Chev Need to Knows 

Dear Parents and Carers,

I trust you are well and enjoying the warmer days, notwithstanding the recent wind that has proven challenging to manage.

Of course, this weekend is Father’s Day. As we approach Father's Day on Sunday, it's an opportune moment to reflect on the profound role that fathers, grandfathers and father figures play in our lives. These men are often the quiet, steadfast pillars of strength in our families, offering guidance, protection, and unconditional love. Through their actions — whether it's teaching us the importance of integrity, the value of hard work, or the meaning of true sacrifice — they impart invaluable lessons that shape who we become.

The love a father shows for his child is one of the greatest expressions of care and devotion. Fathers invest their time and energy into nurturing their children, guiding them through life’s challenges and celebrating their successes. Whether by teaching his child how to ride a bike, offering advice during difficult times, or simply being there to listen, the time a father spends together with his child creates bonds that last a lifetime. This love, shown in everyday moments, is a testament to the deep commitment fathers have to the growth and wellbeing of their children.

In the Catholic tradition, the role of fathers takes on an even deeper significance when we consider the example of God the Father. God the Father is the ultimate model of fatherhood: ever-present, compassionate, and merciful. Jesus himself spoke of God the Father, emphasising His loving nature and our deep connection to Him: "The Father himself loves you because you have loved me and have believed that I came from God," (John 16:27). This relationship with God the Father reminds us that fatherhood is not just about authority, but about nurturing love and fostering growth.

At Chevalier College, our MSC spirituality resonates strongly with these ideals. The Missionaries of the Sacred Heart have long upheld the vision of Father Jules Chevalier, who saw in the heart of Jesus a profound expression of God’s fatherly love. This love is not distant or detached, but is deeply involved in the lives of His children, just as our fathers, grandfathers and father figures are involved in ours. This vision was carried forward by the Australian MSC brothers and priests who established their order in Australia as an extension of the MSC movement. Their dedication to spreading this message of love and compassion has had a lasting impact on MSC communities across Australia, including Chevalier College in the Southern Highlands.

This Father’s Day, let us give thanks for the fathers, grandfathers and father figures who, in their unique ways, reflect the love of God the Father. Let us also honour the legacy of the MSCs who have contributed so much to our understanding of fatherly love. Together, let us commit to fostering relationships that mirror the love, care and guidance that God, through Jesus, offers to us all.

Greg Miller

Principal

Parent Webinar - Tuesday 3 September

We are pleased to share details of a complimentary Parent Webinar with Open Parachute, Supporting Your Child's Wellbeing During and After Parental Separation

Co-Parenting Companion Clinical Psychologist Tiffany Rochester will arm parents with simple techniques and strategies to improve co-parenting, communicate with their child, and provide actionable tips to help safeguard their children’s emotional and psychological wellbeing during and after separation. 

Please see this flyer for further details. Register now for the Tuesday, 3 September 2024 event.

Upcoming menALIVE event

The Diocese of Wollongong is running an event "Growing Good Men Father and Son Weekend" in conjunction with menALIVE from Friday 25 October to Sunday 27 October. Growing Good Men is an experientially-based program which encourages and enables fathers and sons to strengthen their relationship and to explore important issues of growing into manhood.

One of the most important influences in the lives of men is the relationship they have with their father or significant father figure. Spots are limited to just 25 fathers and their sons aged between 12 and 17 years.

For further information, and to register, please click on this link.

Chevalier College Backpacks

As previously communicated, a College backpack was introduced, which commenced in 2024 for students in Year 7. From 2025, the College backpack will be mandatory for all students with the exception of Year 12.

Stock will start to arrive mid-September in preparation for next year.  Two backpack options are listed below. 

Airopak – $75.00

The ultimate Secondary School Backpack

Medium - W 33cm x D 22cm x H 48cm                      35 litres + 2 pockets (0.88kg) 

Developed with market leading ergonomic design for comfort and support, and stringent product testing for ultra-tough 'school proof' construction. Features include two main compartments, padded laptop pocket, adjustable shoulder straps and waist belt & mesh drink bottle holder.

The Chiropak – $120

Large - W 34cm x D 19cm x H 50cm                 32  litres plus pocket (1.34kg)

This durable, functional and comfortable backpack is proven to reduce the incidence and severity of neck and back pain associated with the carriage of heavy loads. Spartan's unique multi-purpose CHIROPAK II is the only junior/senior school bag in Australia developed with and endorsed by the Australian Chiropractors Association.

