From the Headmaster

Because the Year 8 Production is not our headline Drama event for the year, it tends to be understated, but what I have learned over the years is that it should never be underestimated in light of what the students gain from being involved. When I see an otherwise shy student or someone usually on the sports field or more comfortable playing an instrument, take to the stage with gusto, no matter what the performance output, I feel our work in many ways is done!

My heartiest congratulations to Year 8 students for three wonderful performances of Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, and to the dedicated Drama staff, especially Ms Joanne Grech, who helps make the magic happen. We look forward to seeing the Year 8 performers grow as they journey through the school and to seeing some who took to the stage for the first time returning to the bright lights soon.

Two Senior School students are excelling in Science, and I would like to acknowledge their outstanding efforts. Jordan Rogers (12 Millward), has returned from the Republic of Korea with a Silver medal, which he achieved at the International Earth Science Olympiad. To be placed in the top 30 per cent of participants in a competition where some of the best student scientists in the world are competing is an exceptional result. Meanwhile, Xavier Morrissey (11 Aherne), will be travelling to the University of Queensland in January, having been selected to take part in the 2020 National Youth Science Forum. These wonderful opportunities are well earned by these two young men, and I congratulate them on immersing themselves in their studies with such passion.  

At the very time that we welcomed prospective families to the school on Thursday at a Headmaster's Tour, our oldest students are preparing to finish their school life. Curriculum content in some subjects is complete, and students are preparing for exams, and final SAC’s for some subjects will take place early next Term. There will be revision classes held over the holidays, with thanks to our committed teachers. Our students have been well prepared for what lies ahead, both academically, and in terms of the steps they will take beyond school. The students have indicated recently via a survey that they believe the school focuses on developing students as good all-round individuals and this will augur well for our graduating students. The graduating class of 2019 has been a fine cohort of role models for younger students, and their contributions to the school are valued. I look forward to a fitting farewell next term at the various graduation events.

The sporting calendar is full of Finals at present, especially for our Netballers and Basketballers, and I wish them all the best as their efforts for the season culminate over the coming weekend. Following some excellent results in the State Tournament of Minds competition, the Secondary Arts team will now compete at the International Tournament of Minds final in Hobart on the 26th October. Congratulations to these students, I wish you well at this wonderful competition.

The annual Forever Young concert is next Tuesday 17th September, and I encourage you to attend this heart-warming and thoroughly entertaining event, which features our String Orchestra, Jazz Band and a choir of Bendigo senior citizens led by our irrepressible Head of Junior school Music, Mrs Laura Dusseljee.

This is the final edition of eLink for the Term, and I wish families a safe and enjoyable September school holiday break. A special bon voyage to the students who today are traveling to the USA for the incredible STEM trip, which involves workshops in NASA Space Facilities in both Alabama and Florida, including the Jet Propulsion Laboratory, the home of space exploration.

Matthew F. Maruff

Headmaster