Churchill Avenue News

An Introduction to RES Interactions at Caroline Chisholm Catholic College

At Caroline Chisholm Catholic College, we work towards ensuring that all interactions by students, staff and wider community members are Respectful, Engaging and Safe.

These three key interactions were thoughtfully developed by student leaders, reflecting the kind of school community they desired to create. Through strong student advocacy, these values have been authentically embraced, allowing for a smooth and meaningful integration into everyday school life. They are not simply displayed on posters, but are actively modelled and reflected upon by students, staff and the wider community.

These shared expectations guide behaviour, shape relationships and support an inclusive environment where all feel valued and heard and secure. Their importance lies in creating consistency, promoting wellbeing, and encouraging every member of our community to take responsibility for their actions. By upholding these principles together, we ensure our school remains a place where everyone can learn and belong.

Bianca Markovic 
Director of Campus, Christ the King

RES Interactions at St John's

At St John’s Campus, we recognise that clear expectations, positive relationships and consistent support are essential in helping students feel settled, focused and ready to learn. Throughout this term, our Year 7, 8 and 9 students have been involved in a range of programs designed to strengthen respectful behaviours, personal responsibility and their ability to positively contribute to our school community.

Our Year 9 students have recently commenced a program delivered in partnership with the Western Bulldogs Community Foundation. Across six interactive sessions, students are engaging with key topics such as respectful relationships, effective communication, teamwork and understanding the impact of their actions on others.

Through structured activities and guided discussions, students are encouraged to reflect on their choices, build accountability and develop practical strategies for managing social situations in a positive and respectful way. The program supports students to strengthen peer relationships, practise cooperation and understand the behavioural expectations that contribute to a safe and inclusive learning environment. It also reinforces the supports available within the College and the wider community.

Many of our Year 7 students have also recently participated in a Student Resilience Program facilitated by Emilia, our School Social Worker. Delivered over three Thursday morning sessions, the program focused on supporting students to successfully transition into secondary school by developing positive habits, routines and approaches to managing challenges.

Throughout the program, students explored practical strategies for responding to setbacks, making constructive choices, building positive friendships and seeking support when required. The sessions also provided a structured environment for students to practise respectful interactions, strengthen peer connections and reinforce a shared understanding of expectations within the St John’s community.

These programs form an important part of our ongoing commitment to promoting positive behaviour, strengthening student accountability and creating a learning environment where all students are supported to engage, contribute and succeed.

Tony Muller
Director of Campus, St John's

Student Engagement and Positive Behaviour at Sacred Heart

At Sacred Heart Campus, we continue to focus on creating a positive and supportive learning environment through our RES framework – Respectful, Engaged and Safe. RES underpins our expectations for student behaviour and provides a consistent approach to promoting positive choices across the campus.

Throughout the term, students have participated in a range of Learner Mentor (LM) activities focused on developing respectful relationships, demonstrating kindness, and contributing positively to our school community. These conversations have encouraged students to reflect on how their actions impact others and how they can support a culture of inclusion and belonging.

With exams and assessment periods underway, there has also been a strong emphasis on student engagement and effective study habits. Students recently participated in sessions delivered by Elevate Education, where they were provided with practical strategies for exam preparation, revision techniques, time management, and maintaining motivation throughout the assessment period. These sessions, together with ongoing support through Learner Mentor activities, have equipped students with valuable tools to approach their studies with confidence and achieve their personal best.

A further focus this term has been on school uniform expectations. Promoting high standards of uniform presentation helps foster a sense of pride, belonging, and professionalism while reinforcing our commitment to maintaining a respectful and positive learning environment. Students have responded positively to these expectations, helping to strengthen our culture of excellence and school pride.

We are proud of the way our students continue to embrace the values of being Respectful, Engaged and Safe, and we look forward to building on this positive momentum throughout the remainder of the year.

Karla Rangi,
Director of Campus, Sacred Heart