Please note we have ordered only a small amount of the Chiropak due to the increased cost.  If this is your preference please call and purchase your child’s bag mid-September. If more are required we will take your name and number and have them to you within three weeks.

Kelly Clunn and Natalie LaGarde

Assistant Principals - Wellbeing

Term 3 Retreats

Year 8 Retreat @ Douglas Park

Students in 8.1 and 8.2 – Monday 2 September

Students in 8.3 and 8.4 – Monday 9 September

Students in 8.5 and 8.6 – Monday 16 September

Students in 8.7 and 8.8 – Monday 23 September

If you haven't already done so, please approve your child's attendance in the Parent Orbit app.

Sandy Abbey

Assistant Principal - Faith Formation and Mission

Upcoming Vaccines - 17 September 

Parents of any Year 7 or 10 students who missed their vaccine earlier this year will be contacted by NSW Health regarding catch-up vaccines on Tuesday 17 September (Week 9). Parent/caregivers will receive an SMS from NSW health approximately 2-3 days prior to 17 September if their child will be receiving a vaccine. 

Any families who receive this text but no longer wish to receive the vaccine (including those who received it via their GP) are asked to please follow the QR code below and withdraw consent as soon as possible.

Summer sport trials

Please see below for an updated trial schedule. No exemptions from trials unless absent from school due to illness. Not attending trials may result in non-selection. Some teams may have a limited number of positions.

Extra Curriculum Awards Night - Save the Date! 

An awards night will be held on Thursday 19 September for outstanding achievements and contributions across our extra curriculum activities.  Further details including timing will be sent to families over the next few weeks.  Parents will be notified via email if your child will be receiving an award at this event.

Coach Phillips

Extra Curriculum Administrator

HSC Showcase - Thursday 5 September

You are warmly invited to the Chevalier College Year 12 HSC Showcase which will be held on Thursday 5 September, commencing at 5.00pm.  

The showcase celebrates the outstanding achievements of our Design and Technology, Timber, Drama, Music, Visual Arts, Ceramics, English Extension, History Extension and Society and Culture students of 2024.

Witness stunning major works, captivating performances, and impressive projects from these students’ final year of study at the College. With canapes on arrival, prepared and served by our Hospitality students, join us in toasting the talent and hard work of these inventive young people.

We look forward to your company at this special event to celebrate the wonderful achievements of our students!

Please book your free tickets via HSC Showcase Tickets.

Parents and Carers are welcome and encouraged to attend a presentation on Monday 9 September at 7.00pm.

Dr Phil Cummins from Circle Education will share the findings of his review into Future Facing, with the primary focus being the roll out of Flipped Mondays and the development of student self-regulation. Principal Greg Miller will provide the College's response to the findings. 

The event will be held in the John Fahey Centre. Parking is available in the car park adjacent to the John Fahey Centre.  Please enter via gate 5. 

Please note that this event is for Parents and Carers, not for students. 

Please register your attendance here: https://events.humanitix.com/parent-and-carer-presentation

• 2 September - Year 12 Wilderness Excursion
• 2 September - Year 8 Retreat (8.1 and 8.2)
• 2 to 3 September - Year 10 Wilderness Excursion
• 5 September - HSC Showcase
• 9 September - Year 8 Retreat (8.3 and 8.4)
• 9 September - Year 10 HSIE Excursion
• 9 September - Year 12 Primary Industries Incursion
• 9 September - Future Facing - Review Findings - Parent Presentation
• 9 to 13 September - Year 9 VET Work Placement
• 11 September - Leaders' Investiture
• 12 September - CAPALoT Concert
• 13 September - GSSCC Awards Presentation
• 16 September - Year 8 Retreat (8.5 and 8.6)
• 16 September - Year 12 Construction Incursion
• 16 to 18 September - Year 9 Wilderness Excursion
• 16 to 24 September - Year 11 Exams
• 19 September - Extra Curriculum Awards Night
• 23 September - Year 8 Retreat (8.7 and 8.8)
• 25 September - Year 12 Graduation Ceremony
• 25 September - Year 12 Valedictory Mass
• 25 September - Year 12 Valedictory Dinner
• 27 September - Term 3 Ends

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