Pride in Presentation: Why Shaving, Uniforms, and Conservative Hairstyles Matter

At Holy Spirit College, we believe that how we present ourselves reflects not only our personal values but also the pride we take in being part of a vibrant learning community. Three simple yet powerful ways students can show this pride are by maintaining personal grooming, such as shaving, wearing the school uniform correctly, and choosing conservative hairstyles.

1. Respect for Self and Others

Shaving regularly, wearing the uniform properly, and maintaining a neat hairstyle are signs of self-respect and discipline. These habits show that students care about their appearance and are ready to engage in learning with focus and maturity. It also demonstrates respect for peers, teachers, and the HSC School environment.

2. Building a Positive School Culture

When everyone wears the uniform with pride and maintains a tidy appearance, it creates a sense of unity and belonging. Uniforms and conservative grooming choices eliminate distractions and promote equality, helping students focus on what truly matters: learning, growth, and connection.

3. The Role of Conservative Hairstyles

Conservative hairstyles for both boys and girls help maintain a professional and respectful atmosphere. Extreme styles or colours can be distracting and may not align with the values we promote as a College. Neat, simple hairstyles support a learning-focused environment and reflect a commitment to School standards.

4. Preparing for the Future

Good grooming and dress habits are essential life skills. Whether applying for a job, attending an interview, or participating in community events, how we present ourselves can influence opportunities and outcomes. School is the perfect place to build these habits early.

5. Representing Our School with Pride

Every time a student steps outside the School grounds in uniform, they represent our values, our standards, and our spirit. A neat appearance, a well-worn uniform, and a respectful hairstyle send a message of pride, responsibility, and excellence to the wider community.

All the College uniform guidelines can be found in the Student Diary on pages 16-18.

Let’s continue to encourage each other to uphold these standards—not just because they’re rules, but because they reflect who we are and who we aspire to be.

Wear your uniform with pride. Shave with purpose. Style with respect. Represent HSC with honour.

Berry Street Education Model - Parent Information Webinar

Wednesday, 6 August - 7:00-8:00 pm

Raising children is a difficult undertaking for any parent, but having a child who exhibits challenging behaviours can be downright exhausting. Whether your child is prone to tantrums, refusing to follow instructions, or has public meltdowns, many parents know how tough it can be when a child acts out.

Holy Spirit College acknowledges that all our students are unique in their own ways. Many students live in different areas (urban or rural), belong to a variety of cultural groups, socio-economic and socio-educational status. All these factors create extreme differences in the classroom and school environment. We are also aware that vulnerable students develop coping strategies in and out of the classroom. These students’ strategies often take the form of defiance, resistance, or withdrawal. 

To support the teachers, students and families, Holy Spirit College introduced the Berry Street Educational Model. Over the past few years, the staff have been committed to implementing the model into our classroom and College practices to create a Trauma-informed learning environment.

The Berry Street Education Model is purposefully designed to support the development of students’ psychological, social, and emotional capabilities. Berry Street Education welcomes all parents to attend a 60-minute Zoom session, facilitated by a Berry Street Education Consultant on Wednesday, 6 August, at 7 pm. During the session, the consultant will give you practical strategies that you can do at home to help your child manage their stress response. Parents and carers will find out what is happening in their child’s brain when they have a meltdown and ways that they can help them come back into calm.

This webinar will be offered through Zoom on the link below:

Launch Meeting – Zoom

Meeting ID: 971 5410 8880 / Passcode: 667247

Sandy McLellan - Assistant Principal (Students)

Curriculum News

At Holy Spirit College, we are committed to nurturing the holistic development of every student—spiritually, academically, and socially. As we work together to support student success, certain habits and practices play a vital role in creating an environment where students can thrive. Below, we highlight key areas that are essential for achieving academic and personal success.

The Power of Attendance

Regular attendance is the foundation of effective learning. Every day missed is a missed opportunity to learn, engage, and grow. Students who attend school consistently are more likely to achieve their academic goals, build strong relationships with peers and teachers, and develop a sense of responsibility.

