PRINCIPAL'S REPORT

Dear College Community,

Yesterday I was privileged to attend one of the very best school assemblies we have held in recent years.

The assembly marked Arts week, which we are in, and International week, which commences on Monday. We were privileged to have David Tournier, a Boonwarrung man from the indigenous custodians of the land the school is on, to perform a smoking ceremony, and Janet Galpin, a Boonwarrung woman, to give the welcome to country. We also had Sean Ryan, an aboriginal man from the country around Cooktown, give an extraordinary performance on the didgeridoo.

To have to both our arts program, and our international program grounded in the context of the oldest continuous culture on earth, both acknowledged that ancient culture, and celebrated that of the modern ones which call Australia home.

Janet spoke about the importance of leading our lives with purpose, which is an important message for young people, often struggling through the teenage years in which they construct their sense of self and identity, to hear.

Joanna Nguyen, our international liaison captain, spoke about taking opportunities, and the importance of focusing on the things we have, rather than the things we are without. Again, her message was a wonderful one for all of us the hear.

We were also treated to a series of sparkling performances from the Big Band, K-Pop dance group and the international band.

Local state member for Brighton, James Newbury, also presented the school with new Australian, Aboriginal, Torres Strait Island and Victorian flags. James commented to me again that he is constantly amazed at our school and the things we do. He made special mention of this year’s Chorals Evening which he attended.

Rounding out the assembly was Ms Simmons who presented the House cross county cup to Murray.

Well done the all students and staff involved, and my particular thanks to Ms Marrron whose idea it was to hold the smoking ceremony and welcome to country.

Yours sincerely,

Mr Richard Minack, Principal