I begin this week’s update with a sense of disappointment.
This is the first time I have had to write to our community about a number of negative occurrences that I have personally witnessed across the College. At Como Secondary College, our values of Integrity, Care, Ambition and Effort are embedded in what we do every day, this is the Como Way. Recently, however, we have seen a spate of behaviours and actions that cause me to question whether some members of our community need to be reminded of what Integrity actually means. At Como, Integrity means doing the right thing even when no one is watching; being honest, taking responsibility for our actions, and standing up for what is right, especially when it is difficult.
Over recent weeks, I have had to address incidents involving:
- Deliberate mess being made in student toilets, including paper towels and toilet paper thrown around and clean sanitary pads placed on walls and mirrors
- Students encouraging intruders onto our site and providing them with uniform items so they could blend in
- The use of mobile devices on site, in direct breach of College expectations
- Inappropriate behaviour on public transport, reflecting poorly on our school and community
These behaviours are simply not acceptable and cannot be tolerated. As a result, a number of students have been suspended, reprimanded or withdrawn from the College. While consequences are necessary, I want to be clear: discipline alone is not the solution.
Many years ago, Channel 9 ran this community service announcement reminding people to stop being “dingalings”, people who act without thinking about the consequences of their actions. It seems I need to revive that message. https://youtu.be/OitKWggldsY?si=31ZBts-FUWiX6ij2
Thoughtless behaviour has real impacts on others, on our learning environment, and on the reputation of our College. So, respectfully but firmly: please stop being dingalings.
I ask all parents and carers to partner with us in addressing these behaviours. Please take the time to speak with your child about the expectations at Como Secondary College, particularly around Integrity, respect for shared spaces, appropriate behaviour in public, and the importance of making good choices even when peers may be encouraging otherwise.
Ask your child:
- How they contribute positively to the College each day
- Whether they would be prepared to speak up or walk away if they witnessed inappropriate behaviour
- How their actions, both on and off campus, reflect on themselves, your family and our school community
Please also reinforce our expectations around mobile phone use, school uniform, and conduct on public transport. Small conversations at home make a significant difference at school.
We cannot do this alone. When students receive a consistent message from both home and school, we see the best outcomes. Together, by holding high expectations and calling out poor choices early, we can ensure Como Secondary College remains and continues to be a safe, respectful and proud community for all.
We must stand up and refuse to allow this behaviour to happen in the first place. We must show Integrity and demand it from others. This means speaking up, not laughing along, not filming, not covering for poor choices, and not assuming someone else will deal with it.
Help us by raising expectations, reinforcing our values at home, in our society and at school, and reminding our young people that being part of Como Secondary College is a privilege that comes with responsibility.
On a more positive note…
Last Friday’s Open Day was a wonderful celebration of our College. It was fantastic to see so many parents and young children on our grounds, with classrooms abuzz with energy and curiosity.
- Science captivated children and parents alike with hands-on experiments
- Mathematics challenged minds with puzzles and problem-solving
- HASS invited us to reflect on currency, language and political party slogans of the past
- English immersed visitors in the power of language
- Physical Education had us moving on the courts
- The Arts encouraged creativity and expression
- Technologies saw students wielding hammers, using drills and, of course, tantalising our taste buds
Our student baristas kept the coffee flowing, and our specialist programs proudly shared information that highlighted just how much this College has to offer. It was a terrific showcase of the great place Como Secondary College is.
School Board and P&C Updates
Our School Board met on Monday, and I am pleased to announce that Leon Taylor has been nominated to lead our Board as Chair for the next two years, with Chris Dun accepting the role of Secretary. I would also like to sincerely thank Nicole Ryan and Sarah Blythe for their valuable contribution as parent representatives over the past few years. Thank you for your input, advocacy and commitment to our College.
I am also delighted to confirm that we now have a P&C. As discussed previously, this P&C will take a very different form and thankfully, will be led by Jesvin Karimi, Stephane Harris, Sarah Krasicki and Pauline Lim as well as other members of the Executive Group. The P&C will share a plan for community engagement at the next meeting on 22 April, so please keep an eye out for more information and consider joining us.
Thank you, as always, for your ongoing support. When we work together and hold ourselves and each other to high standards, our College is at its best.
Alen Kursar
Principal
