Associate Principal, Operations Report

A Beginning of the Year Thought

As I listened to the radio last weekend, the presenter pointed out that it was the weekend of the lunar New Year in large parts of Asia, alonh with Indian Independence Day and the Australia Day weekend.  Quite a cosmopolitan time!  A caller rang in to point out that it was also the time of Burns Night in Scotland.

 

Later the same day, I came across an Instagram post from my cousin.  She posted some words written by Robbie Burns and they are worth sharing:

 

Then let us pray that come it may,

(As come it will for a’that)

That Sense and Worth, o’er all the earth

Shall bear the gree, an’ a’that.

For a’that, and a’that.

It’s coming yet for a’that,

That Man to Man, the world o’er

Shall brothers be for a’that.

 

Let’s hope 2020 can see some steps towards that Burnsian dream!

Drama

During the holidays, my wife and I attended three musical productions.

 

The first, Come From Away, was a professional production in Melbourne.   It told the story of how a small community in Canada adjusted to provide help and a welcome to thousands of beleaguered international travellers diverted to their old airport when American airspace was closed in the aftermath of the World Trade Centre attacks.  The production was sensitive, occasionally challenging and even sometimes humorous, as the human condition was considered in all its forms.  As we attended on the weekend immediately after the dreadful Friday when the bushfires were at their worst, the link of the themes of the play to the outpouring of support for those affected in southern NSW, Kangaroo Island, Gippsland and north-eastern Victoria was stark.  I think all present were greatly moved.

 

A week later, we attended a production of “Mama Mia” by the Holiday Actors in Warrnambool.  This group annually presents a musical with a cast of young people and this production was vibrant, fast-paced and great fun.  It was good to see Year 11 student Nick Northeast in the cast: Nick was one of the younger members but his fine singing voice was clearly acknowledged by the producers.  This show was presented to a packed theatre and demonstrated the huge commitment of the cast since rehearsals began at weekends in late November.  It also showed the power of Drama to cover some contemporary social issues in an entertaining and non-confrontational manner.

 

We were back in Melbourne a week later to see the Australian Youth Broadway Chorus production of “Cats”.  Again, there was a full house and again a young cast was featured.  I understand that members can be in their early twenties which means that Harrison Hocking (Year 11), who was part of the active and very well-drilled cast, has many years ahead of him! Whilst the mannerisms and ways of several cats were explored, the production again challenged its audience to consider how we humans act towards others.  Once more it was delightful: vibrant, non-stop entertainment which took us to another world momentarily.  I know Harrison has been involved in rehearsals since late last year and I enjoyed seeing him in feline rather than clock-form in this production!

 

There is a strong tradition of Drama at the College.  I know Mrs Bonita Silva is planning two productions this year and I urge you to ensure we maintain the “sold out” tradition of recent years.  Stay tuned for details of the two “shows” and how to book.  Hopefully, you’ll have the chance to see both Nick and Harrison on stage locally, to be taken to another world and challenged to contemplate the one we live in.

Academic Assistance

Once again this year, the Senior School Library will remain open after school on Mondays to Thursdays for students to study.  At least one member of the teaching staff will be present to provide help as required.  The library closes at 5.45pm.

 

Students are asked to arrive promptly at 3.45pm and to sign in.  Should they need to leave before 5.30pm, parents are asked to either provide a note in the Record Book indicating their approval for an early departure or to come into the building to collect their child.  Similarly, students are asked to provide a note should they arrive after 4.00pm.  If it is a regular early departure or late arrival (eg, for sports fixtures or training), one note at the commencement of the period will be sufficient.

 

Students are also encouraged to speak directly to their teacher to arrange out-of-class assistance at other times such as recess, lunchtime, before school or (for senior students) during “spare” periods.

 

A member of the teaching staff also attends the Boarding House Prep session in the Refectory each night Monday to Thursday, unless there is a special boarders’ activity evening planned.

 

Mr Neil MacLean

Deputy Principal, Operations