From the Deputy Principal/Head of Senior School

As this is the final newsletter for the year, I wish to share a few reflections from my first year at St Gregory’s College. It has certainly been a great learning experience as I have come to get to know the staff, students and parents of this fine College, established as a Catholic agricultural boarding school in the Marist tradition more than 93 years ago. There have been multiple opportunities to witness and be involved with a very wide range of activities, events and celebrations that reflect the commitment and great love for the College shared by some so many members of the community. It has also been a time to evaluate each particular event and to identify possible areas where future growth and opportunities exist to enhance the learning opportunities for the students entrusted to our care.

Prior to arriving at St Greg’s, there was already a strong sense of anticipation for the significance and importance placed upon the liturgical and sacramental life. This was one of the great standout features throughout the year with numerous Eucharistic celebrations and the wonderful contributions and involvement of the community in the celebration of these Masses, including the continuance of the great tradition of singing. There were some tremendous community celebrations including Champagnat Day, the Feast of St Gregory and the Year 12 Graduation Mass.

Early in the year, I was fortunate to have the opportunity to find out firsthand more about the wonderful Agriculture program and the Show Team through visits to the Camden and Dubbo Shows. This is a great feature of the College and it is exciting to see the level of commitment by the staff and students to the program to how they aspire to and reach such great heights with their achievements at the various regional and State shows.

I was also fortunate to be able to attend many sporting and co-curricular events, both on Thursday afternoon, Friday evening and on Saturdays. The extensive range of opportunities for sport and other co-curricular activities for the students is remarkable and the extent of involvement by many students is very significant. A particularly enduring theme during the large number of sporting competitions was the determination and attitude of the students in never giving up and the predominantly respectful attitude displayed towards the opposition.  

The level of student involvement in the public speaking and debating areas was also quite extraordinary. For one, the number of boys who put themselves forward to compete in the Gordon Fetterplace Public Speaking competition was outstanding. Another huge success and major highlight of the year was the production of High School Musical where many talented and enthusiastic students worked tirelessly to bring this great spectacle to fruition. 

The welcoming nature of the staff, students and parents was immediately evident and it is truly a blessing to work in a community where great respect is shown and such a strong emphasis is placed on building community. The level of parent engagement and involvement was terrific. We should also be very thankful for the dedication and commitment shown by so many members of the staff, both teaching and non-teaching. Their generosity of time and extraordinary levels of commitment enable so many opportunities to be provided for the students.

I also wish to acknowledge the presence and support offered to the College by the Brother’s community. Their selfless dedication over countless decades to St Gregory’s College and many other Marist schools and ministries is truly inspirational.

The commencement of the third decade of the twenty-first century in 2020 will see the beginning of the implementation of the Future Directions and Strategic Priorities for the College, following the strategic planning consultation process that occurred in the latter part of this year. This should be an exciting time for the College as we embark on identifying ways to build upon the solid foundations to make St Gregory’s College an even better place in the lead up to the College’s centenary, which is now only six years away.

I wish all College families the blessings of the Christmas season and hope that you are able to find  ample opportunity to spend quality time together as a family. Every best wish to all students for the holiday break and we look forward to welcoming you back in 2020.

Best wishes,

Mr Paul Brooks

College Deputy Principal / Head of Senior School