Principal's Report

Dear Families and Friends of Nazareth College

Last week we celebrated our students’ successes at our College Assembly.  A number of students were awarded Faith, Wisdom and Knowledge certificates and badges.  These are prestigious awards, given to students who display outstanding qualities in the appropriate field.  These awards are only given to a student once in their six years of secondary schooling.  Each of the recipients is to be commended:

Academic Excellence awards were also presented to students who have excelled academically.  These are given to the top ten students in each year level in each of their subjects, who will be eligible for the D’Astoli  Trophy at the end-of-year awards.

Congratulations as well to the following VCAL students:

Tamika Borg who accelerated and finished her VCAL certificate at midyear and has just got her Certificate IV in Disability.

The following Students received awards for Excellence in their VET subjects:

• Bianca Caswell Year 11 - Sport and Recreation
• Holly Kurtbegovi Year 11 - Sport and Recreation
• Michael Skey Year 11 - Auto Mechanics
• Dylan Trevethick Year 12 - Plumbing

At the Assembly, we heard from Mr Innocent Karabagegu, an African refugee who is currently studying Law and will soon become a Solicitor.  He spoke about ‘doing your best’ irrespective of the odds you may be facing, as this is one way to overcome adversity.

Mr Karabagegu’s story was inspiring for all and it is hoped that all of us can learn from it and utilise the skills and talents that we were born with.  He also spoke about helping others and, as Nazarenes, it is imperative that each of us needs to ensure that we are in some way assisting those in need, as Jesus of Nazareth did throughout His life.

This was symbolised by Mr Ben Thompson’s presence at our Assembly.  Last year at this time some VCAL students led a fundraising drive under the banner of ‘Eyes for Ben’.  This was to assist Ben to purchase an upright wheelchair so that he could stand and look at people in the eye.

Last year was an exceptional year when our students raised over $6000 towards the chair.  Amazingly, Mrs Katie Bentley, from Trident Neptune ICT Support was present at our Assembly and heard and saw Ben’s appeal – she was so moved by it that, on behalf of Trident,  she generously donated in excess of $5000 to ensure that Ben had enough to purchase his chair. 

Together, along with other donations, Ben is today able to commute and be upstanding in his new American wheelchair.  This is an example of how, when we as a Community work together, we can make a significant difference to those in need.

Thursday 13 September 2018 saw the return of the Class of 2017 to its first year Alumni Reunion.  It was tremendous to catch up with these past Nazarenes to hear their stories and adventures.  I thank Helene Diamantopoulos for leading the Alumni drive.  We hope that this will be a tradition that lives on and draws back many past students.

If you are a past student, please register your details through Webpage, Facebook or Email to Helene on:

diamh@nazareth.vic.edu.au

My final comments refer to our Year 12 students who are approaching the end of their VCE / VCAL year. 

These coming holidays mark the beginning of their revision period.  In the second week, they will sit for their practice exams and commence studying for their 2018 exams.  I urge each of them to utilise this time effectively and, for some, I also suggest that they may request to reduce their part-time employment hours so that they can prepare themselves with sufficient time, without the worry of maintaining those long employment hours.

I thank each of the students and families who attended the Parent Teacher Interviews.  These are an opportunity for all students from Years 7 to 10 to be acknowledged for what they have done and also to set themselves up for a rewarding Term 4.

In summary, those who have received a ‘pat on the back’, you truly deserve it.  Those who are ‘urged to improve and apply themselves’ will need to take up the challenge and demonstrate your improvement in the coming report.

Have a restful and enjoyable break.

God Bless

Mr Sam Cosentino

Principal