We have really hit the ground running this term with sports and outdoor education returning to almost normal
Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.
— John 14:27
Welcome to the start of Term 4. We have really hit the ground running this term with sports and outdoor education returning to almost normal. Our Year 12s are now in HSC mode and we wish them well in their endeavours. Year 11s have returned from their hike on the Dorrigo Plateau and canoeing the Clarence River near Lillydale and a host of other student experiences are back in action.
School Improvement Plan Processes
The college is in the process of completing our SIP2020 and starting our planning processes for SIP2021. We plan to share this vision with our community in the first newsletter of 2021. It has been an interesting 12 months with a good deal of success in a wide range of areas but, of course, it has been punctuated by COVID-19 and our responses to keeping our community as ‘normal’ as possible. I wish to thank all our families and partners for continuing to support the college throughout the year.
Raising Boys - SchoolTV Special Report
Neuroscience and brain mapping has over the years helped researchers gain a clearer understanding into the distinct development of the male brain. When comparing male and female brains, it is necessary to take into consideration the psychology of differences. There are many reasons for these including hormonal, physical, environmental and, of course, brain differences. However these should not translate into limitations or affect how a parent acts towards their child, nor should it influence how you treat them. It's no secret that most boys are active, loud, rambunctious and prone to rough play, but you need to be careful not to pigeon-hole your child into sex specific behaviours as there is a big cross-over. Boys should not be considered all the same as they do have individual differences.
The following report is specially designed by our partners at SchoolTV and is well worth viewing if you have boys in your family.
https://bdc.nsw.schooltv.me/newsletter/raising-boys
World Teachers’ Day - 30 October (next Friday)
World Teachers’ Day is next Friday and I need your help as parents. Linked are a variety of card templates and I am hoping that you and your family will take a few minutes to write a card to a teacher or a support staff member at Bishop Druitt College that has made a difference to your child during this COVID experience. All cards can be sent to the college or dropped in at Student Services. The Wellbeing Team will be putting a special display together to celebrate the amazing work that all college staff have done this year. Thank you in advance for helping me celebrate our amazing teachers.
Thankyou card template A - black and white (PDF, 201KB)
Thankyou card template A - colour (PDF, 203KB)
Thankyou card template B - black and white (PDF, 201KB)
Thankyou card template B - colour (PDF, 203KB)
New and Departing Families Information
The college has almost completed the enrolment process for 2021 and to avoid waiting lists in select year groups I would appreciate it if you could advise the school if you are going to withdraw your child at any stage in Term 4 this year. I also encourage families who have younger children that have not yet enrolled to complete their application as soon as possible for 2022. The Heads of School are currently working on classroom structures and staffing for 2021 and would appreciate a fuller picture to help with the decision making process.
Academic Scholarships for 2022 (Entry to Years 7-11)
Applications for 2022 Academic Scholarships for students entering Years 7-12 are now open and will close at midnight AEDST Monday 8 February 2020. The scholarships are awarded on the basis of a competitive examination conducted by ACER, which will take place on Saturday 27 February 2021 at Bishop Druitt College. Full or partial scholarships are awarded by the Principal.
Please see our website for further details: https://www.bdc.nsw.edu.au/joi...
Nick Johnstone
Principal