Especean

Principal

Welcome back to Term 4

A warm welcome to everyone in anticipation of a very busy, but short, school term. It is only a nine-week term, so it is essential that the boys attend school every day (unless they are unwell) and that they engage in their learning with renewed gusto.

 

Our teachers will be teaching the boys right up until 5 December; there will be no slacking off!

 

During the two weeks of break from the College, I took the opportunity to binge watch Ted Lasso, a series I heard so much about. It now has to be one of my favourite TV shows. I have laughed, cried, been inspired, and most importantly, learned leadership skills and lessons that can be applied to any leadership context in which one finds themselves. Here are some of my favourite quotes students and staff can lean on and weave into their daily practice: 

  • "Be a goldfish". Ted Lasso's catchphrase, "Be a goldfish," teaches us the value of resilience and staying present. In any school community, challenges will arise, and it's crucial to approach them with a fresh mindset. By encouraging students and staff to adopt this perspective, we can create an environment that promotes growth, adaptability, and a positive attitude toward overcoming obstacles. Embracing the resilience of a goldfish allows everyone in the school community to learn from past experiences, move forward, and continuously strive for improvement. 
     
  • "There's two buttons I never like to hit: panic and snooze". School can be overwhelming. Let us acknowledge the manic directions that we can be pulled in at any given time. Ted's aversion to hitting the panic button highlights the importance of remaining calm and composed in the face of adversity. For students and staff, addressing challenges head-on and taking a proactive approach is essential. By facing problems with a clear mind and a willingness to find solutions, we can create a sense of stability and trust among staff, students, and families. This proactive style enables the school community to overcome obstacles and work together towards common goals. 
     
  • "Success is not about the wins and losses. It's about helping these young fellas be the best versions of themselves, on and off the field". Ted Lasso's genuine concern for the growth and development of his players extends beyond the sports arena. Staff prioritise the holistic wellbeing of their students. Fostering an environment that nurtures personal growth and character development is just as crucial as academic achievement. By investing in students' emotional, social, and ethical development, we ensure they become well-rounded individuals capable of thriving in all aspects of life. This approach requires creating a school culture that values empathy, inclusivity, and individual progress. By emphasising (and modelling) the importance of personal growth, leaders inspire their students and school community to reach their full potential and become positive contributors to society. 
     
  • "Success is not the absence of failure; it's the persistence through failure". As a school leader, redefining success as a continuous journey rather than a destination is essential. Ted Lasso's words emphasise that setbacks and failures are an inevitable part of the process. We all need to encourage resilience and perseverance among students by celebrating their efforts and highlighting the valuable lessons learned from failures. By reframing setbacks as opportunities for growth, we empower students to face challenges head-on, develop a growth mindset, and cultivate a passion for lifelong learning. This approach nurtures students’ self-belief and encourages them to take risks and equips them with the essential skills needed to navigate the complexities of the modern world. 

Ted Lasso's infectious positivity and unwavering dedication to his team offer valuable lessons for those of us in a school environment. By embracing the qualities of resilience, composure, empathy, and a growth mindset, we (staff and parents) can create a nurturing environment that fosters the holistic development of their students. Let us take inspiration from Ted Lasso's leadership approach and continue to positively impact the lives of our students and our school communities. By implementing these lessons, we can build an inclusive, supportive, and thriving school environment where students can flourish and achieve their full potential.

Staff Changes

A warm welcome to everyone in anticipation of a very busy, but short, school term. 

  • Congratulations to Ms Marrapodi who will be replacing Mr Bottalico as the Acting Justice and Peace Coordinator this term. 
     
  • Ms Elma-Mary Dib is joining us as a permanent Learning Support Officer, replacing Ms Raheb. 
     
  • Ms Shale Preston is joining us as an English teacher for Term 4. Ms Preston will be covering some of the loads left by Ms Naidoo and Ms Raheb who have left the College’s employ.
     
  • Ms Elizabeth Lowrencev is joining us as a Music teacher for Term 4 to cover Ms Ovijach’s Long Service Leave. 
     
  • Ms Gowri Ramasubramanian is joining us as a temporary full-time Mathematics teacher for Term 4, replacing Mrs Buchanan who is still on parental leave.
     
  • Mr Robin Jeffery is joining us as a Learning Support Teacher in the Junior School for Term 4 to cover Ms Compton’s Long Service Leave.  
     
  • Mrs Sally Cott, College Nurse, will be commencing with us on Monday 6 November 2023. 
     
  • We all wish Mr Mohammed Tabbara as he formally takes on the substantive position of Head of Mathematics. Mr Wheatley will now be on Long Service Leave for the rest of this year and the entirety of 2024. After over twenty years of loyal service to the College, we wish him a well-deserved rest!
     
  • In the same vein, we wish Ms Ho, Mrs Karinfilovski and Mr Bottalico as they take on the respective positions of Head of HSIE (A), Head of Visual Arts and Year 7 Coordinator respectively. 
     
  • I am grateful to Mr Phillipson who will continue in the role of Acting Director of Learning and Innovation in Term 4. We all welcome Mrs Lombardo back as a part-time English teacher in Term 4 as she continues to balance her family commitments and her work schedule.

In Memoriam

I’ve been made aware of a couple of sad losses for members of our community.

  • Firstly, our Property and Facilities Manager, Mr Chris Hughes, lost his mother-in-law, Joan during the vacation break.
     
  • Joshua Lattanzi (Year 8) lost his maternal grandmother who lived up in Brisbane. Her name is Maris Iona Golledge and she had just celebrated her 90th birthday. We keep Julie, Robert and Joshua Lattanzi in our prayers at this challenging time and look forward to Josh returning to school.
     
  • We pray for Dylan Celegon (Year 10), Max Celegon (Year 7) and Oscar Celegon (Year 5) on the loss of their grandfather, Old Boy Robert Iacono (’64) this week. Mr Iacono is husband to Beatrice Iacono (former staff member), and father to Old Boy Carl Iacono (’94). 

Eternal rest grant unto them, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon them. May their souls and the souls of all the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace.

 

Dr Vittoria Lavorato

 

Principal

 

SPC boys can do anything! 

**except divide by zero