PRINCIPAL

2023 WA YOUNG AUSTRALIAN OF THE YEAR FINALIST

I was delighted to hear this week that Year 11 student, Scott Guerini, has been nominated as a finalist for the 2023 WA Young Australian of the Year Award. What an honour to be nominated for this prestigious award at the age of 16 years, amongst the likes of Zahra Al Hilaly (gender equality and youth advocate); Peter Bol (athlete and Olympian) and Madison de Rozario OAM (athlete, Paralympic gold medallist and advocate).

As many in our community would know, Scott has raised more than $200,000 for Telethon by walking long distances and donating sales from his book, Did You Know You Can Change The World? Scott also hosts his own podcast, Scott’s Great Chat, where he talks to special guests about their high school years and life experiences. 

This unassuming young man commenced his fundraising journey with Telethon when he was only four years old, having convinced his parents to let him walk the 25km from their farm to the town of Southern Cross. This year, Scott has completed his 9th marathon, 13th Great Walk for Telethon and 5th Treadmill Challenge, with his family supporting him every step of the way. His aim is to raise $1 million for charity in his lifetime. In his own words: “It’s easy to make a difference. What can you do?”

We wish Scott the very best of luck with the nomination and look forward to hearing the result early next week.

YEAR 9 CAMP

I had the pleasure of visiting students on the Year 9 Camps in Manjedal this week and witness both groups in action. As part of their Into Adulthood learning program, all students were encouraged to participate in activities, sometimes outside of their comfort zone. The feedback we received from all involved is very positive, with students gaining new skills to assist them with transitioning into Year 10 and beyond.

I would like to thank all College staff who attended this camp and our students for their time, energy, and dedication. In particular, I would like to sincerely thank Mr Adrian Goh, Assistant Deputy Principal – Year 9, for his organisation and oversight.  Given the number of students and staff involved, the logistics of camp were formidable. 

ADVISORY COUNCIL AND P&F ANNUAL AGM

As part of our Governance, the annual Advisory Council and P&F AGM will be held on Wednesday 16 November in The Hywood Room (Staff Room) at 7:00pm. All families are warmly invited to attended and participate. My thanks to those parents who have nominated for a position on the Advisory Council. Further information is available in this Newsletter.

ETHICS OLYMPIAD

If, like many here at the College, you are asking yourself ‘What is Ethics Olympiad?’, you are not alone!

Twenty four teams from across Australia, New Zealand, Hong Kong and Singapore are given the opportunity to use their critical thinking skills to discuss cases on tough moral issues that are provided by tertiary based philosophers from around the world, including Cambridge and Harvard universities.

Sacred Heart students Jaime Sadlo (Year 8 Carden), Oliver Budas (Year 8 Normandy), Luca Traynor (Year 8 Carden), Emmet Kelly (Year 7 Thu Duc) and Makayla Grose (Year 7 O'Reilly) are to be congratulated for taking out 2nd place in this online competition.

Congratulations and thanks are also extended to their ‘coaches’, Mrs Tanya Atherton and Ms Halina Alter, who gave up their lunchtimes to train these students.

YEAR 10 CAREERS MENTORING BREAKFAST

Today, approximately 60 mentors from across our Alumni and SHC community and all Year 10 students participated in our annual Careers Mentoring Breakfast. This wonderful opportunity gives our students time to ask questions, in an informal setting, to people in an industry they are showing interest in. Thank you to our Careers Counsellors and alumni for your work in this area.

PRODUCTION/ART EXHIBITION

Those of you who managed to get to the production of Legally Blonde The Musical Jr last Friday and Saturday evening will agree with me when I say that we are indeed fortunate to have such exceptionally talented students. 

This is also true of students who showcased their artwork this week in the amazing Visual Art and Media Exhibition. Choosing recipients of awards was incredibly difficult for the judges, as all students were worthy and their work spoke volumes about their views of the world. Again, these students stepped outside of their comfort zone and displayed their creations for all to see, admire or even perhaps critique, as art speaks to each of us in a different way. Congratulations to all students involved. 

A full list of Art Exhibition Award winners can be found HERE. 

YEAR 8 GRANDPARENT'S DAY

Our very excited and proud Year 8s welcomed their grandparents and special guests on Tuesday and entertained them with a variety of performances in the RNDM Theatre. All visitors remarked on the talent of the students, not only on stage but also those who assisted backstage and behind the scenes. Following the entertainment, guests were then treated to a guided tour of the College and morning tea with their grandchildren.

Thank you to our P&F for hosting the morning tea and to all the parent helpers, which gave our families time to connect with each other and their grandchildren.

I am delighted that our grandparents enjoyed and valued their time with their grandchildren. I received a beautiful email from one of our grandparents which expresses their delight.  A quote from their message is below"

I would like to take this opportunity to express my thanks and gratitude for the school expressing their support of grandparents. As we move into our twilight years, it becomes more and more obvious how we become invisible in this fast paced life we live in.  Attending Grandparents day today, changed my mindset. We were all made to feel valued and respected as a generation who still have value and worth.

COLLEGE 40+ YEAR REUNION

The Reunion last Saturday was a fantastic gathering of staff and students that were part of the school from 1982 and prior years.  There were many great stories shared, laughter over some the school photographs of that era and real proudness of their school in 2022.  I also enjoyed reacquainting with some of the past students who were parent when I was previously at the College.  My thanks to the Niki Jenkins our Alumni coordinator and Narelle Burnett our Community Relations coordinator for organising the event. 

YEAR 10 RIVER CRUISE

The Year 10 River Cruise on Wednesday evening was a most pleasant evening.  Our Year 10 students were at their very best and I certainly, with the other staff present, thoroughly enjoyed my time.  My thanks to Mrs Allsop with the PCG teachers for organising the evening. 

REMEMBRANCE DAY - 'LEST WE FORGET'

Today the College acknowledged Remembrance Day with a prayer and flag ceremony on the College Boarder’s Lawn at 11.00am.  Originally the day was associated with all those that died in the First World War.  However, in 1997, Governor-General Sr William Deane issued a proclamation formally declaring 11 November to be Remembrance Day, urging all Australians to remember those who died or suffered for Australia’s cause in all wars and armed conflicts. 

God Bless.

Mr Leo Di Gregorio

Principal