From Holloway Road

Nothing but chances...

After what was another amazing, but always challenging, week of work at Holloway Road, I sat down last night, kept myself awake, and flicked channels between Sydney and Lahore.  As Buddy kicked his 1000th and Captain Pat irreverently sent the stumps flying to close out a historical test match series, I started to feel just a little bit normal again.   Normality has been hard to find at times in the last few years and it is not helped by Carlton winning the first three games of the year - most unsettling.

The commentary around Buddy's 1000th goal was that it would never happen again.  I think it will.  Football changes, it evolves and with that evolution comes a sense of mystery and hope.  

Where some of our cohort have found their new normal and turned their attention to nurturing both friendships and academics, others are still feeling around for what might be right for them. 

There is a recent advertisement for Deakin University that uses an adaptation of a poem by Berton Braley that sums it up beautifully:

With doubt and dismay you are smitten

You think there's no chance for you, [none]?

Why, the best books haven't been written

The best race hasn't been run,

The best score hasn't been made yet,

The best song hasn't been sung,

The best tune hasn't been played yet,

Cheer up, for the world is young!

No chance? Why the world is just eager

For things that you ought to create

Its store of true wealth is still meagre

Its needs are incessant and great,

It yearns for more power and beauty

More laughter and love and romance,

More loyalty, labor and duty,

No chance- why there's nothing but chance!                                                                                  

Berton Braley (29 January 1882 – 23 January 1966) was an American poet

The journey to 1000 goals for Lance Franklin started in round 2 against Richmond in 2005. Your journey has also begun.  Plenty of goals both metaphorically and I suppose for some, literally, have already been kicked. 

Just in case you are unsure, here is a guide to kicking goals:

1. Start from a solid base.  Be aware of your surroundings and other options that may present but don't be distracted by them; commit.
2. Identify the target but then focus on the  ball in your hands. Keep your eye on it.
3. Calmly execute the routines you have practiced before this moment, take three easy steps and guide the ball down to your foot.
4. Kick through the ball. 
5. Accept the result either way and start to look for your next chance to score. 

As we head into the first non-instructional period (some refer to it as holidays) for the academic year, I wish you all a safe and happy break. Keep leading for the ball, there will be plenty of chances to kick goals in Term 2.

Year 11 Semi-formal

Sandy by the Bay hosted this year's Year 11 Semi-Formal with over 120 students in attendance it was an amazing evening.  The pumpkin soup was a clear winner for me but I feel that the dance floor was the highlight for most of our Year 11 cohort.  With thanks to Tim Clifton, Maria Curphy and Kim Russell, the night was a great success.

Year 12 Formal

This year's Year 12 Formal was the real deal. Classic gowns and classy black ties,  great food, amazing music (ABBA and Neil Diamond again stealing the show), and of course the many many photo opportunities. The 'Night at the Oscars' highlighted our amazing school community. Thanks to the the work of Kim Russell, Jason Keyt, Amy Hooper, Yun Yun Liu and the amazing year 12 formal committee.  These things are not easy to put on each year and the uncertainty of Covid protocols doesn't make it any easier.  It is always worth it though as our Year 12 students take yet another step towards their last days at the college.

Photos from the night will feature in our next edition of the newsletter in Term 2. 

Year 12 VCAL mid-semester meetings

I have been lucky enough to catch up with all of our VCAL students and many of their families in the past few weeks.  It was incredible to touch base with so many of these driven and highly capable young people.  VET studies are a regular part of VCAL life.  The VET courses are great, hands-on, studies that can really drive the enthusiasm for a particular trade or study.  From Beauty to Building, VET courses are many and varied.

Life as a VCAL student can be strange as you move each week from high school classes to TAFE classes to high school classes, to work placements and back again but there is a clear understanding in the group that if hard work is what it takes (and it often is) then hard work is what they will produce. 

G10 Summit - 13th May

The G10 summit is a collection of activities for year 10 students with a focus on past present and future.  With a welcome to country and indigenous look at the land on which we learn; a look at drug & alcohol awareness; wellbeing activities; lunchtime rock 'n roll; and some inspirational guest speakers, the day promises to be a highlight for our year 10 cohort.   There will be more information regarding the summit posted on compass in the first week back from the break.