Principal's Post

Mission Action Day

Our student leaders are preparing for the last day of Term 1, March 28th, Mission Action Day 2024. As well as raising funds the purpose of the day is to create awareness of the resources that are inequitably shared on a global scale. The funds raised for the Oblate Missions (MAMI – Missionary Oblates of Mary Immaculate) provide communities with access to essential services and resources. In the lead-up to Mission Action Day, students will be informed of the purpose of the day. They have also been reminded to do what they can and be sensitive when asking for sponsorship or donations. Many organizations understand the benefits of social awareness and community building and develop teamwork when taking on philanthropic projects. 

For many reasons, there has never been a more important time to provide resources to those around the world who are vulnerable. We are also very sensitive that for many families and for many sponsors, who have been so generous in the past, times are quite complicated now. Students are expected to be part of the Mission Action Day festivities and are expected to contribute to the extent they can. Mission Action Day remains our major way of offering both moral and financial support to the Oblates of Mary Immaculate and their remarkable work across the world. From a Catholic Social Teaching perspective, programs such as Mission Action Day are core to our values and purpose. Equally important is that students and staff enjoy the day, think of others, and have a lot of fun.

Year 12 Retreat

At the beginning of the week our Year 12 students attended their Retreat. The students were broken up into smaller groups and attended one of four venues. Retreats aim to assist students in recognising the importance of holistic development and give further understanding to the ideal of the fullness of life. Activities are designed to open students to their spiritual dimension as well as fostering a sense of community and a heightened awareness of their own giftedness and that of others.

The Year 12 Retreat is seen as a special time:

• To provide an opportunity for an experiential component of faith development that can foster a closer relationship with God. 
• To facilitate a time of reflection and personal searching in an environment of challenge. 
• To facilitate sharing and a greater intimacy in relationships between students, their peers and staff.
• To foster a greater understanding of what it means to be a man today.

We take students away on a retreat of this kind to set aside time to allow our young people to reflect, to share and to wonder. To maximise the value of the experience, we ask students to be very open and honest; very still, respectful and trusting. Thanks to all the staff who facilitated this experience for Year 12 students.

Parent Teacher Interviews

Term 1 is rapidly concluding, and Parent Teacher Interviews will be held next week with an opportunity to discuss your son’s progress. Reports from teachers are that many students are on track with their study routines, extra-curricular and the usual activities of being part of a school community. We always strive to live up to the College theme 2023 ‘Connect with respect so that belonging thrives’. Many aspects of school are non-negotiable. Uniform regulations, punctuality, deadlines for homework and assessment tasks are routines that keep us operating effectively. We have high expectations of all students in this regard. Parents and Carers appreciate the follow-up and the work of staff guiding their sons with their routines and involvement with co-curricular activities. Thank you for your support and partnership in this area, which is fundamental to our school community.

ACC Swimming

Next Wednesday our swimming team will compete in the ACC Swimming Championship at the Melbourne Aquatic Centre. Our squad have done a great job in preparing for the competition. We want to acknowledge all students, particularly Year 12 students, for years of dedication to the sport and wish the team well on the day.

All the best, 

Dr Paul Shannon

Principal