Dean of Students | Mr Damien Cuddihy

Term 3 is always a pivotal time during the academic year for our students. Added to this, the anticipation of regular co-curricular training and Saturday fixtures makes for an exciting term, with much to offer. As usual, in the year level assemblies this week the pastoral focus has been around reinforcing the College expectations for students. Our approach in “sweating the small stuff” assists staff in establishing a productive tone.

Of particular interest to the boys was a change to the College Mobile Phone Policy. Whilst the requirement for students to secure their phones in lockers when they arrive at school for the duration of the day has not changed, the consequence for not following this procedure has. In addition to handing the phone into Student Services, boys will be issued with an automatic Short Detention. The consequences will continue to escalate for repeat offenders to Long Detentions and then Saturday Detentions for the third time within a term. I look forward to your support on this matter.

 The other theme discussed with several year levels was the need to bring a ‘champion mindset’ into this term. Whether it is in response to academic results, Saturday sporting fixtures or within social settings, responding to adversity with resilience is such a fundamental component of life. For growth to occur in this area we naturally move through a phase in which we tend have a victim mindset. The challenge for our boys is now to transition through this space and drive the result in Term 3 with a ‘champion mindset’.  

This weekend we enter Round 1 of the Tennis, Football, Basketball and Chess competitions against Ipswich Grammar School. We celebrated the members of the Basketball First's program earlier in the week, during our Presentation Assembly.  All teams were reminded of the College’s expectations that the boys enter into any competition with the highest level of commitment and respect for our opposition. Further to this, the GPS Association has made the decision that no student spectators are permitted to watch First’s matches at this point. Attendance for all matches throughout the day is restricted to two adults. Best wishes for the term ahead.