A Word from the Acting Principal

Welcome back!

As we welcome students back to the College after the term break, I was reminded by some students of my address at the end of Term 1 assembly.  Within this, I spoke to the students in football terms, and used the analogy of it being like quarter time. 

It is an important time in the game of footy - time to do a score check, recharge the batteries and re-focus on the game plan. How are we going? Have I played my best? It’s not that different for us in the school setting. We have played hard for the last 10 weeks, and kicked a lot of goals, and over the upcoming break we have a chance to rest, re-energise and make sure we are fit for the 2nd quarter.

I reminded students that the upcoming two-week term break provided an ideal opportunity to stop and reflect. 

What have I achieved so far this year?

What has worked well?

What can I be proud of?

And don’t avoid the hard questions:

What mistakes have I made?

What could I have done better?

Have I let anyone down or failed to show what I am capable of at any time?

Have I been less than I am capable of?

I was not suggesting to the students to write an essay on the topic, but rather to find some time to be quiet and honest and reflective. 

At the assembly, I acknowledged the fact that some students were recognised for their endeavours and there are students who have taken time to think about their progress and their behaviour, they have made choices to work harder, be more focused and give it their best shot. And they have reaped the rewards as a result. Just like an elite athlete does in preparing for their best performance. I impressed on the students that if you put your best foot forward in Term 1, if you threw yourself into the game of school life and had a go, then congratulations. 

I was reminded by some students on their return through the school gates that they had reflected and that this new term was an opportunity and was indeed the 2nd quarter and they wanted to to be best on ground and to reach their own personal best.  What a wonderful way to be greeted on day one of Term 2 with students eager to achieve their potential!

Field Day

On Tuesday, the College community enjoyed a high-spirited day at UTAS oval for our annual Field Day. House colours of green, red and gold were on display with Lourdes, Loreto and Carmel, respectively, – the colours filled the space, and along with cheers of encouragement and efforts of strength and determination, led to the enjoyment of a terrific whole school event. 

What impressed me the most, though, was to witness the student participation and engagement not only with their peers, but more impressively the older students running with the younger students and encouraging and supporting them.  This was echoed when I was approached by a member of staff, I am paraphrasing, but in essence, that they had worked in many schools over the years and had never witnessed such authentic generosity of our senior girls towards our younger students.  

Kindness is free to give, but priceless to receive.

Well done to all who participated with energy and supported House members and a very big congratulations to Loreto for winning Field Day for 2024!

God’s blessings for the week ahead.