The life you lead

"Your education is a dress rehearsal for a life that is yours to lead".  Nora Ephron

As the sun comes down on another school year, it is fantastic to have the chance to reflect on some of the wonderful accomplishments of our students in 2022.  We are very proud of our students and the resilience that they have shown in returning to the new “normal” life. The journey along the way in 2022 has been a long one, filled with fun, adventure and sometimes challenges. There has also been considerable time spent on re-establishing the important learning habits needed to be successful at school, as well as friendships and in social circles, also important to our self-esteem, mental health and our wellbeing. Whilst we know it has been a long and a hard year for many, we would like to congratulate every student for their perseverance in 2022. Some of the many things that recent years have taught us is certainly the importance of balance, connection, resilience and gratitude.

We had a wonderful assembly on November 17th where we farewelled our Year 9 students to our senior campus at Holloway Road to commence their senior years of education during Headstart. It was a lovely occasion where students received certificates of satisfactory completion, Academic Endeavor and Academic Excellence. Our Campus Captains Liv and Will made a heartfelt speech on behalf of the cohort. This was followed by a BBQ and visit from an ice-cream truck for all year 9 to enjoy. Special thanks to all of those wonderful members of staff who helped cook the BBQ on the day. Congratulations to all and we look forward to you all becoming the graduating class of 2025 in three years’ time. 

Our year 9 students also had a Transition camp in Marysville during week two of Headstart as part of the process of moving from junior to senior school. This camp has a combination of challenge activities including bushwalking, abseiling, canoeing and firemaking.  Camps such as this build confidence, ignite creativity and problem-solving, stimulate a sense of adventure, encourage social interaction and team-building, and promote independence. A great time was had by all and a big thanks to all of the staff who gave up their time by assisting to support the camps success. 

Our Headstart program has been running very smoothly with all year levels now working in their 2023 classes. Whilst some were anxious about some of their new subjects and class changes, teachers have again been fosussing on “lifting the bar” with the new challenges that this brings, despite it being the end of the year. This will give all students to opportunity to have a Headstart on the 2023 work and come back next year already settled into their new classes and “ready to learn”.

Whilst there is not a camp available for year 8 students, Year 8 2022 students will be going to Gumbaya Adventure Park on Monday December 12th as a treat at the end of the year. We know that they will really enjoy this opportunity and have fun with their peers and staff to help finish off the year! At the end of the year in year 7, our students usually complete a Time Capsule which is then stored and presented to them in their last days of year 12. Due to the pandemic last year, the year 7 cohort did not get the opportunity to do this, so they will be completing this task on Tuesday December 13th during activities day (the day after Gumbaya Park). Please check the Compass Event on the student timetable for more details. 

Year 7 students will also be completing their Time Capsule, but on Monday December 12th during activities days. Students will be required to bring some items to put in their time capsule. Please check the event for more details. 

Congratulations to Ned Vasey for his appointment as new Head of Sub School for 2023. Ned has already commenced this role since Headstart and has certainly “hit the ground running” with Headstart and the new year 7 2023 Orientation Days to manage in his first weeks in this role. Ned is an outstanding leader in the college, and we know that he will support the campus and lead the Year Level Leader team with as much skill and expertise as did Cody Gunn who is now the Head of sub school at senior campus. We also welcome the new year level leader team who are also already working with students in their year level to ensure they are cared for and supported. The team for 2023 are:

Year 7 – Prue Slingsby and Aaron Brown

Year 8 – Jeremy Kong and Diane Priaud

Year 9 – Casey Irwin and Angel Chen

Special thanks to Year 9 2022 Year Level leaders James Kerr who is now at senior campus and Laura Hulley who is having six months leave, for all their amazing work with our year 9 cohort. 

A big thanks to our inspirational teachers who have worked tirelessly to inspire our students whilst delivering important curriculum and taking the time to really care about every student in every class throughout 2022. They are all truly amazing people. Thanks also to all of the parents in our college community who have supported their young person and our college in what was a challenging time, through to a highly successful and positive 2022.

Have a safe and happy time with family throughout the festive season.

Vivienne McElwee

Campus Principal