Dear Parents & Friends,

As this semester rapidly draws to a close, it’s an appropriate time to reflect on the year thus far and develop some new goals for the future.

The four Year 7 camp groups had very different experiences; the first two had to deal with flies and bike breakdowns, and the second two with the cold and wet weather. I’m hoping as the weeks pass, these students reflect on their experiences and the skills they developed while being challenged. It’s always helpful for families to assist their young people to unpack these journeys and discuss what they discovered about themselves. I sincerely hope they reflect on the positive!

I’d like to congratulate the RAP committee and the effort they put into organising the week of events which included daily Tutor Group activities, a new sport “Edor”, an assembly, a panel for Truth Telling and Music and Movies. I’m very appreciative of the parents who participated in the panel and believe we’ve secured a translator to work on our signage around campus including our HEART values.

The RAP committee also collaborated with artist Keioni Lander to develop and paint an Acknowledgement of Country mural which can best be viewed from the oval. It was wonderful to see our senior art students adding the animal tracks to this beautiful work of art.

The Year 12s enjoyed three days at Ross River and continue to work in a collaborative and creative manner. Thanks to the camp cook, Sandi Crogan and our staff, Roxanne Egan, Ed Evans and Anna Dohler who were the main support and also the cameo appearances of Alex Pollitt and Felicity Dowdell.

The Year 11 Aspire groups are adventuring in the western MacDonnell ranges for these last two weeks. The crisp weather is perfect for bush walking and big campfires. They completed their exams last week with most continuing on with a Year 12 subject.

The highlight for me this week was the senior play “The Complete Works of William Shakespeare (Abridged).” It was a hilarious sprint through the Bard’s best moments, all 37 plays in just 97 minutes. A huge congratulations to the cast Kinkade Lillie, Rachel Moyle and Matilda Bhattarai, the Director, Elli Holzmann and set design & props manager Rain Trull. To Staff Michelle Fleming (Assistant Director), Steve Kidd (Stage Manager), Micaela Hull (Production Manager & Sound) & the publicity / marketing team.

I encourage students to make the most of the holiday break by reflecting on the progress of their goals this year and making the necessary adjustments to reach them. To those who have already attained their goals, congratulations! t’s time to set new ones.

I wish every family a safe and enjoyable break.

Leslie Tilbrook

Principal

Semester 1 Art