Principal's Post
Dear Parents,
The first term is always hectic in schools. As a result, camps and carnivals are often scheduled into the warmer months of February and March. We managed to complete most activities and the fact we were back in business was cherished by staff and students. As we commence Term 2, we are hopeful that all co-curricular events win occur uninterrupted and our families can attend the College as an integral part of our community and wellbeing.
The Year 12 led Mission Action Day was a wonderful success from both community-building and fund-raising perspectives. With remaining donations coming in this week and some belated donations the total is in excess of $46,000. Thank you once again for your support of the College but in this case the broader mission of the Oblates with their work in China and Southeast Asia. The behaviour and enthusiasm of the students in Year 12, as well as other year levels, was outstanding.
All College staff participated in professional learning on the Visible Wellbeing Program on Tuesday, April 26. This was introduced in 2020 and the common language of character strengths is becoming more obvious each week. Our attention to formalising Positive Psychology is both fortuitous and insightful and is hopefully equipping our young men with knowledge and skills as they develop their resilience and emotional intelligence. The program is designed for students, staff and parents. Corporations and Sporting organizations are realising the benefits of Positive Psychology and Visible Well-being. Please access the resources on MAZCOM under the Visible Wellbeing tile. www.leawaters.com and www.viacharacter.org
It is customary at the College to conduct an ANZAC Day service that enables students and staff to reflect on the sacrifices and hardships of so many who served during times of conflict and unrest, in particular those who served during the First World War and at Gallipoli. The Last Post, The Minute of Silence, Reverie, and the Ode form a ritual that is moving and prayerful.
STUDENT NEWS
The College is proud to announce that Anthony Yong (Class of 2021) has been selected to perform his Drama Solo Examination piece at Top Acts. Only a couple of Drama students from the whole of Victoria are given this honour. Top Acts 2022 is a showcase of VCE performing arts students who have achieved exemplary results in their studies of the Performing Arts subjects. The performance will take place at the Melbourne Recital Centre on May 20th. We are very proud of Anthony for this stunning achievement.
COVID NEWS
The Victorian Government has announced that it is extending the rapid antigen test (RAT) screening program for the first four weeks of Term 2. The screening recommendations will remain the same for students and staff. It is recommended to test at home twice a week (Wednesday and Sunday evening).
Students and staff who have tested positive for COVID-19, and have completed their 7-day isolation period, now do not need to undertake rapid antigen test (RAT) screening for 12 weeks after their release from isolation. This was previously 8 weeks. Students and staff who are household contacts of a COVID-19 case are no longer required to quarantine. They can return to school as long as they undertake rapid antigen tests (RAT) 5 times within their 7-day period and wear face masks indoors if they are aged 8 and above unless they have a valid exemption. If any household contact returns a positive RAT result during this period, they must isolate for 7 days and not attend school.
Parents, carers and other adult visitors (not performing work) are no longer required to show evidence of two doses of the COVID-19 vaccine. We will no longer need to request evidence of vaccination of staff or workers from external community groups who use premises outside the school’s normal operating hours.
All the best,
Dr Paul Shannon
Principal