From the Principal

Benvenuto - Welcome

I would like to start this communication by thanking you all for the wonderful way in which you responded to the latest ‘circuit-breaker’ requiring a return to distance learning mode. The families, students, staff and Learning Mentors have all been a fantastic example of demonstrating our college expectations: Respecting everyone and everything, doing our best and helping others to succeed. Whilst we have returned to onsite learning, there are still restrictions in place in terms of visitors on site. The current school operations guidelines require us to limit the visitors to the college to those who are performing essential school services and operations. To support this, we have reinstated the drop-off/pick-up zone so that we are limiting the opportunity for people to gather on college grounds. Important information about the drop-off/pick-up zone and the return to onsite learning, including a video made by students and staff, can be found on the General Notices page of this edition of il giornale. Children aged 12 and over are required to carry a face mask at all times and wear a mask when inside. This has been a challenge for some students and we ask for parent support in reinforcing the importance of this requirement with their child. We will continue to communicate any changes to the guidelines as they come to hand.

It is with great pleasure that I can announce that School of Innovation Learning Mentor Pat Noonan is the new School of Innovation Leader. Pat joined St Anne's College at the beginning of this year and is taking over the SOI Leader role from Sean O'Brien who wanted to return to a teaching role, which we know brings him much joy. We thank Sean for his work as SOI Leader and wish him all the best for his return to the classroom as a Year 8 Learning Mentor. For more information about Pat's appointment as SOI Leader please see the School of Innovation Learning Updates page.

On June 11 the staff will continue their professional learning journey around concept-based inquiry with our critical colleague, Marcia Behrenbruch from Reshaping Schools Australia. Marcia has previously worked for the International Baccalaureate (IB) as Head of Global Professional Development for the Primary Years Programme and as Head of School Services, supporting the IB continuum of international education from 3 to 19 years of age. Although we are not an accredited IB school, our philosophy closely aligns with that of IB and having Marcia's expertise is an incredible opportunity for us to continue to develop our capacity to embed an authentic approach to inquiry. 

National Reconciliation Week has just concluded for 2021, but it is so important that we continue to take action towards reconciliation. I was privileged enough to attend the National Sorry Day commemoration at Monash Park in Shepparton on Wednesday, May 26; this is an opportunity to acknowledge the Stolen Generations and the impacts of those policies that caused such pain and suffering to individuals, families and communities over many generations. Aunty Faye Lynam was the guest speaker. Aunty Faye is a mother of six, grandmother of six, great-grandmother of four and foster mum of 40! She shared her story as a member of the Stolen Generations; it was powerful, painful and inspiring. The students who attended with Koorie Education Worker Leonie Drummond and I were moved by her story and they engaged so respectfully in the day. For coverage of the Sorry Day commemoration and National Reconciliation Week activities that our students participated in, please see the Reconciliation Week page in this edition of il giornale.

Our college theme for 2021 is ‘bearers of hope’. In such a difficult climate, this idea of being a hope-filled people can be a challenging one. Pope Francis has some inspirational things to say about being a bearer of hope. His message constantly reinforces the importance of being open to the possibilities of love, hope and joy. “Never lose hope; continue to believe, always, in spite of everything. Hope opens new horizons, making us capable of dreaming what is not even imaginable.” (Pope Francis) It was wonderful to see all of our children’s beautiful faces, full of hope and promise, as they returned to onsite learning. Take care of each other.

- Susan Carroll, Principal

Happy birthday ...

May

Reda Al Musawi; Alli Morgan; Mahdi Al Mousawy; Riley Carkeek; Will Gent; Bella Lahm; Meyhar Khehra; Emily Gleeson; Jacqui Avard; Kara McCann; Keshia Dean

JUNE

Ari Barnes; Makedde O'Brien; Milla Brisbane; Grace Ferrari

We hope you enjoyed the celebrations!

Shoutouts 

Thanks to the following businesses for supporting St Anne's College:

Adornato's for landscaping supplies and Intercontinental Spares for the 40ft shipping container.