School Fees Policy

As part of the College's commitment to maintaining clear, fair and contemporary policies, the School Fees Policy has recently undergone its annual review.

Following this review, a few updates and clarifications have been made to ensure the policy remains aligned with current College practices, family arrangements and the operational requirements of Mercy Education Limited (MEL), the College's governing body.

The updated Fees Policy is now available via the College website and Parent Portal. We encourage all families to take the opportunity to review the policy and familiarise themselves with its contents.

Head Injuries and Concussion Management: Supporting Our Students

From the commencement of Term 4, Catherine McAuley College Bendigo will implement a new Head Injury and Concussion Management Policy and supporting procedures for staff and families.

These documents have been developed to ensure we follow best practice in the management of head injuries and concussion, while providing clear information for families about how the College responds to and supports students following a head injury.

Concussion and head injuries have become an increasing focus in schools, sport and the wider community. While most families are familiar with the term ‘concussion’, many people are surprised to learn that symptoms can sometimes be subtle, delayed, or mistaken for tiredness, illness or a lack of concentration. As our understanding of concussion continues to evolve, the College feels it is important to formalise our processes to ensure students receive the best possible care and support.

The new Family Procedure serves two key purposes.

Firstly, it outlines how the College will respond and support a student when a head injury occurs at school or during a College activity. This includes assessment of the injury, communication with families, ongoing monitoring, and where required, support for a student's return to learning.

Secondly, and just as importantly, it outlines the responsibility of parents and carers to inform the College when a head injury or suspected concussion occurs outside school hours. This includes injuries that occur during community sport, recreational activities, at home, or any time a student is not in the care of the College.

Over time, we have become aware of students attending school following a head injury where the College was unaware that an incident had occurred. In some instances, neither the student nor those around them recognised that they may have been experiencing concussion symptoms. While students may appear well enough to attend school, informed support during recovery can make a significant difference.

When families let us know about a head injury or concussion, we can:

• Monitor the student’s wellbeing throughout the school day.
• Provide regular check-ins with key staff.
• Reduce screen time and cognitive load where appropriate.
• Adjust learning activities and assessment expectations.
• Implement a gradual return-to-school approach, including modified timetables or partial school days where appropriate.
• Ensure staff are aware of the injury and can respond quickly should symptoms emerge or worsen.

These supports are designed to assist recovery and reduce the risk of aggravating an injury while students continue their education.

If your child sustains a head injury or is diagnosed with a concussion outside school hours, please notify your child's Year Level Coordinator or Mercy Home Group Leader as soon as possible. Early communication allows us to put the right supports in place from the moment your child returns to school.

When a concussion has been diagnosed, the College will work collaboratively with families to develop an appropriate return-to-school plan and support the student's gradual recovery. Open communication between families and the College is an important part of ensuring a safe and successful return to learning.

Further information, including the Head Injury and Concussion Management Policy and Family Procedure, can be accessed via PAM under College Policies - Students and Families.