Dunlop Cluster:

Purple News

Dunlop Feast Day

One word I would use to describe the Dunlop feast day? Spectacular. Not from the perspective of a proud leader of the Dunlop cluster, but in the eyes of a student who tends to not enjoy school on a daily basis. From the reverence of the mass to the friendly competition of the annual cluster games, I've got to say, this has to be one day to remember.

The Dunlop Liturgy was a great start to the day. Without the presence of a priest, the liturgy was well executed due to the planning and commitment of the Dunlop SLG council and Dunlop coordinators; Helen Berry and Mike Jones. The work was distributed to the Dunlop SLG council including; a personal address from the Dunlop leader, Olivia Corrente and Helen Berry contributed in the mass by saying the homily in her own words, and a section from Sir Weary Dunlop's war diary was recited by Mike Jones. But it doesn't stop there. Since the mass didn't have a priest, Leo McInerny, CRC Sydenham's Deputy Principal and a proud member of the Dunlop cluster, hosted the mass. The sign of peace was substituted with a fist bump and music was played by Dylan Hotriem and Charles Albanese during transitions from parts of liturgy. The celebration ended with 'Lean on Him' sung and played by Lorenzo Pagaduan, Pearl Boakai, Alexander Celestial and Isabella Bashcherini, in adjacent to a slide show of the Dunlop cluster personally made by Helen. After the liturgy ended, the Cluster enjoyed healthy wraps were served for lunch with complementary drinks, fruit and low sugar frozen yoghurt. Even though the line was very long and everyone was dying to eat, the warm lunch was worth the wait during the cold/ rainy weather. After the lunch, we had Hugh Roberton from the Sir Edward Weary Dunlop Medical Research Foundation come in as a guest speaker. He told us his life story in the military as a medic and the influence Sir Weary Dunlop had upon his life. He also taught us the meaning behind the Dunlop values of Courage, Commitment and Forgiveness, and that those are rules we should follow in our lives. The annual cluster games came straight after with the enthusiasm of the Dunlop cluster. Many games were given to each homeroom with their different sets of rules. Dunlop had a rough start but eventually started looking better as the whole cluster stayed optimistic and encouraged those who courageously participated. Everyone had such a great time and created a friendly environment for each individual to enjoy. Sadly, the games had to end early, but can I say, time flys when we are having fun. This day definitely changed my perspective of school and left a memory for me that I will cherish forever. 

Words: Ruiz Binghay D1

Photos: Helen Berry

Dunlop Retreat

It has been 3 weeks since the Year 11’s have embarked on their Retreat Journey and, unsurprisingly, the buzz is yet to come to a close. Although we have had many debates as a group as to what the best part of retreat was, something we can all agree surpassed our expectations was the fellowship and participation that was ever-present over the two Days.

Retreat had offered us, as a Cluster, the chance to exercise our values; Courage, Commitment and Forgiveness, whilst growing as a team, bonding as friends, and coming together as a cohesive cluster. All in the harmony and love that is forever sown in our CRC and Dunlop Community.

Our team working skills were brought to new heights through the exciting activities of high ropes, the giant swing, raft making, mountain biking and the leap of faith. These allowed for us to not only explore our own skills, but create new friendships and build a sense of community within the Dunlop Cluster.

As a cluster, Dunlop would like to give a special mention to Michelle Newland, who so happily gave up her time to speak to us and share with us her inspiring story, and spread her message of commitment and perseverance, which undoubtedly instilled a sense of both gratitude and inspiration in all our hearts.

We would also like to thank Paul Reed, who worked tirelessly to ensure that everything was at the highest standard and that we all made the most of our two days on retreat. Alongside him were our Tutor Leaders Matthew Dullard, Christelle Upham, and Marina Zovin, and our incredible Cluster Coordinators Helen Berry and Mike Jones.

We would like to thank all Dunlopians for an incredible Retreat experience.

#DunlopPride

Words: Alicia Grech

Photos: Dunlop Cluster