Dean of Students | Mr Damien Cuddihy

Over the first four weeks, I have spoken about creating an atmosphere of caring in many forums at the College. The ‘Atmosphere of Care’ framework that we use tries to connect our pastoral framework to the Charter document and our Strategic Plan. Last week, we held the Year 8 Father or Mentor / Son evening at the College. The opportunity for adults to be present and engage in conversations with not only their own sons, but also other boys in Year 8, I feel, was an enriching experience for all. Anna Machin, an evolution anthropologist, wrote an article about fatherhood which can be found here. The article explores the question of why only humans have involved and empathic fathers compared to our other close relatives. Machin concludes her research stating that:

“a father’s special role in preparing his child to enter the wider world outside the family – shaping emotional and behavioural development, teaching the rules of social behaviour and language, helping to build mental resilience by dealing with risk, confronting challenge and overcoming failure – is arguably more important than ever before, when we are beset by a crisis in adolescent mental health, and live in a world that operates on new social rules, shaped by our digital, online lives.” 

Week 6 is hair week. House Deans will be checking hair at next Tuesday's Principal’s Assembly. I expect all boys to have their hair in an appropriate state by that time. We are generally talking about those boys who had only the bare minimum taken off when they returned to school in Week 1. I have advertised this in the daily notices as well. If you think I can be of assistance in this communication, please don’t hesitate to contact me. 

Last week, we invested a significant amount of time in ensuring that all students accessing the Fortitude Valley train station where very clear about our expectations on the route they need to take to and from school. On the whole, they have responded well. This week, and moving forward, we have been issuing consequences for those boys who use Alfred St as an access point to the Valley Station. They must cross at the ‘5 Ways’. Like you, we are very pleased that your sons are in a safer situation when walking to and from the College. It needs to become a habit now.