From the Principal

Come as you are

To conclude the semester, we conducted a secondary assembly via Teams this week. Conducting assemblies remotely is not ideal but still a great opportunity to engage with our students and staff.

Prior to the assembly I pre-recorded a message. I wanted to be filmed outside so that our students could be seen in the background because it has been so pleasing to have everyone back at school. Our technical crew of staff and students are amazing with their talent in using their skills to tell the stories of the College.

At one stage, Sam Tout, stopped the filming because my tie had moved over my shoulder in the wind. My response to Sam was:

‘It is ok Sam. I don’t mind if it is not perfect’.

In many ways that has been the story of the term. 

Our term has progressed extremely well. Our students have been well led by the example of our Year 12s getting on with their education despite some obvious impediments. Postponed events are becoming a reality and parents and other adults are now permitted to be onsite. Mistakes have been made including plenty by the Principal! But the over-riding sentiment has been that we are in this together.

There is a beautiful hymn entitled ‘Come as you are’ with an opening verse as follows:

‘Come as you are, that's how I want you. Come as you are, feel quite at home. Close to my heart, loved and forgiven. Come as you are, why stand alone?’ (Sr Deirdre Browne ibvm)

So, whether it is a student with an imperfect report or a teacher with an imperfect lesson or a Principal with a tie flung over the shoulder; it is worth reflecting on the last line of the hymn:

‘All will be well. Just come as you are.’

Thank you to all students and staff for their wonderful work over the semester and for our parents and extended community for their unwavering support.

Robert Henderson

Principal