East Campus News

Greeting from Japan to East and West

We have arrived safely and albeit a little tired, very excited and thoroughly enjoying our first few days in Japan. Flying through the night on Friday 14 September made for a very long day on Saturday when we arrived at Kyoto, our first destination. Mr Mitchell certainly meant what he had said you need your walking shoes on this trip as there is no time to waste in hotel rooms when the sights, sounds and food await our discovery. I have discovered that Japan, Kyoto is a food central, with shops, cafés, restaurants or the ever present vending machine at every turn. We are not going to go hungry or thirsty on this trip.

So far we have visited Kiyomizudera Temple a beautiful and interactive temple where we tried to lift the weights of the world, and touched the belly of Buddha. In the town of Nara we visited the Nara Park, home to the Emperors deer who are free to roam around seeking and sneaking food from unsuspecting tourists. In Nara we also visited Todaiji Temple when I was the only willing volunteer to climb through the nostril of Buddha! Next was the Bamboo Path in Arashiyama. A beautifully peaceful place to find some relief from the heat – we are having 30 degrees Celsius every day.

Food is a wonderful way to experience different cultures and we are all embracing the culinary delights on offer in Japan. The students are using their Japanese well and gaining in confidence daily. I too am trying to use some Japanese, expertly supported by our wonderful tour guide Mr Mitchell.

Our last night in Kyoto was spent at Karaoke, we may or may not have any new talent for the next St Peters Production. It was a very fun filled evening and a great way to end our time in Kyoto.

As I type this edition of the newsletter we are on a Bullet train to Hiroshima for the next two days before the students head off to their first home stay. Further updates and pictures of our trip will be on face book.  I would like to thank Ms Bonica the administration and leadership team for the immense amount of work that is required to be completed well before we step foot on the plane. My sincere thanks to Mr Mitchell, Zac Laver-May, Matthew Robinson, Bethany Tai, Raksa Kan, Cloey Nash, Ben Lynch and Costa Zorotheos for being such wonderful travel guides and companions, we are truly a team.

House Captains 2019:

Congratulations to all of our newly appointed House Captains for 2019. All senior students who put themselves forward for these important roles are to be congratulated and thanked for their courage and willingness to become servant leaders of the College.

Footy Colours Day

Always is a great way to celebrate and share our interest and passion for our sporting teams and raise much needed and appreciated funds for the very worthy Solomon Islands and Vinnies programs. Thank you to all who participated and helped with the organisation.

RUOK day – follow up.

An amazing rainbow of colours lit up the oval last week as we completed our first of hopefully an annual event, Colour run for RUOK day. Many students and staff took the opportunity to be caught by the magical colours representing awareness of the importance of good mental health and the need to check in with each other to ask RUOK.

Year 12 Term 4

Year 12 students will return in term 4 for only a few weeks before they commence stay leave prior to their final VCE Examinations. A letter will be going home to year 12 parents outlining the program and expectations for the final few days leading up to the Year 12  Campus Assembly at the campus followed by the Graduation Mass and Valedictory Dinner.

Finally, as we finish term 3 this week, I would like to thank all staff, students, administration team, and parents for your continued support through the term. Special thanks to Ms Janelle McRae who has been acting on my behalf this week.

Until I see you all next term, be safe, be productive and be happy.

ROSEMARY GRAHAM SHIELD

It is with great joy that I announce our Rosemary Graham Shield House Champions for 2018. 

Congratulations Glowrey! Your enthusiasm, participation and commitment to your House has seen you lead the way in this year's Inter House Competition. You're winning prize is a whole day out together. 

Congratulations also to the green machine ASSSI as you will share in a whole House Lunch  together. 

Mrs Julie Banda​

Deputy Principal - East Campus