Key Benefits of Regular Attendance:

• Keeps students on track with their learning
• Strengthens connections with classmates and teachers
• Builds habits of dependability and commitment

We encourage families to prioritise attendance and communicate with the College if your child is unable to attend due to illness or other unavoidable circumstances.

Homework: A Pathway to Mastery

Homework is a valuable tool to consolidate what has been learned in class, develop time management skills, and prepare for future lessons. By completing homework on time, students not only reinforce their understanding but also show respect for their own learning journey.

Tips for Success with Homework:

• Create a quiet, well-lit space for study at home
• Establish a routine time each day for completing homework
• Create a homework plan incorporating other commitments
• Encourage students to ask teachers for clarification if they are struggling

Being Prepared: A Key to Classroom Success

Coming to class prepared is essential for making the most of every lesson. This means bringing all necessary equipment, such as laptops, pens, notebooks, calculators, and any other items specified by teachers.

Why Being Prepared Matters:

• It allows students to participate fully in lessons
• Reduces stress and anxiety caused by being unprepared
• Shows a commitment to learning and respect for the classroom environment

Parents can support their children by reminding them to pack their school bags the night before, place laptops on chargers outside of the bedroom and check with students again in the morning to ensure they have all required materials.

Study Hours: A Simple Formula for Success

To succeed academically, students must dedicate time outside of school to independent study and revision. A helpful guideline is for students to spend study hours equivalent to their year level:

• Year 7: 7 hours per week
• Year 8: 8 hours per week
• Year 9: 9 hours per week
• Year 10: 10 hours per week
• Year 11: 11 hours per week
• Year 12: 12+ hours per week

This time should include reviewing class notes, completing homework, and preparing for assessments. Regular study builds confidence and helps students retain knowledge.

Other Tips for Students and Parents

In addition to the essentials outlined above, the following practices can support student success:

1. Prioritise Wellbeing

• Sleep: Ensure students get 8–10 hours of sleep each night. Rested minds learn better!
• Nutrition: Provide healthy meals and snacks to fuel concentration and energy.
• Exercise: Encourage regular physical activity to promote mental and physical health.

2. Maintain Open Communication

• Students should feel comfortable speaking with parents and teachers about challenges they face. Students and parents are welcome to contact teachers through the Student Café and Parent Orbit.
• Parents are encouraged to stay in touch with teachers and attend parent-teacher interviews.

3. Model Time Management

• Use calendars or planners to track homework, assignments, and extracurricular activities.
• Break large tasks into manageable chunks to avoid last-minute stress.

Holy Spirit College believes that collaboration between students, parents, and teachers is key to success. By fostering good habits, staying connected, and living according to our Catholic values, we can help every student reach their potential.

Assessment

Students and parents can view all students’ assessments and due dates in Student Café, Parent Lounge and Parent Orbit. Click on your student and select Curricular Activities to see due dates. This is the same location where results will appear with feedback on your students' work. (Year 12 students do not receive feedback.)

Students are expected to attend school on all scheduled school days, ready to learn. Absences from school should be for serious and unavoidable reasons only. Students should catch up on missed work and complete all assessments by the due date.

Assignments

• Year 7-10 Extensions will only be granted where sufficient grounds/evidence is provided. Extension forms are available on Student Café, Parent Lounge, Parent Orbit and printed at Student Reception.
• Year 11-12 Extensions of time are only granted on the completion and approval of an AARA application. QCAA Policies and Procedures concerning this must be followed. AARA forms are available on Student Café, Parent Lounge, Parent Orbit and printed at Student Reception.

Exams

• Year 7-10 Missed Exams will only be sat on “Missed Exam” days as scheduled in the School Calendar. Advice from home through absentee advice or a medical certificate is to be provided to support the use of a Missed Exam day. Holidays are not regarded as an explained absence, and students will not be eligible for missed exams.
• Year 11-12 Missed Exams can only be sat according to QCAA Policies and Procedures and where an approved AARA has been completed. AARA forms are available on Student Café, Parent Lounge, Parent Orbit and printed at Student Reception.

Parents, please note that non-completion of assessment could mean the student not being credited with that Semester’s work.

Regards,

Anne Miles - Assistant Principal (Curriculum)