Deputy Principal

What Brings me Joy

At our Leadership Team meeting last Wednesday, I chose a prayer which reminded us why we come to work every day; that is to make decisions that are in the best interests of the young men in our care. Those decisions are student centred. Reflecting on my prayer last week, I thought of the  events at the College that gave me joy: the Year 9 and Year 11 Music Soiree’s, the HSC Major Works Evening, and our Father’s Day Masses. 

I was privileged to listen to our Year 9 and Year 11 musicians over the last two weeks. A talented array of young men played guitar, piano, organ, trombone, violin, and drums, with the event also including vocalists. There was genuine joy in the room from parents/carers as they watched their sons perform. For me, the highlight of the night was to see the camaraderie amongst the students as they supported one another as they watched each other perform. 

Last Wednesday night was the culmination of a year’s demanding work from our Year 12 Visual Art, Industrial Technology (Timber) and Design and Technology classes. Families and friends were treated to an exhibition highlighting the best of the best in terms of major works that showed artistic flair, hard work, and amazing workmanship. We witnessed self-portraits, photographs, paintings, and ceramics from our artists. Our Timber students produced coffee tables, dining room tables, bars, and bassinettes while our Design and Technology students brought to life projects that included portable shelter for building sites to ensure that building projects are not delayed due to weather events, as well as monitoring suits for children with ADHD to ensure that we get better outcomes for children.

It was great to see so many dads and grandfathers in the College gym last Friday celebrating Father’s Day Mass with their sons/grandsons. We were privileged to hear Fr Jack’s homily which gave us an insight into his relationship with his father. Thank you to the Parents’ and Friends’ Committee for providing the morning tea after the masses. 

I congratulate all the young men involved in these events. Our thanks to their families for the love and support they give them daily to ensure their talents are cultivated and shared, and to our amazing staff who walk hand in hand to ensure a liberating education for the young men they teach.

Adrian Byrne

Deputy Principal