Principal News

Dear Parents and Carers,

This news update focuses on some brief reports and updates from this last fortnight.

RUOK Day-Thursday September 12

The Student Wellbeing Team and Mrs Kelly Centofanti, Ms Susan Hone, Mrs Karen Surian and Mrs Trish Star have prepared some wonderful activities for students this lunchtime to promote wellbeing for all and the importance of asking “Are you okay?” and holding a conversation to assist another person.  Just Dance activities in the hall and cupcakes for sale are also scheduled for students this Thursday lunchtime to raise awareness, funds for Headspace Griffith and to encourage that important sense of community and belonging. Headspace Griffith will present an RUOK information session to all Year 11 students in Period 2. The link here will take you to the RUOK website that provides helpful advice on how to hold these conversations-which may only be brief but can really assist. RUOK link to information website. (Headspace is the National Youth Mental Health Foundation).

College Advisory Council:

We are pleased to announce that the College Advisory Council members going forward for Semester 2 2024-2026 include:

Chairperson: Mrs Michelle Rosano

Deputy chair: Mrs Denise Scarfo

Parent representative: Mrs Michelle D’Aquino

Parent representative: Mrs Sonia De Lucchi

Appointed staff member: Ms Helen Brill (Business Manager)

Ex Officio Members: Dr Penny Ludicke (Principal)

Fr Connell Perry (Parish Priest-Bishop’s Delegate)

The College Advisory Council meets Monday Week 6 each term from 6-7.30pm, with the AGM held in Term 2 prior to the regular meeting. 

The role of the council is to be the leading advisory group for the Principal and an active forum for parent and community participation and communications. We are very grateful and appreciative of the service offered by our members listed above and are looking forward to working with them over the next few years. In line with the focus on Safeguarding for all students this month of September, we will be adding a regular report on School Safeguarding matters to council business each term going forward. Parents may also wish to raise general matters with the council chair or members for future discussion at council meetings.

Enrolments and Year 7 2025 Transition:

The enrolment process is almost complete and we anticipate that a first round letter of offer should be sent out to families before the end of Term 3. This will be followed closely by a second round offer, as these become available. My thanks go to Mrs Julie O’Keeffe, and Mrs Janine Van Jaarsveld for their excellent work in this space and to Mrs Lora Segrave and supporting teachers for the outstanding transition program prepared for our future students running all year. Thank you also to Mrs Laura Jenkins and all involved in running ascertainment meetings with parents  to assist in identifying additional provisions for qualifying students.

Senior Students

Post School Destinations Survey from the Department of Education for Year 12 students; In this newsletter you will find further information regarding a survey for current Year 12 students or those leaving school tracking alumni activities in 2025. The survey will be held by DET NSW and we encourage the Year 12 students 2024  to look for the invitations next year and participate in this important survey.

Year 11 Preliminary Exams Week 9 & 10: Thank you to Mrs Kate Norris, her team and Mr Seers, Mr Herb, Mr Summerville and Mr Lyon for support during this time.  Best wishes to all students undertaking these. Remembering the key to successful exam study includes ensuring that revision of content is consistent, manageable  and regular, with students paying attention to the importance of sleep, good nutrition and regular exercise and relaxation to assist with stress management.

Community

We continue to keep all students and staff in our community affected by recent loss and   illness in our thoughts and prayers, including the family of Oliver Griffiths after the recent tragic death of former student Ethan Griffiths.

Dear Lord, 

We offer our intentions of solace for all grieving families to you. May the love of your son Jesus Christ and Your Holy Spirit be a source of comfort and strength. May all feel Your loving presence. Grant peace and the hope of better days ahead.

Amen    (adapted from comfort.com)

Dr Penny Ludicke

Principal