PRINCIPAL'S PEN 

Watching the Olympics and hearing about the lives of the athletes and the teams, there are many inspirational stories. One such story featured the Opals and used a quote from Marion Edelman, an American civil and children's rights activist.

"You cannot be what you cannot see."

At our last Parent Forum a valid question was raised from the floor, “What is the school putting in place to counter toxic masculinity?" I answered by listing a range of programs that we have in place: from engaging Dan Principe and Collective Shout through to embedding relationship education into our Health and PE curriculum. Our programs are important; however, they are only part of the answer. 

I believe it is the adults and peers in the lives of our young men who model, discuss and challenge these behaviours who have the greatest influence. For our staff, the incidental conversations, interactions, how we model positive relationships and challenge poor behaviour are crucial. If our young men can see it, they can be it.

Recently, Old Boy and guest speaker at our NAIDOC Assembly, Haryne Uta (pictured below), affirmed this belief for me. I had the privilege of sitting next to him at our NAIDOC Dinner the Wednesday night before the assembly. From Saibai Island, Haryne attended Saints as a bundle of anxiety and nerves. He initially didn’t achieve well, started to get into trouble and was distracted and not engaged in class. Not having English as a first language and not performing well he felt ashamed. 

Haryne's experience started to change when a teacher simply asked him if he was OK. He answered yes, but someone had noticed him and they cared. Several teachers then started to work with him in boarding, and some in the day school would say hello in Creole – he started to feel as if he belonged. In Haryne’s words, these teachers were Mr Moote, Mr Churchward and Mr Bassano. 

These simple acts of kindness changed a young man’s life course. At times, Haryne still got into trouble, he continued to be challenged and expectations of him were high, but his life had changed. He had role models that he connected with and wanted to be like. Haryne is now a qualified teacher and works at JCU.

Year 10 Camp and Year 11 Retreat

At the Scott Street pick-up area last Friday afternoon, there were plenty of smiles and laughter from many, albeit, tired Year 10s. I'm sure they were looking forward to having a shower as soon as they got home.  It is interesting how good you feel after completing a challenging rite of passage. 

Part of the formation of our young men is the retreat and camp program at Saints. Whether it is five days walking in Chillagoe or three days at Lake Tinaroo, these experiences enhance mental wellbeing,  grow a sense of belonging and connection, and develop resilience and confidence. 

I thank all the staff that gave of their time to make these wonderful opportunities available for our students. 

Student-free day

The focus of our student-free day next Monday 12 August is on boys’ education, differentiation and implementation of Version 9 of the Australian Curriculum. We have engaged Tom Batty from the International Boys Schools Coalition (IBSC) to speak to staff about innovations in boys’ education across the world. Tom is the CEO of the IBSC and we look forward to his insights.

These days are crucial as they provide time for our teachers to upskill in a rapidly changing educational environment. Professional development like this ensures that our educators are equipped with the latest strategies, tools and knowledge to effectively support our students. 

Feast of the Assumption Mass and ordination of our new bishop

We are looking forward to our college Assumption Mass on Thursday 15 August at 9:40 in Lennon Hall. Usually we hold this Eucharist at St Monica’s Cathedral, but the date coincides with the episcopal ordination of Bishop-elect Joe Caddy (pictured below). In short, we have been "bumped" for a very important occasion: the first ordination of a bishop in Cairns for 32 years. 

On the upside, we have plenty of space this year for parents, carers and guests. We will also be welcoming several special guests to our Assumption Mass, including the Provincial of the Star of the Sea Province, Br Peter Carroll.