Boarding News
Dear Parents and Friends,
I do hope some of you enjoyed the recent rainfall, and it provided at least some relief for the time being. Our prayers continue for more rain! It would also seem that recent pressure on the government has led to some promising financial initiatives which will hopefully see a timely roll out to the people who need it most.
Despite the obvious challenges in many parts of our state we have been fortunate to still see a reasonably strong enrolment for 2020. Replacing such a large Year 12 cohort was always going to be difficult and whilst we’re not quite there yet we are getting closer every week. Thanks to those families who have continued to be such great ambassadors for the College in recommending St Gregory’s to other family and friends. We are hopeful that our renewed presence at Boarding Expos and expanded country trip program will bear further fruit in the coming years. As always, we would welcome any suggestions or ideas about how we could be further promoting the school in your area.
Last Saturday we had some extraordinary efforts in sport. A full report is available in the sport section of this newsletter however special mention must go to Trae Fitzpatrick (Year 9) for his 3-pointer on the buzzer to win the game for the U15 basketball team against St Stanislaus. In the U15 Cricket team we had a remarkable result where we bowled out the opposition for 57 having only scored 70 ourselves the previous weekend. There was some brilliant bowling from the boys, but it was Ben Taylor (7) with an amazing hat-trick (3 wickets in 3 balls) that helped seal the victory. Well done boys.
As some of you are now aware, we bid farewell the Hawkins family from the hill at the end of this year. After a long stint in boarding, Logan and Jenna are now looking to pursue new opportunities up north in the sunshine state. Logan has been a calm and steady influence in the junior boarding houses for the last four years. His patient and understanding approach with the boys has been a great feature of his time in the role and I know many parents have appreciated this quality in Logan. We wish Logan, Jenna and Lennox all the very best as they embark on this new adventure. We will farewell Logan more officially at the end of the year.
One of our live-in supervisors, Mr Lachlan Carter will also be departing at the end of the year. Lachlan has secured a full time, permanent position at a local primary school and is looking to commence his Master’s degree in 2020. We also wish Lachlan well and thank him for his time of service to the boarding community.
New Staff Appointments for 2020
Junior Boarding Coordinator (Years 7 & 8)
The College Principal is pleased to announce the appointment of Tevita Halaifonua to the above position from the beginning of 2020.
Tevita holds a Bachelor of Education (2011) and a Master of Educational Leadership, specialising in Leadership in Catholic Schools (2017), both attained through the Australian Catholic University.
Tevita commenced his teaching career at St Augustine’s College Brookvale in 2012, working as a Stage 3 teacher before moving to Marist College Canberra in 2018. He is currently teaching Stage 4, 5 and 6 Catholic Studies where he has also been the Acting Assistant House Dean this year.
In his previous two schools, Tevita has been engaged in extensive professional learning and implementation of new Syllabuses and programs in a wide range of courses, the management of e-Learning, instructional coaching and formation programs in both the Augustinian and Marist traditions.
In addition, Tevita has been extensively involved in sports coaching in areas such as Basketball and Rugby as well as Youth Ministry and the development and implementation of a mentoring program for students.
The College congratulates Tevita on his appointment and we look forward to welcoming him to our College community in 2020.
Junior Boarding Coordinator (Years 9 & 10)
The College Principal is pleased to announce the appointment of Michael Bullock to the above position from the beginning of 2020.
Michael holds a Bachelor of Exercise Science from the University of Wollongong and a Master of Secondary Teaching (PDHPE) from the University of Sydney. In addition, Michael holds a Certificate III and Certificate IV in Fitness, and Coaching Certificates in Level 1 Strength and Conditioning and Level 1 CrossFit as well as a Rugby League Club Coach Certificate.
Prior to commencing at St Gregory’s College as a PDHPE and Catholic Studies teacher, Michael has worked in a variety of roles including sports coach, holiday camp trainer, personal trainer, Primary School PDHPE teacher, CrossFit Coach and Strength and Conditioning Coach.
Michael also currently holds the position of Boarding Supervisor at the College. His long association with St Gregory’s extends back to 2004 when he commenced as a student. Michael retains his enthusiasm, passion and commitment for this fine College, and he is excited about taking on this new role and continuing to make a difference to the lives of the young people entrusted to our care.
Michael has been extensively involved in sports coaching, especially in his capacity as the College’s First XIII Coach, but also in areas such as cricket, athletics, swimming and basketball.
The College congratulates Michael on his appointment, and we look forward to him commencing in this role in 2020.
Ad Jesum per Mariam.
Max Spencer
Director of Boarding