PRINCIPAL'S PEN 

It’s the people and the moments that matter most

Our Year 10 students set out on a five-day hike as part of last week's Chilagoe camp. They clocked 35km in what is rightly described as a character-building exercise. At the same time, our Year 11s were on retreat, giving them time for self-discovery and reflection on their personal spirituality.

These experiences are not just calendar events. They are essential moments in the life of our students – challenging, meaningful and formative. They come at great effort and sacrifice from our dedicated staff, but they are worth every bit of it.

Why?

Because when Old Boys return to the College, they don’t talk about what they learned in Year 10 Maths or Science. They speak of camps, of sporting events, of assemblies sung with full voices. They recall their involvement in drama performances, the pride of representing the school on the field, and the bonds built during shared experiences. But more than anything else, they remember the people – their friends and their teachers.

They remember who was firm, who inspired them, who listened, who believed in them.

This was made abundantly clear recently, as we welcomed His Honour Magistrate James Morton as guest speaker at our NAIDOC Assembly. After addressing the students with a powerful message about resilience, determination and personal responsibility, I had the pleasure of walking around the College grounds with him.

Mr Morton spoke warmly of his own Year 10 camp – its challenges, its laughter and its lifelong memories. He reflected on the impact of certain staff members, especially Mr Gregory, who left a deep impression on his life. He also spoke fondly of the friendships formed here, the kind that last a lifetime.

In his words and memories, we were reminded that academic success is only part of the story. Developing a young man’s character – his courage, his compassion, his determination and his sense of self – is equally vital.

As we approach the College's 95th anniversary celebrations, proudly organised by our Old Boys, we can be sure the stories shared will echo these themes once again. The moments that matter most – the ones that shape who we become – are rarely found behind a desk. They’re out on the track, under the stars, on the field, in the chapel and in the quiet conversations that build connection and character. That is what makes our school community truly special.

Farewell, Mr Terry McDonough

After 26 years of dedicated service, we bid a fond farewell to Mr Terry McDonough, whose impact on our school community cannot be overstated. A proud Old Boy, Mr McDonough returned not just as a teacher, but as a passionate mentor and leader. Throughout his time here, he served with distinction as head of year and deputy principal, placing the wellbeing and growth of students at the heart of all he did. His commitment to fostering a strong, supportive school culture has left a legacy that will continue to shape the experiences of staff and students for years to come.

Mr McDonough has also been the driving force behind the school’s football program, a cornerstone of our co-curricular program. His energy, vision and belief in the value of sport as a tool for character development has inspired many students. Mr McDonough’s presence has been woven into the very fabric of this school, and while we will deeply miss his humour, wisdom and wholehearted investment in our community, we are immensely grateful for everything he has contributed. We wish him all the very best in the next chapter.