Principal's Report 

Staff Spirituality Day 

I take this opportunity to provide an insight into the Staff Spirituality Day which was held on Friday 19 August.  The staff gathered at the Royal Botanic Gardens Victoria at Cranbourne Gardens for a day in which we reflected on our Lasallian story.  As part of the day, staff engaged with discussion in the details of St John Baptist De La Salle’s life and reflected on the approaches he advocated in terms of teaching. 

In focusing of the qualities of a good teacher, the staff looked at the 12 virtues of a good teacher, which are shown here: 

• Gravity – behaving with dignity 
• Silence – not talking too much, but speaking when we should 
• Humility - having a positively realistic self-understanding 
• Prudence – having a sense of what is appropriate in the situation 
• Patience – coping with the downsides 
• Reserve – reflecting before acting 
• Gentleness- inspires us with goodness and sensitivity 
• Firmness – guiding forward 
• Vigilance – being aware of ourselves and aware of our students 
• Piety – being directed by our own spirituality  
• Zeal – Our eagerness in encouraging young people to be the best they can be 
• Generosity – the gift of ourselves for young people 

The spirituality day provided insights into our own individual strengths as teachers and why we are passionate about education.  There is a great deal that can be learnt from the works of St John Baptist De La Salle. In 1950, because of his life and inspirational writings, he was made Patron Saint of all those who work in the field of education.   

This day provided the opportunity for all staff to reconnect with the ideals that underpin what it is to be an educator in a Lasallian school.  We were truly blessed to be able to work alongside Brother John Cantwell and Philippe Dulawan from the Lasallian Mission Council on this day. 

STEM Week 

It has been wonderful to see the students taking part in the activities for STEM week.  We have had students making ice cream and working on many puzzles.  A special thank you to Paul Colvin for the organisation of the activities and competitions and providing these experiences for students. 

Year 10 Annual Reflection Day 

The Year 10 reflection day was held on Wednesday 24 August.  I thank Eamonn Farrelly, the Religious Education Coordinator and John Rhynehart, our Director of Faith and Mission, for their organisation of this day for our students.  The engagement of our students in this program is only made possible by the participation of our teachers in leading this day for the year 10 cohort. 

VCAL Sleepover 

The VCAL students undertook two days of excursions in the city and had a sleepover at the College on Monday 29 August.  This event proved the opportunity for students to work in teams and to build on all the skills that have been emphasised throughout the VCAL program.  I thank Shantelle Wills for her leadership, and the staff members who provided support by attending and sleeping over at the college to facilitate such as engaging opportunity for our students.  

Year 9 and 10 Camps next week 

It is wonderful that two-year levels will be able to take part in schools camps next week as they make their way to Lake Eildon National Park.  This camp enables students to undertake outdoor activities and we look forward to hearing about these experiences when the students return. 

I take this opportunity to welcome Mr Tim Hogan back to the College from Monday next week as he returns from long service leave.