Deputy Principal - Student & Staff Wellbeing, Mr Patrick Brennan
After the Bell is Back in 2020
Save the Date
A group of Deputy Principals across all secondary sectors meet each term to discuss issues common to us. In 2019, the College hosted 800 parents from schools across the Eastern Suburbs for After the Bell, an evening aimed at parents of students in Years 8-10, which provides information and strategies to keep our children safe.
Waverley College will again be hosting this event on Wednesday 1 April. Tickets will be made available to all schools via a Trybooking link from 9am on Tuesday 17 March.
This year’s focus will be our students’ social and emotional wellbeing. The key messages will include:
- The importance of the partnership between home and school.
- Being worried is normal and does not mean a student is anxious.
- Being sad from time to time is normal and does not mean you are depressed.
- It’s normal to feel stressed before an exam.
- Sad feelings will often pass.
- We build resilience by getting through tough times.
Parents will also be provided with strategies to best navigate their son’s journey through high school. I would encourage you not to miss it!
Proceeds from the $10 tickets will go to Youth Off the Streets.
High Expectations At Co-Curricular Sports and Activities
As we come to the middle of our summer season (for Years 8-12), it’s a timely reminder of the behaviour expected when we, as a College community, attend co-curricular events.
Co-curricular sports and activities are a critical time where our behaviour and sportsmanship are on display to other schools and members of the general public. At times, unfortunately, a minority undo a lot of the positive cultural change that the majority of our boys, teachers and parents have achieved in recent years.
We encourage all supporters to positively support their school teams and require boys to be dressed in the school’s uniform while doing so.
We expect barracking to be enthusiastic, but not to be fanatical or designed to heckle, belittle or disturb the opponents. For example, barracking – for or against – during a free throw or a shot at goal is always bad sportsmanship. Boys should be encouraged to barrack for their school rather than for an individual team member. Booing, whistling, playing or beating musical instruments are in bad taste and wholly unacceptable.
It is never acceptable to express disapproval of a referee or umpire’s decision, no matter whether the referee is an adult or schoolboy.
We expect our players to be modest in success and generous in defeat, not showing undue emotion in either case. Good play, by our own school and by the opposing school, should be applauded willingly and openly.
Spectators should leave the area tidy and free of rubbish at all times. We look to adults (parents, Old Boys and other spectators) to set an example by their self-control at matches.
I look forward to our next fixture. The full CAS Code of Conduct is as follows:
CAS Code of Conduct
Players
- Play by the rules and in a spirit of good sportsmanship.
- Play for the ‘fun of it’ and not just to please parents and coaches.
- Control your temper. Verbal abuse of officials or other players, deliberately fouling or provoking an opponent, and throwing equipment are not acceptable, nor permitted in any sport.
- Work hard – both for yourself and your team. Your team’s performance will benefit, so will you.
- Treat all players as you would like to be treated. Do not interfere with, bully or take unfair advantage of another player.
- Co-operate with your coach, teammates and opponents. Without them, there would be no game.
In the event of a player or athlete being sent-off during a CAS fixture, it is the responsibility of that boy’s Headmaster to determine the penalty at his discretion. It is generally understood among Headmasters, however, that the boy will serve at least one week’s suspension from participating in the CAS competition.
Parents
- Focus upon the boy’s efforts and performance rather than the overall outcome of the game. This assists the boy in setting realistic goals related to his ability by reducing the emphasis on winning.
- Teach your son that an honest effort is as important as victory so that the result of the game is accepted without undue disappointment.
- Encourage your son to always play according to the rules of the game.
- Never ridicule or yell at your son or another boy for making a mistake or losing a game.
- Remember boys are involved in organised sports for their benefit and enjoyment, not yours.
- Remember that children learn best from example. Applaud good play by both teams.
- If you disagree with an official, raise the issue through the appropriate channels rather than question the official’s judgement and honesty in public. Remember, most officials give their time and effort voluntarily for your son’s benefit.
- Support all efforts to remove verbal and physical abuse from sporting activities.
- Recognise the value and importance of coaches. They give their time and resources to provide recreational activities for your son and other boys and deserve your support.
