a number of different Microsoft products together and allows you to access them and all your files through your own MS ‘cloud’ account. Students are required to back up their work continually and O365 allows this to occur seamlessly. Files are backed up automatically if saved in OneDrive and can be accessed from any internet enabled computer (e.g. desktop, tablet, laptop). LEAVING SCHOOL DURING SCHOOL HOURS Students are not permitted to leave the school grounds without signed permission from their parent/guardian, Pastoral Teacher and Year Level Director. Students must also sign out via the Administration Office.

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If a student needs to leave early for an appointment etc please write a note in the diary. This note will be signed by their PC and YLD prior to leaving via the Administration Office. IMPORTANT - Students who are unwell must report to the First Aid Room via the Administration Office. Students are requested not to ring parents to pick them up. This is done only by a teacher or office staff with the approval of the relevant Year Level Director. STUDENT SUPPORT – STUDENT SERVICES The following departments under the umbrella of ‘Students Services’ are part of St Michael’s College academic and personal support for all students. All students and parents are invited to access these in times of need. Contact can be made via the Student Services Office by phone or in person. Careers and Academic Counselling Assists students with their career pathways which may be into tertiary studies or into full time employment – students are assisted with their career and subject choices to best position them for their future direction. Vocational Education and Training (VET) Assists students who are not going into university but are looking for other career pathways. English as an Additional Language (EAL) Is part of our mainstream curriculum and supports students whose first language is not English with intensive English language support. Learning Support Supports students with diagnosed learning disabilities or difficulties. Priorities for Learning Support are set by the Learning Support Coordinator. Personal Counselling Available for all students who are experiencing any one of a variety of difficulties ranging from school based issues to family and relationship issues. Coming to a new school can be quite daunting for some students so we encourage students to come and see us if they are at all concerned about anything. We find early

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intervention for any difficulties which students might be experiencing offer the best opportunity for a positive outcome. Grief Counselling Our Chaplain works in an Outreach capacity supporting students and their families who are dealing with grief through serious illness or the death of a loved one. St Michael’s Outreach Education Program is committed to: Supporting a number of students from war torn countries through the mainstream EAL program. SUMMARY The transition from primary to middle schooling can be a scary, yet exciting time of growth and change. Research has indicated that a supportive and loving family, an effective school transition and support program and the knowledge and belief that others happily make the transition will ensure most will adapt quickly to the changes required.

At St Michael’s College we have discovered that the best outcomes in terms of student success are achieved when parents, students and teachers work collaboratively and assume responsibility. Students are expected to attend school regularly, maintain a positive attitude and do their best to achieve their innate potentials. Parents need to be supportive of the school system and encourage students in their learning whilst teachers are responsible for maintaining a professional approach to meet the individual needs of each student. When these responsibilities are met, maximum learning will be achieved.

Be assured of our best intentions in assisting all transition students to “be the best they can be” at St Michael’s College.

St John Baptist De La Salle, Pray for Us. Live Jesus in our Hearts – Forever.

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COLLEGE MAP