The Staff Bulletin Holiday Edition has been uploaded on Ignition (see Bulletin tab above) - it covers events at the College from Saturday 28 June until Sunday 1st August. Please check The Bulletin for Magis 08 events and World Youth Day listings as well the Non-Term time Professional Development Program for Staff and the Gartlan Centre Holiday Program.

Have a great break!

IT Survey

To assist us in the College's strategic planning for the next 3 years and the needs for you in terms of ICT and integration into a fast moving and broader world we ask you to take some time to complete the following survey.

The outcomes of the survey will be used in determining certain aspects of the College's ICT strategic plan, which will be announced later in the year.

All staff are requested to take 5 minutes to complete the survey by clicking here

A reminder that the College provides professional and confidential counselling services for staff and their families through ACCESS Programs.

The new Employee Assistance Program (EAP) brochures will be placed in your pigeon holes during the next couple of weeks.  Brochures for Managers and Supervisers and information on counselling following a Traumatic Event will be available from Staff Services.  Click on the links to access the brochures as pdf files.

For more links and resources available to you from ACCESS Programs, click here www.accesspl.com.au.

You know some parents are receiving ‘Viewpoint’ when a significant number approach you on the sidelines at Saturday sport to make comment on articles in ‘Viewpoint’. I received a number of comments about the reflections made about the discernment our sons and students face when making decisions that can affect the rest of their life. That thirty seconds of pause can make all the difference. In light of the tragedy on the Harbour last week many parents paralleled the decision those young people made to get on the boat despite warnings from fishermen, with the decisions their sons will make in their youth.

While it is difficult enough to be faced with a crucial decision it does not help when a young man’s peers choose to ‘fire him up’ and actively promote a decision which will adversely effect him. There have been two instances in the College in recent weeks where a students peers have encouraged a student to act in a manner which has subsequently jeopardised his position at the College. When students know what button to push to get a

reaction they should become involved in a process of discernment that requires pause and consideration of their actions and the consequences. In many ways students who encouraged bad behaviour are as culpable as those who committed an irresponsible act.

During the break I read an article about the ‘Thirty Seconds of Madness’ which can change a persons life. This article looked at critical events or decisions which young males face that require pause, thought, discernment, experience and courage, all of which can be lacking in a teenagers mind, especially when under the influence of drugs and or alcohol. As educators and parents we need to constantly remind our precious sons and students of the dangers of indiscriminate actions and where possible, to limit the number of opportunities where they are faced with such decisions.