Principal's Report

Sport Awards Assembly

Congratulations to all the award winners and coaches who were acknowledged publicly on Wednesday at the annual Sport Awards Assembly. As I said in my address to the parents, students and staff, sport is not just about ‘playing the game’ - “Sport can have a positive impact on issues as diverse as employability, tackling inequality, and addressing anti-social behaviour. Sport transcends politics, language and cultural barriers. While freedom fighters, civil-rights leaders, and anyone else interested in establishing a true cultural balance have sought equality and harmony for as long as history can remember. The one stone that has been left unturned and unexplored has been sports. The manner in which a simple game has effortlessly blurred colour lines and destroyed cultural barriers is constantly overlooked. When the gun smoke cleared and preaching stopped working, organised sports allowed individuals to see beyond the superficial and draw true inspiration from the people that transcended all of the negativity. Now that cultural change did not come without heartache, but the effects of integration and increased racial tolerance resonated out of the sports world and into society. As an example, we all know well Disney's 2000 film Remember the Titans and how it powerfully illustrated the racial turmoil a high school football team faced on the road to a perfect season. When athletes can be united to achieve a common goal, the issues of skin colour, foreign languages, and cultural upbringing lose significance and ultimately create a new mold for society to follow.”

 

I also publicly acknowledge the dedication and hard work of Mr Brad Mitchell in coordinating and supporting the myriad of sports on offer in the Armidale Diocese. As a new member of the McCarthy family Mr Mitchell demonstrates the sporting mantra – work hard. Play hard. Live well. I congratulate and publicly thank him for his great work in 2018. I also deeply thank and acknowledge the generosity and hard work of all of our volunteer coaches, without whom we would not be able to offer such a diverse selection of sporting opportunities.

 

Orientation Day

We are getting excited about providing a wonderful Orientation Day for our new Year 7 students for 2019 on 3 December. At that time we will welcome close to 165 Year 6 students who will be bursting at the seams to begin their transition to secondary school. The day traditionally begins with some trepidation that is soon allayed by enthusiastic Year 10 buddies and a caring bunch of dedicated and experienced staff who will lead them on a journey of discovery and understanding about Year 7. Year 6 students with confirmed enrolments can expect a busy and informative day that will leave them well prepared for their first day of secondary school in 2019. Relevant information has been sent to all incoming families. A reminder that a short Parent Information Evening will be conducted at 6:00pm in the College Hall on the same date to ensure that families are as well versed as the students for a calm transition to McCarthy Catholic College in 2019.

 

Code of Conduct

I draw your attention to Mr Larkin’s article in this newsletter regarding the College Code of Conduct that strongly highlights the conditions of membership of this great College. Certainly a worthwhile read and one well worth discussing with your sons and daughters.

 

School Advisory Council AGM

School Advisory Councils act as key advisory bodies to Catholic schools across the Armidale Diocese. I am deeply indebted to the past and present members of our McCarthy family who choose to volunteer their services and expertise to support the strategic governance of the College. At the Annual General Meeting last night we elected our 2019 Council and farewelled two long term members. I take this opportunity to highlight the long period of service offered by Mr Adam Green - 7 years and 5 of those years as Chairperson. Adam leaves a strong legacy of financial transparency and proper discernment in decision-making. I similarly thank and acknowledge the wise support of Mrs Kate Sullivan who has worked as a staff representative for 6 years. The new council is listed below -

Ex-officio: Parish Priest of St Nicholas Father Christopher Onuekwusi and College Principal Mr Geoff McManus

 

Chairperson: Mr Bernie Munro

 

Secretary: Mr Fletcher Davies

 

Staff Representatives: Mrs Raelene Maxworthy and Mrs Briony Martin

 

Members: Ms Hiliary Thornberry, Mrs Carol Reed, Mr Geoff Shanley and Mr Richard O’Halloran.

 

 

Staffing

It has been a very busy couple of weeks of interviewing for key staff roles at the College. It is my great pleasure to announce the following appointments for new staff to begin in January 2019. Leader of Learning - Mathematics - Mr Tim Godden; Student Support Teacher (part-time 0.8) - Mrs Wendy Rheinberger; Chemistry Teacher - Mr Wade Leu; English Teacher - Mrs Deanne Battistuzzi; TAS Teacher - Ms Julie Hodges; Mathematics Teacher - Mr Jonathan Dean. We look forward to officially welcoming these talented and well-credentialed staff next year.

We congratulate Mrs Natalie Deacon and her husband, Adam, on the safe arrival of their third son, Reid.

 

Creative Arts Showcase

I invite the McCarthy community to attend the annual Creative Arts Showcase highlighting the talents of students in Drama, Music and Art on Tuesday 4 December commencing at 5:30pm in OLORCC.

Mr Geoff McManus - Principal