PRINCIPAL'S REPORT

Welcome to Term 4. I hope everyone had a restful break from the daily school routine. Spring is currently providing us with beautiful weather, making it much easier to get out of bed in the morning. During the break, I had the privilege of travelling to Canada with Tom Sexton, Executive Director Catholic Education Ballarat (DOBCEL); Matthew Byrne, Deputy Director Catholic Education (DOBCEL); Terry Harney, Chair of the DOBCEL Board; and Kathleen Donnellan, Vice-Chair of the DOBCEL Board. The trip was one of exploration and learning from key educators at Canadian universities, district offices, and schools. We were also fortunate to meet internationally renowned educational leaders Andy Hargreaves and Michael Fullan. The outcomes from what we learned will be implemented across the Diocese of Ballarat through a 10-year strategic plan.

Prior to the break we interviewed for the position of Deputy Principal Community and Culture.  I am pleased to announce that Ms Katherine (Kath) Jones has accepted this position effective from January 2025.

Ms Jones is currently serving as a House Leader at St Francis Catholic College in Melton. With more than six years of leadership experience, she has taught at several institutions, including St Francis Catholic College (formerly Catholic Regional College Melton), ICA College Melton, Assumption College, and Victory College in Gympie, Qld. Ms Jones specialises in Visual Arts and has also taught Drama and provided instruction in Personal Development Skills and Literacy to VCAL students.

Ms Jones holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts, a Diploma of Education, a Master of Education, and a Professional Certificate in Adolescent Counselling. She is currently completing a Master of Theological Studies and also possesses a Certificate in Reflexology.

We look forward to welcoming Ms Jones into our community.

We have also welcomed three new staff members this term. Ms. Carla Parsons and Mrs. Sharni Graham have been appointed to the shared role of College Receptionist, with Carla working on Monday, Wednesday, and Thursday, and Sharni on Tuesday and Friday. Mrs. Nicole Venter has also joined us and has begun teaching classes in Year 7 and 8.

Additionally, we welcome back Mrs. Lori Rogers after three terms of parental leave. Mr. Chris Joyce has returned from his term of long service leave, and I would like to thank Mr. Geoff Hickmott for doing an excellent job filling in for Chris.

A reminder to parents, guardians, families and friends that you are invited to attend our End of Year Mass on Tuesday 22nd October at 12:30pm at the St Mary’s Church, Splatt St Swan Hill.  This is the final mass for the year where we celebrate as a whole community before our Year 12 students begin a period of study and then exams.  Following the Mass a light lunch is available for Year 12 students,their parents/guardians and staff before the Final Year 12 Assembly begins at 2:15pm in the Jubilee Centre.  Our school community will form a guard of honour for our Year 12 students as they walk out to the South grass area and celebrate the end of 13 years of education.

The celebrations continue for our Year 12 students with the Graduation Mass and Dinner held on Friday 22nd November.  Family and friends are welcome to join us for the Graduation Mass at 6:00 pm at St Mary’s Church, Splatt St Swan Hill.  Formal invitations have been provided to those invited to the Graduation Dinner.  For more information, please contact Mrs Suzy Haley, Senior School Coordinator.

There is still so much to complete before the school year ends.  Please make a note in your diary for the annual Presentation Night on Monday 9th December at 7:00pm in the Jubilee Centre.  This is a wonderful evening of celebration and all members of our school community are invited to attend.