Senior School

It has been a busy start to the year for our Senior School students in their respective year levels. The buzz around the school has certainly been noted and the theme of Strive for Greatness has been shining through the student’s attitudes and behaviours. 

Tuesday 13 February saw the Senior School participate in the annual Swimming Carnival. It was a hot day so there was plenty of enthusiasm to get in the water and try win some points for houses. It was a pleasing site to see so many of our students embrace the opportunity to have a free swim during lunchtime. 

We were excited to have families onsite for the leadership induction assembly. As our leaders took centre stage to pledge their commitment to lead their peers, staff and community from the front, it was clear to see we have strong candidates in these key positions. 

To the students that were successful in reaching their desired leadership role, congratulations on your official position, to those that applied and missed out, remember that leadership is not only for those with a badge but for every student, should they choose to demonstrate the attributes expected of a leader.

In week 4 of Term 1, Year 12 students went off to Queenscliff for their Year 12 retreat. It was here they had an adventurous time swimming and snorkelling with seals while also spotting dolphins playfully gliding under our boat and net seats. Students were introduced to a pub meal, a first for many. We spent day 2 soaking up the sun on a hot 35-degree day as we headed down to the beach for a swim, some fish and chips and sports. The retreat ended with us heading to Sorrento on the ferry so students could explore the are and get some lunch. 

All in all, it was a lovely break for our Year 12 students before they head into the busiest year of their schooling. 

I take this opportunity to thanks Mrs Scarlata, Mr Zafiropoulos, Mr Hines and Mr Gobbo for their assistance during camp. Without their help, the camp would not have been such a success, and the students would not have experienced all they did. Another special mention to Mr Dickinson and Mr Robertson for their efforts on coming down to visit and spend some time with the students. 

Manoj Patel

Year 12 Coordinator 

We are off to an incredible start to the new year, with lots of exciting and enriching activities taking place in the first few weeks. From School Blessing Services to Leadership Assemblies and Academic Excellence Assemblies, our students have a lot to be proud of.

We started the year by coming together as a school community for a Blessing Ceremony, which was a wonderful way to set a positive tone for the year ahead. This was followed by Leadership Assembly, where our students had the opportunity to celebrate the school leaders they chose to represent them for the year ahead. This is a good opportunity for everyone to reflect on their own personal strengths and qualities, and how they can use these to make a positive impact on the world. 

God taught us in the “Parable of the Talents”, in Matthew 25: 14-30, that it is a privilege to be entrusted with talents, resources and opportunities to work towards God’s purpose in the world. The implication of the parable is that if we do so, we take our place among all the faithful, trustworthy servants of God, no matter how big or small our accomplishments may seem. Let’s not waste the talents given to us and as Arthur Demetriou said in his closing speech at the Academic Excellence Assembly this week “let us all be instigators of the positive change we want to see in the world and stop making excuses”.

One particularly exciting event last week was the Year 11 camp in Torquay. This was a fantastic opportunity for our students to build relationships, develop leadership skills, and engage in outdoor activities that was fun for both teachers and students.

At the same time, our Year 10 students participated in a 3-day wellbeing program, which focused on developing their skills to enhance mental health and wellbeing. We understand that mental health and wellbeing are paramount for academic success and overall happiness, and we are committed to providing our students with the tools they need to thrive in all areas of their lives.

We are incredibly proud of our students and staff for their dedication to creating a positive and inclusive learning environment. We are excited to see what the rest of the year has in store and look forward to continuing to work together to ensure that our students reach their full potential.

Paula Dimitriou-Tsiagalos

Year Level Leader (Years 10 & 11)