Chev Need to Knows
24 April 2025
Welcome to Term 2, 2025!
We are looking forward to welcoming all students back to school on Tuesday 29 April in Winter uniform and with appropriate haircuts. You can find helpful photographs in the front of your child's diary if you are unsure about what is permitted.
At the first bell, on Tuesday, students should leave their bags in the CHED and go straight to the JFC to sit with their Home Rooms. Following a short welcome back assembly, Tuesday will follow the Day 2 timetable.
Please note that Monday 28 April is a Staff Development Day and the school office will be closed all day.
Dear Parents and Carers,
It is with a heavy heart that we acknowledge the passing of Pope Francis, a leader whose legacy will be remembered for generations to come. His profound contributions to the world, particularly through his encyclicals Laudato Si' and Fratelli Tutti, have left an indelible mark on our collective consciousness.
Laudato Si', Pope Francis' 2015 encyclical regarding the environment, called us, as it still does today, to care for our common home with a spirit of stewardship and responsibility. In the context of our recent Staff Spirituality Day, this message resonates deeply with our challenges regarding sustainability and respect for creation. His teachings remind us that our actions today shape the world of tomorrow, urging us to live with greater awareness and compassion.
In Fratelli Tutti, released in October 2020, right in the middle of the global Covid pandemic, Pope Francis spoke eloquently about the importance of fraternity and social friendship. He emphasised the need for kindness, understanding and compassion in a world often divided by differences - differences which have become more prominent with recent conflicts in various parts of the world. The call to universal brotherhood and sisterhood aligns seamlessly with the MSC value of kindness, which we hold dear at Chevalier College. It is a reminder that kindness is not just an act, but a way of being that fosters unity and peace.
In 2016, Pope Francis said, “Love and charity, are service, helping others, serving others. There are many people who spend their lives in this way, in the service of others. … When you forget yourself and think of others, this is love!”
For me, the metaphor of a shepherd looking after his flock was always prominent when thinking about Pope Francis. He occasionally reminded his fellow priests to be “shepherds with the smell of the sheep.” Pope Francis was not only a shepherd who looked after his flock, but also one who walked among them, sharing in their joys and sorrows, and ‘smelling’ just like them. His presence was a testament to his deep connection with people from all walks of life. This metaphor of the shepherd being among his flock beautifully encapsulates his approach to leadership, one that is grounded in humility, empathy, and genuine care.
Above all, Pope Francis came across as one of us. In 2017, he openly acknowledged that he sometimes fell asleep while praying. At the time he said that this is not necessarily a negative thing. He even suggested that falling asleep during prayer can be a sign of a comfortable and intimate relationship with God, like a child resting in the arms of a parent.
As we reflect on Pope Francis' legacy, let us be inspired by his vision of a world where kindness prevails, and where we are all stewards of creation, and sisters and brothers to one another. His life and teachings will continue to guide us as we strive to be our best selves and, in doing so, make the world a better place.
Eternal rest grant unto him, O Lord,
And let perpetual light shine upon him.
May he rest in peace.
Amen
On another matter...
As I mentioned in Chev News at the end of last term, parents and carers are warmly invited to attend an evening with Professor Sandra Milligan on Monday 28 April at 7.00pm: Capabilities Required for a Changing World. This is an opportunity to hear from Professor Milligan about the emerging opportunities for credentialling students for post-school pathways. By sharing her insights and research, Sandra will explain how the new ‘capabilities focussed’ model is positively impacting students, parents and schools, shaping the future of assessment and highlighting the need for competency-rich learning.
Click here to book your place for Monday’s evening with Professor Sandra Milligan.
In conclusion, I trust you and your family have enjoyed your Easter break and the Blessing which came with that. May tomorrow’s Anzac Day remind us of the courage, sacrifice, and enduring spirit of those who served. Lest we forget. We are fortunate to live in a country that enjoys the benefits of freedom, thanks to their sacrifices.
The staff looks forward to all students returning to school on Tuesday 29 April for another great term in the life of Chevalier College.
Best Wishes,
Greg Miller
Principal
Anzac Day Marches
We warmly invite students to represent Chevalier College at Anzac Day marches across the Southern Highlands tomorrow, as well as in Picton and Kangaroo Valley.
Uniform: Students should wear full Winter uniform. Senior students should also wear their blazers.
Students are asked to have breakfast before the March and stay well hydrated.
On Arrival: Look for the Chevalier College flag and check in with the supervising staff member.
BOWRAL MAIN SERVICE
📍 Coles car park
🕙 Arrive by 10.10am (March at 10.30am)
MOSS VALE MAIN SERVICE
📍 Queen Street car park
🕥 Arrive by 10.30am (March at 11.00am)
MITTAGONG MAIN SERVICE
📍 Albion Street (off Main Street)
🕙 Arrive by 10.10am (March at 10.45am)
PICTON
📍 Laneway behind Picton Hotel
🕕 Arrive by 6.10am (March at 6.30am)
KANGAROO VALLEY
No Chev staff will be present at this march, but families local to the area are encouraged to represent the College.
