During Manners Matter over last week, Junior School students have been intentionally learning about developing empathy, listening, questioning and friendship skills. R U OK? day was a catalyst for this learning. It is important that our students are outward focused and aware of how others are feeling around them. Students had the opportunity to role play age appropriate scenarios and have rich discussions in small groups to develop their social emotional awareness and learning. Over this week we will reengage the students in these important topics; we want this learning to be authentic and embedded.

The Operation Christmas Child campaign is well under way. Students were fortunate enough to hear from parents in the College who actually received Operation Christmas Child boxes as children. The plight of this Christian organisation has great value and the students hearing such stories from College families about the impact the boxes had in their lives was very special indeed. Students have until Term 4 Week 3 to return the boxes to the library.

Please may I remind parents to remain in their cars in the Kiss and Ride zone on Southern Cross Drive. Blocking the roundabouts is also not permitted; please drive around the block if you cannot join the Kiss and Ride zone the first time around. School traffic is blocking residential traffic and unfortunately this is having a negative impact on our relationship with the community. It is best to arrive towards the end of the Kiss and Ride times; this is when it is easier to get a parking spot.

The end of Term 3 is rapidly approaching. We wish families a wonderful break; a time of relaxation and bonding in preparation for the learning in Term 4.