From the Principal

As always, it was lovely to see everyone return to school following Easter and the Term 1 holidays.  The early part of the term has been notable for the way everyone has swiftly got back into the rhythm and routine of school life.  The life of sports days, excursions, community events, assemblies and we cannot forget the life of the classroom.  Meanwhile, in the Performing Arts Department, rehearsals for our 2021 production ‘The Wizard of Oz’ are gathering pace.

During the term holidays we celebrated the three holiest days and events in the Christian calendar. This week and last week, we recalled the significance of the Easter events through Religious Education Classes.  In doing so, we were reminded that Easter is not just one day; it is a whole season of 50 days which lasts until Pentecost.  Easter, of course, is about new life. We rejoice in the new life of Jesus.  We rejoice that all of us are nourished by the life of God whenever we share in the Easter sacrament of the Eucharist.  We take stock and we endeavour to ‘rise up’ in areas of our lives which need our prayers and attention.

With ANZAC Day falling on Sunday this year, we commemorated the sacrifices made by men and women during the conflicts in which Australia has been embroiled, through a range of learning opportunities within the community.  I was recently chatting with a parent about the meaning of Anzac Day and how this has changed overtime and probably for the better.  The conversation centred around feeling uncomfortable at what was perceived to be the glorification of militarism.  More recently, ANZAC Day seems to enable us to solemnly reflect upon the quiet bravery of legions of men and women whilst also causing us to contemplate the folly of war and the beauty of peace.  This was never more evident on Sunday when our school captains, Harry Shortis and Greta Sullivan, along with the captains from the P-12 College spoke on behalf of their peers about the meaning of Anzac Day.  The laying of the wreath by Hannah Hocking and Hanna Taylor was a further gesture of our respect to those who have fallen for us.

With exams, the General Achievement Test, NAPLAN and a battery of assessment coming up, Term 2 is a crucial one in the academic life for all students within our College.  For our younger students, it is exploring the rapid growth that is forever possible, and for our senior students, it is about rising to the challenge and demonstrating resilience in their learning.

It was great to witness so many families join as a College community for our welcome breakfast.  Connection will always remain innate to our feelings, and this morning, for the first time in a long time, we were able to feel this nourishment in many ways.  It has also been great to witness families join us onsite for our Cuppa and Convo session and our Subject Teacher Conversations. These events, while different in nature, support our partnership together in supporting the life journey of each child. 

Lastly, we are very excited to be able to again host the Mother’s Day stall on Friday, 7th May for our students.  Specific information can be found it today's newsletter.  If the little things in life bring you joy, take five minutes to watch the excitement on the children's faces and the joy in which our wonderful parents support our students in purchasing gifts for their special people.  A priceless moment of joy!!!!

Brayden Stone

Principal