Principal

2023 Roadmap

We are off to a flying start for 2023. Our aim to make the introduction to the College, secondary school and the HSC more focused was facilitated by having Years 5, 7 and 12 commence school a day before the rest of the College population.

In our first virtual assembly, I reiterated the message I had given to the students at our last assembly in 2022. And for our Year 5, it was the first time they heard my challenge. My challenge for students in 2023 is to remember the 3 “Rs”. 

Part of my address to the students is included below:

The first ‘R’ stands for Rejoice. How do we do it? You can start by counting your blessings throughout the year. The word, “Thanksgiving,” appears everywhere in the Bible, it is a special holiday in the United States and is a word we use frequently.

You can thank God for the nice weather, for your supportive parents, for passing your exams, for having caring teachers and classmates, for having a summer vacation that allows you to take a break from school and do whatever you want to do. In fact, you can thank Him for everything. Rejoice at the opportunities that your parents are providing for you. Providing for you is costly. They make sacrifices so that you have all that you need to grow into adulthood. Rejoice at your good fortune, be grateful and let your actions show that you take nothing for granted.

Doing something year after year without reflection is absurd and this leads to the second ‘R’, Reflect. 

Seize the time to reflect upon everything you did last year, and the following questions may guide you through self-reflection. 

1)         How was my academic performance last year? How did I perform in lessons?

2)         Was my learning attitude positive?

3)         How is my relationship with family members, classmates, and friends? 

4)         How is my attitude towards life? 

5)         Have I connected with my classmates and showed my care for them? Have I used                  words of encouragement to them on some occasions? 

Today, as your homeroom teachers worked through the myriad of administrative tasks that keep us functioning effectively, set one or two goals for the year. Note these in your Student Diary. You can find the area for goal setting on Page 124.

This brings us to the final ‘R’ – Restart. Reflection may trigger sad emotions as it reveals what you have or haven’t achieved. But like what Apostle Paul said, 

“but one thing I do, letting go those things which are past, and stretching out to the things which are before me.” (Philippians 3:13)

You’re advised to keep on reflecting as this restarts the cycle of learning and planning. 

Once you have set goals for yourself, use this new school year and equip yourself with knowledge and skills that can help improve your learning. Our amazing HSC results last year, for example, had boys who were ranked at 95th, 78th and achieved ATARs about 90!

Realising the importance of restarting is crucial to us. I have been a bit anxious now and then about some individuals’ academic performance. 

I hope you made good use of the summertime, now, don’t forget to hit the restart button before the new academic year begins. This is especially true of Year 12 (2023) students.

I hope that all of you can make use of the 3 Rs – Rejoice, Reflect and Restart – to help you cope with challenges in your lives. I look forward to seeing you at the Opening Mass and High Achiever’s Assembly and ask that you make the most of each day together that we have left. 

You and your parents/carers need to sign:

• Page 25 Conditions of Enrolment
• Page 26 Diary Guidelines
• Page 49 ICT Policy and Guidelines

In 2023, you will all notice a renewed and relentless approach in regards to a number of things. The year is now not likely to ever be disrupted again so we can get back to the business of LEARNING and growing into a strong CHRISTIAN MAN that knows that he stands for something.

• Punctuality and attendance. You must be here each day by 8:30 AM at the latest. You get your materials together for Period 1 and you move on the bell at 8:35 AM. Your lesson will begin at 8:40 AM; you will not be let in without a late slip if you arrive after 8:40 AM. It is simply rude to waste people’s time and to disrupt the learning of others.
   
• Conduct in Class. The YCs and I will be keen to know if there is anyone, or groups of boys, who consistently disrupt classes. We know this is hard to do but that is what emails are for. And we will protect your identity if you do so. You are doing the “class clown” a favour if you help him focus in class.
   
• You know the rules and you must abide by them. This is with respect to hair, facial hair, uniform and those rules that make our school safe. Stay out of out-of-bounds areas, be respectful at bus lines for instance.

If this is all too much for you, have the courage to speak to your parents and find a school that may suit you better. I’d hate to lose you but will respect your decision if that’s the way you go.

What I do know after 30 years in teaching is that the habits you form at school (punctuality, conduct and grooming) are the skills and attributes you need when you leave school and join the workforce or start a business. No-one will care about your ATAR but they will form a “first impression” of you very quickly. Is he well-presented? Is he a self-directed person? Can you effectively collaborate with others? Is he reliable and punctual? Does he speak to others respectfully and with kindness? 

We had the toughest of final terms last year with the loss of one of our beloved boys but now, after some time has passed, we can all learn the importance of making each second count and to be kind to one another, family, friends and teachers. Live Jesus in our Hearts. Forever.

Students Theme for 2023

Our Year 12 Leadership Team led by Alessandro, Martin and James, chose the following theme to inspire their challenge to promote the touchstone of “Justice and Solidarity”. They chose the verse:

“That there be no divisions among you, but that you are united in the same mind and the same purpose: 1 Corinthians 1:10

In Alessandro’s words to describe the reasons for their choice: 

“We believe that it captures everything we wish to portray, with obvious references to solidarity, but also commenting on our inclusive nature, as we look to push out discrimination in our college. 

Further, we thought it was important to remind the community that we are united in the “same purpose” whether that be our purpose in faith, or in re-igniting our school spirit.

Changes to Excursions in the Junior School

Custom and practice to date has been to hold a Year 6 Camp at Somerset. During my regular meeting with the Junior School student leaders, they were clear about the need to move this camp to the beginning of Year 5. Boys were describing the need to have a camp in the first term upon their entry to the College. The objective is to give the 217 lads a chance to get to know one another outside their classroom settings.

We have implemented this suggestion this year and moved to have Year 6 involved in an overnight experience but this time, focused on the Civics and Citizenship part of the Australian History and Australian Geography curriculum. Year 6 set off for Canberra on Monday and a wonderful time was had by all.

This was raised at Parents and Friends meetings last year where the parents/carers present agreed that it was worthy of a change in practice if the Year 5 students are better able to forge new friendships at the point of their entry into the College.

It is worth noting that the change to Year 5 Orientation this year (that is, having only Year 5, 7 and 12 on the first day of term) meant a more welcoming and quality induction to the school upon arrival, some space for our newest lads to move around the campus and learn about key sites, and gave them an opportunity to train on Bus Lines with a reduced number of school passengers. We were very pleased with the day and are resolved to continue to implement this from 2024.

2022 City of Canada Bay Young Citizen of the Year

On Australia Day, the City of Canada Bay announced their 2022 City of Canada Bay Citizens of the Year. It is with great pleasure to share with the College community the news that Luca Tropiano (Year 9) was announced as the City of Canada Bay’s 2022 Sports Citizen of the Year. 

The award acknowledges the achievements of an individual in their chosen sport. Luca received his award recognising the significant achievements he has made in Football (soccer) at a national and international level. 

On behalf of the College community, we extend our congratulations to Luca on this outstanding recognition. 

In Memoriam

We keep in our prayers the Cotroneo family, particularly Gianni (Year 11), Alessio (Year 9), Emilio (Year 7) and Romeo (Year 5) whose maternal great grandmother, Kaliopi Lelakis recently passed away in Greece, aged 97. 

We also pray for Nicholas Quaratiello (Year 6) and Julian Canclini (‘21) whose grandmother, Teodora Quaratiello recently passed away. 

Eternal rest grant unto them, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon them. 

May their souls and the souls of all the faithful departed, 

through the mercy of God, rest in peace. 

Dr Vittoria Lavorato

Principal

SPC boys can do anything! 

**except divide by zero