Principal's Report

Mass of the Assumption - Thursday Morning

This morning, our school community paused to celebrate the Mass of the Assumption, a significant Holy Day of Obligation in the Church. We were honoured to have Fr. Erick Niyiragira as our guest celebrant for this important occasion.

The Assumption of Mary is a time for us to reflect on her life of unwavering faith and the profound role she played in Christ's life. As we come together to honour Mary, we recognise her as a model of faith whose devotion and trust in God's plan serve as a powerful example.

This celebration reminds us of Mary's unique place in the Church and offers an opportunity to deepen our faith and strengthen our commitment to living out the values Mary so beautifully embodied.

Year 11 Formal

The Year 11 Formal was held on Friday, 2 August, at the Grand on Princes. On this night, our young people came together to celebrate with respect, energy, and good humour, embracing the opportunity to dress up and dance the night away.

These rites of passage events are not just a celebration but play an essential role in fostering their social and emotional development. These moments of connection and celebration are necessary as our students grow into confident, well-rounded young adults.

I want to thank our Pastoral Co-Ordinator, Ms. Angelique Phillip-Kemp, and Deputy Principal, Mr. Van Es, for their meticulous planning of the night. A special thank you goes to all the staff who generously volunteered their time to assist with supervision, ensuring that the evening was safe and enjoyable for everyone involved.

Welcome to our Pre-Service Teachers

We are delighted to welcome three pre-service teachers to our school community as they embark on an essential phase of their journey into the Education industry. These placements are crucial in shaping the future educators who will inspire and guide the next generation of young people.

Luke Corey Nicholson from ACU will specialise in Biology and Science. He is guided by his mentors, Marina Kintzel and Amanda Gengaroli. Thomas Bisinella from ACU will focus on Business, Mathematics, and History, with support from his mentors, Pier Bourne and Patrick O'Connell. Lisa Jacob and Michael Toomey will mentor Grace Heart-Davies from Deakin as she hones her English and drama skills. I extend my deepest appreciation to the mentors working closely with these aspiring teachers, providing them with the knowledge, experience, and support needed to thrive in the classroom.

Celebrating Languages Week: A Week of Cultural Enrichment

Languages Week, held from Monday, 5 August to Friday, 9 August, has been a wonderful celebration of the richness and diversity of learning a new language. Our students had the opportunity to engage in various exciting activities designed to deepen their appreciation of different cultures and enhance their language skills. Throughout the week, students participated in fun and educational events:

Monday started with a lively Tombola game with prizes, hosted in NN6 at lunchtime.

Tuesday saw students learning and practising Scopa, a traditional Italian card game, and competing in a Duolingo competition in any language they chose.

Wednesday featured a Scopa competition with prizes, alongside a special Pasta & Pizza day in the canteen.

Thursday brought a World Language Quiz with prizes, engaging students in linguistic trivia.

Friday concluded the week with free hot chocolate and biscuits, where students practised their Italian by ordering in the language.

My thanks to Mr Joe Siriani, Ms Franca De Francesco, and other supporting staff for organising these activities, which highlighted the many benefits of studying a language—improving communication skills, enhancing cultural understanding, and opening up new opportunities for our students.

Bullying No Way: National Week of Action

The National Day of Action against Bullying and Violence has a new name: Bullying No Way: National Week of Action. From 12 to 16 August 2024, this initiative will stand as Australia's key effort to prevent bullying by connecting schools and communities to find effective solutions.

This year's theme, 'Everyone Belongs,' emphasises that bullying loses its power when we all feel a sense of belonging. It's about embracing who we are, respecting our differences, and standing together against unkindness.

Belonging means that each of us has a role in preventing bullying. We are encouraged to speak up, create safe spaces where everyone feels supported and respected, and ensure that our voices are heard and valued. The theme of Bullying No Way resonates with our strong commitment to treating everyone with dignity and respect. We believe that every person is made in the image of God and deserves to be treated with the same compassion and kindness.

Student Free Day – 16 August

Please be advised that Friday, 16 August, will be a student-free day as our staff will attend a Spirituality Day at Lysterfield. This particular day on the staff calendar will be held in the tranquil surroundings of the Don Bosco Retreat Centre, providing a perfect setting for reflection and spiritual growth.

We are privileged to have Mr. Ange Virgona as our presenter. Mr Virgona will lead us in exploring the Lasallian and Presentation charisms, deepening our understanding of the values and principles that form the foundation of our school's mission.