📍 Village Green Nursery car park
🕘 Arrive by 9.30am (March at 10.00am)
LEST WE FORGET
Kelly Walker
Assistant Principal - Wellbeing and Growth
Winter Sports
Winter training will begin on Tuesday 28 April. Team selections are now complete, and permission notes will be available in the Orbit app / Parent Lounge early next week for those students who are in winter sports teams. It is essential that you approve your child's participation by Thursday 1 May, as students who do not have approval via the Orbit app / Parent Lounge will not be able to play.
ISA Round 1 is Saturday 3 May. Bus times, as well as the Home and Away fixture schedule, will be posted next week on the Orbit app / Parent Lounge.
Weather: team training will always proceed unless otherwise notified by the College. In the case of inclement weather, students will participate in indoor sessions and should come prepared with joggers (not football boots).
Reminder: College Cross Country was rescheduled and will take place on Monday 5 May.
Coach Phillips
Extra Curriculum Administrator
Chev Shop
The Chev Shop will be open on Monday 28 April from 9.00am - 12.30pm and 1.00pm - 2.30pm.
(However please note that the school office is closed on Monday.)
College Tote Bag
College tote bags (for Year 11 and 12 senior students only) will be available to purchase from the Chev Shop from Thursday 1 May during normal shop opening hours. The tote bags cost $40.
Reminder: the tote bag can be used instead of, or in conjunction with, the College backpack. We strongly recommend that if using the tote bag, devices should be in a case, and/or padded bag. The tote will not provide the protection for devices that the backpack does. All Year 11 students must have either the College backpack or tote bag from Week 3, Term 2.
Natalie LaGarde
Dean of Students
Apply Now for Year 7 2027!
If you have a child currently in Year 5, now is the time to submit your application for enrolment in Year 7, 2027. Applications are due 1 June 2025.
We are receiving a high number of applications for this year group and we don't want our current families to miss out on a place. If you know any friends who are also hoping to enrol their children, please encourage them to submit their application now.
Click here for a link to the online application form.
Year 7 Vaccinations - Monday 12 May
The NSW School Vaccination Program will be visiting the College for Year 7 vaccinations on Monday 12 May.
Year 7 students are offered a single dose vaccine for diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis (whooping cough) and a single dose vaccine for human papillomavirus (HPV).
Vaccination will only be given at school if parental/guardian consent has been received. Please provide online vaccination consent for your child using this link. You must have a Service NSW account and a Medicare card to log in.
Should you require further information, please read the NSW School Vaccination Program Newsletter. For more information, please visit NSW School Vaccination Program.
Mother’s Day High Tea - Friday 9 May
We warmly welcome mothers and mother figures to our Mother’s Day High Tea, to be held on Friday 9 May from 9.30 - 11.00am.
Tickets are $27 each (plus booking fee), which includes a professionally catered high tea. Beautiful lucky door prizes will be on offer and our CAPALoT students will be performing for our guests.
Please follow the link below to purchase tickets by Monday 5 May.
*Please note that tickets are required for mums/grandmas/guests only. Students will join us for the liturgy and reflection and will return to class when food service commences.
We look forward to a wonderful morning of celebration and connection.
Save the Dates!
As previously advised, we have two important events coming up and encourage you to save the dates. Booking links for both events will be sent soon.
On Thursday 8 May, we are hosting a Community Forum: Teens, Mobile Phones and Social Media.
On Monday 2 June, Daniel Principe is visiting the College and will be providing an informative talk for parents and carers after his workshops with students during the school day. We expect this event to be extremely popular so please keep an eye out for the booking link.
- An Evening with Professor Sandra Milligan: Capabilities Required for a Changing World - 28 April (see Principal's Message above to book)
- All Students Return - 29 April
- Years 9 and 10 da Vinci Decathalon - 2 May
- ISA Round 1 - 3 May
- Cross Country - 5 May
- Year 11 Studies of Religion 2 Excursion - 5 May
- Year 9 iSTEM Excursion - 5 May
- Years 9 and 11 White Card Training - 5 May
- Community Forum: Teens, Mobile Phones and Social Media - 8 May - SAVE THE DATE
- Mother's Day Morning Tea - 9 May
- ISA Round 2 - 10 May
- Year 9 Retreat - 12 May
- Year 7 Vaccinations - 12 May
- Year 11 Agriculture Excursion - 12 May
- Year 11 Ancient History Excursion - 12 May
- Year 12 Chemistry Excursion - 12 May
- NSWCIS Netball Championships - 15 May
- ISA Round 3 - 17 May
- Daniel Principe Talk for Parents and Carers - 2 June - SAVE THE DATE