Head of Senior School
Dear Members of the St Gregory’s Family,
We are blessed with to be a part of a community of great diversity with students having many passions and importantly, opportunities to excel. This is an important fabric in ensuring that we, as a community, help mould our students into fine young men. In the last fortnight alone I have been fortunate to see our young men shine.
Recently the College hosted the celebration of Br Charles’ life, with in excess of 400 people attending. Our young men greeted the guests and showed respect and reverence throughout this, so much so that I had many people comment to me what an amazing group of young men they were.
Last weekend I attended sport at Kinross Wolaroi in Orange. Wearing the St Greg’s tracksuit, I was stopped by two parents from Kinross who wanted to tell me just how well-mannered and behaved our students were. They commented on the way they spoke when requesting food at the canteen and also the way they conducted themselves on the field.
I then had a staff member from a Catholic school in Bathurst comment that they were at the College recently and could not help but notice the way in which the boys behaved and the obvious positive, strong culture that exists. What struck them most was the way they interacted with eachother, and the respect they gave each person.
On Monday, Year 8 had an excursion to Bankstown Sports Club and we had a phone call from a member of the public about the exemplary behaviour and presentation of the students. The comments were made by some elderly members who have high standards!
On Tuesday, David De Vecchis and James Hilton competed in the Quota Student of the Year. It involved an interview and two speeches, as well as logging their community service work. The boys finished 1st and 2nd respectively and were outstanding ambassadors of themselves, their families and the College. David now moves to the next round and we wish him well.
On Wednesday, our Year 11 Mock Trial team competed in the Round of 32. The side was outstanding and has now won through to the last 16 in the State. Best wishes to Mr Bullock and the team in the next round.
It is important to remember, that whilst these are all outstanding examples of your young men excelling, we still have much work to go. A wise, worldly person once told me that the most consistent thing about teenage boys is that they are inconsistent! As leaders of our community, staff and parents alike, we need to continue to expect and maintain these high standards. We cannot accept boys speaking poorly to others, excluding others or getting into a ‘pack’ mentality. We have to celebrate their successes but be bold enough to challenge them when they do not meet the lofty heights expected. It is the least we owe them and will ensure our students continue to develop into fine young men.
May Mary Our Good Mother and St Marcellin continue to watch over our community.
Matthew Brennan
Head of Senior School