Deputy Principal

That’s a Wrap

A few people have asked me over the last few weeks if my first year has gone fast. The answer to the question is that I found the first term seemed to go slowly. I put that down to starting the school year still dealing with COVID-19. From the time the students came back in Term 2 though, the year seems to have gone quickly. I have also been asked, have you enjoyed the year? To answer that question, I would not only say that I have enjoyed it, but I have loved it. 

Walking into a new environment while confident in my own abilities was always going to be a little daunting. I have been given a new energy. An energy that comes from joining a community of faith. Of young men and families who are willing to express their faith openly. I have borne witness to Opening Mass, Founder’s Day. Mother’s Day and Father’s Day celebrations as well as many other masses and liturgies that form part of our fabric and history at the College. This has given me immense joy.

I have been in classrooms and have seen young men wanting to learn. Young men with inquisitive minds, listening, learning, questioning everything. A part of learning is questioning and finding out why, rather than just taking knowledge for granted. Young men engaging in poetry, problem solving in Mathematics and designing an app in Geography. Watching our Drama students perform was also a highlight, as was going into the open classrooms in the Junior School and seeing our youngest students explore their learning by making models based on natural disasters.

I have watched young men engaged in a plethora of Co-curricular activities. It has been great to stand on the sideline and watch our young men and see the genuine enjoyment in their faces; to watch their talents both on and off the field as I witnessed the performance of The Addams Family. We have so many talented young men and I see it as part of our role to help them nurture their God given talents.

I have enjoyed working with the College Advisory Council and the Parents’ and Friends’ Committee, and all the parents/carers as we all strive to get the best outcomes for our young men at the College. I have enjoyed meeting so many parents, carers and families and I look forward to getting to know so many more of you in the years to come.

I am grateful for my dedicated colleagues that I get to work with each and every day. I am inspired by their passion and enthusiasm to continually do more. I have watched them teach, coach, support, and work with those who are marginaliased and without voice. The Service Program teaches all of us that we always need to consider those who need help and who are less fortunate than us, and having our staff work with our students to support our justice partners is something that gives me life.

When I reflect on these experiences, I am reminded that I am a companion on a journey. A journey that allows me to walk with 1,470 young men and their families. I could not be more blessed; I do not take these opportunities for granted. As we approach the school holidays and Christmas, I wish you all a safe and joyous holiday. Enjoy your time with your sons. Each and every day is a blessing. I encourage you, as I do, to look for the good in everything and find God in all things. 

Adrian Byrne

Deputy Principal