Associate Principal, Operations Report

The recent success of the Under 16 College Magpies football team has been noted in the local media, although they did manage to suggest Joe Williams’ great last-quarter goal was kicked by someone else!  The Under 14s also made the Grand Final and performed very well although they were not ahead when the final siren sounded.  Well done to all our footballers and to those in other sports which are drawing to a close as finals series run their course at present.

These many sporting finals caused me to consider several other “finals” which have occurred recently.

Last week, ten Year 10 students competed in the annual Deakin University Maths Challenge.  This is an activity for strong mathematicians and the students work in teams.  We understand that both our teams finished in the top ten in fine performances.  In addition, in the individual calculations, Niamh Jones was placed second overall, a most impressive effort.  Thanks to Mr Budenberg for overseeing this activity.

Also last week, Mrs Hutton took three students to the Ice Challenge in Warrnambool.  This activity sought the views of young people about current issues of importance in regions around the state.  Our three students contributed positively and thoughtfully to the discussion.  Well done Valentina, Elly and Jarrod!

Last weekend, a group of Year 5 and 6 students attended the Tournament of the Minds challenge in Geelong.  Again, positive and worthwhile contributions were made and the students performed extremely well.  A full report can be found later in the newsletter.  Many thanks to Mr Nelson and Mrs Robertson for overseeing this activity.

This week, our Percussion Ensemble performed at the Royal South Street competitions in Ballarat.  This is a very highly regarded event and our involvement provided a further opportunity for our musicians to take to the stage.  The Jazz weekend in Mt Gambier earlier in the year was another such opportunity.  Thank you to Mr Evans-Barker for his work with our percussionists and to Mr Hiscock for his role in ensuring the students were ready to go.

At the South West Zone Clay target Championships recently, Andrew Crafter and Ayleish Beaty qualified for the State Championships.  Andrew won his Senior Boys’ section with 19 out of 20 clays hit whilst Ayleish finished a fine third in the Junior Girls’ Division.  Our team also performed very creditably.

In the past week, Dr Hirst and I have had the pleasure of meeting around twenty students who applied for the 2017 School Captain and Vice-Captain positions.  Our interviews were with polished and well-presented young men and women of quality and integrity.  Other staff involved in the interviewing process for other positions for next year reported similarly.  Students wrote impressive letters of application, they each included a detailed curriculum vitae with their application, and they spoke confidently and positively about their ideas for the College and the role they could play in it.

With staff currently finalising reports for the end of term, class activities and assessments are being reviewed and tabulated.  Year 12 (and most Year 11) students have preliminary examinations at the end of this term and the commencement of Term Four to prepare for the final VCE papers, as well as Revision Lectures during the holidays.  

…and we hear from further afield that Finn and Airlie Bowes continue to enjoy success on the snowfields and we look forward to welcoming them back next term and hearing of their exploits.

So many chances to shine!

Mr Neil MacLean