The Center for Countering Digital Hate, an American NGO, has released a report into the dangers of TikTok's algorithm. Their research found that users aged 13 were shown body image and mental health content every 39 seconds, and eating disorder, self-harm and suicide content every 66 seconds. The full report can be found here: https://counterhate.com/research/deadly-by-design/ and we attach their guide for parents. We highly recommend all parents read this guide and begin the conversations with your children.

CCDH - DBD - Parents Guide

After positive feedback from our first session, held in September, we will be repeating our Safeguarding Seminar for parents.  The evening will be a chance to discuss the major risks to safeguarding and wellbeing in our students, some of the ways we are seeking to address them within College, and how as the adults in the conversation we can work together. The Senior Safeguarding Team will share important information and terminology to best equip parents in supporting their sons. The chance to register your attendance will be in next week’s Newsletter.

How would you/ your child like to have his artwork displayed alongside local artists in a professional exhibition next summer?

VCJ eagerly awaits the launch of a new competition in January, which will give our students the chance to step away from their screens and immerse themselves in art, a force for wellbeing. 

The resulting exhibition and auction in June, will kick-start the fundraising campaign for The VCJ Wellbeing Garden.

For corporate sponsorship opportunities, email e.sweeny@vcj.sch.je, otherwise watch this space!

As we start the New Year, may we please remind parents and students about the Victoria College uniform policy. Students are ambassadors for the College and dress and behave in a way that reflects the standards and values we seek to achieve. For more information, please access the link below:

https://www.victoriacollege.je/vcj-uniform 

The VCPA are looking for a team of parent helpers to run the Nearly New Uniform Shop from September 2023, or before.  Coordinator extraordinaire, Hilary Morris, will be leaving the School and a replacement team is urgently needed.  If you are interested please email VCPAChair2@gmail.com.

Happy New Year to all at VCJ!

I would like to invite your son to take part in 4 small group sessions of a therapeutic board game called "Anger Defuser".  The aim of the game is to learn to reduce angry outbursts and enable students to support each other. The game is suitable for young people between 8 and 18 years old. To find out more and sign up please see the letter below.

School Counsellor - Anger Defuser Game Parent Letter

1) Medical Information

Please ensure you have completed the online form with contact, dietary and health information - https://forms.office.com/pages/responsepage.aspx?id=wJUj7am3N0Ot9xORbeJA7wPKZCn_aI9Au3LkwsS6JDlUMEFFMkE1VDZCN1VVSDkwVjNZNUpNQUtOTS4u

2) Passport

Take a clear colour photo of your son's passport.

It is essential that the passport number and your son's name are visible.

Attach this photo as an attached file (preferably pdf/jpeg or any commonly used and accessible Microsoft Office format) to an email addressed to d.hodder@vcj.sch.je

Title the email message in all caps: ICELANDSURNAMEINITIAL

Example ICELANDBLOGGSJ

Send to d.hodder@vcj.sch.je

3) Payment

The all-inclusive cost, based on attendance, is £1450; having paid £100, the remaining balance of £1350 is payable as a single sum or three instalments of £450.

£450 – Due by Monday 9th January

£450 – Due Monday by 6th March

£450 – Due by Wednesday 10th May

Payment can be made to:

HSBC

Victoria College School Fund

Account Number: 31237632

Sort 40-25-34

Reference: Student surname Ice (e.g. BloggsIce)

On Friday 6 January your child will be invited to a formal Pass Out Parade in the presence of Dr Hughes and the Contingent Commander, Squadron Leader Simon Blackmore. 

Parents/Guardians are invited to attend the Parade, which will take place at 4pm in the Great Hall at Victoria College. Please be aware we have limited seating and standing space. If you require any assistance, please let us know. 

In you require any more information about the Pass Out Parade, please feel free to contact Simon Blackmore at ccf@vcj.sch.je

All Year 11 students will undertake a guidance interview with one of the following: Ms Varney (Head of Year 11), Mrs Job (Head of Careers), Ms Murphy (Deputy Head of Sixth Form and Head of UCAS), Mrs Palfreyman (Assistant Head Academic), Mr Crossley (Deputy Headteacher) or Mr Falle (Head of Sixth Form) from 26^th January to 1^st February. The objective of the interviews is to discuss their A Level options and to assist them in making informed choices. They will be informed of these meetings via their tutor.

Earlier this year, The Institute of Directors Jersey, in partnership with Skills Jersey and Jersey Business, and in collaboration with Haute Vallee School and Victoria College launched a new scheme called the IoD Accredited Internship.

This scheme seeks to encourage students from Years 11 to 13 to gain valuable work experience in Hospitality and Retail on a casual basis, primarily weekends and school holidays.  While undertaking this paid employment students will also work towards receiving a certificate accredited by the IoD. For more information about this and how to sign up please follow the link below:

IoD Accredited Internship Letter to Parents

Please see attached information about the Neil Hussey Heart Charity initiative, which will allow approximately 24 Sixth Form students to take part in a heart screening event in February and March. Following sign ups before Christmas, we have just 10 places left on this initiative for this year.

Heart Screening Parent Letter