Principal
It is hard to believe that the end of the Term is upon us. Throughout the last fortnight, there have been a plethora of activities taking place; Year 12 Trial Exams, SSV Regional Athletics, AJASS Pilgrimage as well as our Art Show and Music Soiree and R U OK? Day. It is these very events that build so significantly a sense of community and belonging.
Art Show and Music Soiree
Congratulations to the Arts and Technology faculty for holding an engaging Art Show and an extremely entertaining Music Soiree on Wednesday night. The student's work from VCE Art, VCE Visual Communication and Design as well as VET Applied Fashion was showcased in the Chapel. We were then entertained by our VCE VET Music students, as well as our Year 7 Country Band, Junior Choir, Senior Choir, Guitar ensembles, and the Fusion Group. Students presented beautifully and confidently on stage where the talent shone through. The final act for the night was the Teacher Band!
The quality of Visual Arts and Performing Art pieces was outstanding and students, together with staff, are to be congratulated for an outstanding display of creative and artistic talent.
We want to particularly thank Laura Higgins and Claire Mangs for their organisation of the Art Show and express our gratitude to Beth Winterhalter, who was supported by David Robinson, Daniel Isgro, Mark Finsterer and Meg Doherty, for the preparation and support of performers.
R U OK? Day
R U OK? day was celebrated in the College yesterday (Thursday 14th September) and provided all with a significant message about mental health. At the very core of the R U OK? campaign is the encouragement of and commitment to checking in on those who are vulnerable. It is a calling to be in solidarity with each other and commit to a community-based approach to tackling what is a significant issue for youth. Central to the principles of Catholic Social teaching is the dignity and respect afforded to all. It is also a time to give thanks to our Well-Being Teams and especially our Counselling Teams who support, on a daily basis, those that are not feeling okay. The question, “R U OK?” was asked of all yesterday, the important learning stemming from this is for all to ask that same question of others every day. A highlight for many on the day was the cupcakes, as well as the music performance at lunchtime.
Further information and free resources are available at https://www.ruok.org.au/
Uniform
With the change in seasons and the change from winter to summer uniforms, it is essential that all students are wearing complete and proper uniform, including the wearing of blazers. We often talk about students wearing their uniform with pride. Pride is a theme worth exploring, pride in school, pride in learning and pride in the way we represent the College.
Staffing Update
Lloyd Pendergast finished today at the College. Lloyd joined the College Community in 2022, and in that time has been a Learning and Teaching Leader (Humanities 2022), Year 7 Homeroom Teacher, Religious Education, Humanities and Legal Studies Teacher. We thank him for his contributions to the College. We also take this opportunity to wish him well for his upcoming wedding on the middle weekend of the holidays.
Next term we will welcome Travis Newton. Travis is coming to the College from St Josephs Wonthaggi, and will be teaching Physical Education from Years 7 to 10. We also welcome Nicole Buccilli to the College next term. Nicole is a former student, and is currently teaching at St Josephs Wonthaggi. Nicole will take over Lloyd Prendergast’s teaching load.
Thank you to Danielle Fowles who has been working in the Library this term, Tracey Bugbird will return from her leave in Term 4!
Reminder: The first day of Term 4 is Monday, 2 October 2023.
We wish you all a very safe and relaxing term break and look forward to seeing you in Term 4.
As we head into the break, we leave you with this prayer:
Lord, as we have reached the end of term, we have the opportunity to reflect on the many blessings you have given us during this time. Thank you for our school, our teachers, our friends and our classmates. We ask that you keep us safe over the holidays, and that we return to school rested and enthusiastic for another term of learning. We ask for your guidance to always see your presence in our lives and ask that you continue to bless all in our school community as we strive to be the best versions of ourselves. We make our prayer through Christ who inspires us every day, Amen.
Jodie Connell and John Ryan
Acting Co-Principals