From the Principal

Benvenuto - Welcome

Welcome to the first edition of il giornale for 2024. This publication is a celebration of learning at St Anne’s College and contains stories of wonderful learning moments, achievements and recognition. Our Communications team does such an incredible job bringing it all together so please take the time to sit back and enjoy each fortnightly edition. 

This year marks a pivotal point in time for our college as we have our first group of year 12 students undertaking their VCE studies. We have students in both the VCE and VCE VM programs and we are excited to take this journey with them as they complete their final year of secondary education. Our very first cohort of Foundation have now blossomed into incredible young learners who embody the learning assets in everything they do at school. They are wonderful role models for their Foundation buddies. The Foundation students have had a wonderful start to the year, albeit a little tired by the end of the week.

The year starts with a flurry of activity. We held our college opening mass on Tuesday where we reflected on the diocesan theme for the year: ‘Behold, I make all things new.’ This theme encourages us to celebrate and embrace the opportunities for renewal and experiencing things for the first time – giving thanks to God for the ways in which our lives are made new each and every day. It was at this mass that we were able to present our inaugural college captains and house captains with their badges, signifying the beginning of their year long journey as leaders of the college. We wish them well in their growth and development as leaders, not only in the college, but as future leaders in the world.

We also have the welcome BBQ on Tuesday 21st Feb. (5:30-7:00pm) This is an annual event where we can have the opportunity to meet as a community in a social setting, getting to know each other and enjoying each other’s company. On the night we will have stalls set up with information about the Parent Access Module (PAM) and The Resilience Project (TRP). We look forward to seeing you all there. 

As you are all aware, there is a current teacher shortage crisis across the country. St Anne’s College is not immune to this crisis, and as a growing college, we are experiencing shortages of teaching staff. We have a wonderfully committed staff group at the college who are going above and beyond each and every day to ensure our students continue to grow and flourish as learners. We do have three more overseas candidates currently going through the VISA process and teacher registration process to fill some of the positions. We continue to advertise broadly and seek quality applicants for our teaching positions. 

February 13 marks the anniversary of the National Apology to the Stolen Generations. The apology was delivered in 2008 by the then Prime Minister Kevin Rudd. The origins of the apology event can be found in the ‘Bringing them Home’ report by the Human Rights and Equal Opportunity Commission. When we acknowledge country as we gather, we are reminded that there is much to be done towards true reconciliation. Remembering this historic occasion is one way we, as a community, can keep the narrative going and take steps towards justice and healing. Our student leaders, FIRE carriers and some staff will be attending the annual Shepparton Apology Breakfast at the Queen’s Gardens on Tuesday morning. 

This Tuesday is Shrove Tuesday. Shrove Tuesday is the traditional feast day before the start of Lent on Ash Wednesday. Lent – the 40 days leading up to Easter – was traditionally a time of fasting and Shrove Tuesday was an opportunity to ‘purge’ all of the pantry items in preparation for the fasting period. The VCE VM students will be facilitating the cooking and sharing of pancakes throughout the day as a mark of the tradition. Wednesday, students will participate in Ash Wednesday liturgies. 

As always, my greatest hope for you is that you find JOY in spending time with your family and friends this weekend.

Susan Carroll

Principal

Thanks to the following businesses for supporting St Anne's College:

 Adornato's

for landscaping supplies 

 Intercontinental Spares

for the 40ft shipping container

 ConX Hire

for the VMS display board