Deputy Principal

Academic Excellence Assembly

Over the past two weeks we have celebrated our Semester One Academic Excellence Assembly which was a wonderful opportunity of the College Community to acknowledge the excellent work on behalf of our students. Students who finished in the top ten percent of their year level received Chris Nolan Awards.

These awards recognise excellence across all areas of study for these students. The Award is named after the 1985 College Captain Chris Nolan. Chris achieved high academic standards during his time at the College as well as engaging in the College’s co-curricular program, playing First XVIII football and First XI cricket for which he was roundly celebrated in 1985 for taking a hat trick, as rare event in those days. 

In addition to this, Chris was an eloquent public speaker and was a finalist in the Purton oratory competition. His pursuit of excellence inspired all those around him.

His life took a tragic twist in 1996 when, after several years undertaking community work in Vietnam, Chris acquired severe brain injuries from a viral infection, leading to total organ failure.

As a result, Chris is profoundly disabled physically and is very limited in his communication. With the ongoing support of his family, carers and friends, Chris has continued to raise awareness about disability and has continued to live a life of service. Awards for Academic Endeavour and also VCE Unit Principal’s Excellence Awards were also presented.

Congratulations to all award recipients and thank you to those family members who were able to join us to help celebrate our students' achievements.

College Roll Call Photos

This week the annual Roll Call photos were taken. These photographs are a tradition at the College spanning all the way back to 1893. Our school has certainly grown since then and this week saw the College’s full compliment of nearly 1300 students photographed in their year levels, a huge logistical feat made possible by the work of Mr Andrew Chamings who meticulously planned the timing and movement of students on the day. We are also fortunate to have the support of the Grounds and Maintenance staff who assisted with the set up of the stands and other items for the day. These photographs will adorn the College for many years to come.

Year 8 Retreats

This week our Year 8 students participated in the annual retreat program. As we are a Catholic School in the Edmund Rice Tradition, it is important to provide our boys with opportunities to reflect on life and the manner in which they are progressing. This program implemented by the Youth Ministry Team, provided the boys with useful input and moments to reflect and to consider the way that they interact with others. Thank you to Assistant Principal Mission & Identity Mr Geoff Brodie for organising the event and providing this opportunity.

Student Free Day

A reminder to all that this Monday, 18 August will be a Student Free Day. Our College staff will be engaging in some professional development. We shall be fortunate to hear from Mr Brad Fenner, former Head of Prince Alfred’s College Adelaide. Brad is a very experienced and well-respected educator who has vast experience in the education of boys. His presentation will be very relevant to our staff. 

Staff will also be upgrading their First Aid and CPR qualifications on the days as well as working in faculty groups to plan curriculum for the remainder of the year.

Break the Cycle

On the weekend of 30-31 August, the College will be conducting the Break the Cycle event. This event is led by our Student Council and aims to raise funds and awareness to combat gendered violence. The event itself is a 24-hour cycling marathon. It will commence at 10am on Saturday, 30 August and conclude at 10am the following morning.

All funds raised will go towards the Raven Collective. Further information and fundraising links can be found in the Quick Bites section of today's newsletter.