From the Principal

The start to Term 3 has certainly been a busy and unexpected one as a sudden increase in COVID infections sent the state into lockdown, with little notice, once again! Pivoting between onsite and remote learning can be tiring for all – staff, students and parents. I recently read an article by Prof Lea Waters, who is a well-known positive psychology expert and founder of ‘Visible Wellbeing’, about the impact of COVID on a person’s general wellbeing and the notion of ‘COVID fatigue’. Like other psychologists, Lea strongly supports practising gratitude as a way to support our wellbeing. Her article which can be accessed HERE provides some strategies on how to practise gratitude ourselves, with our children and others. While we are experiencing difficult circumstances, we have much to be grateful for as we are so much more fortunate than many around the world at this time. It’s important that our children/students are also reminded of this and encouraged to be grateful for all they do have.  

During the holidays, NAIDOC Week was celebrated across Australia.  The purpose of NAIDOC Week is to celebrate the history, culture and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. The theme for 2021 was ‘Heal Country!’, calling for stronger measures to recognise, protect, and maintain all aspects of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture and heritage.

At the College, our Year 11 students have been exploring First Nations Perspectives and the social justice issues that exist. In the final week of Term 2, each Year 11 Religious Education class chose one aspect to focus on and developed a banner that depicted the theme chosen. I was very fortunate to hear each class’s presentation to their peers of their banner and theme. The depth of thought, understanding and empathy evident in each presentation was most impressive. As I said to the year level, while their presentations were outstanding, what is most important is the action they take as individuals moving forward to bring about change and reconciliation. 

Unfortunately, the current restrictions have meant that a number of events at the College have needed to be either cancelled, rescheduled or re-imagined! Fortunately, technology does allow us to run some events virtually, such as the Elevate ‘Ace Your Exams’ study session for Year 12 VCE students earlier this week and our Pathways Expo this evening.  We are disappointed to have had to postpone our biennial Past Pupils of Distinction Dinner which was to be held next Friday, 30 July but remain hopeful that we will be able to celebrate the achievements of our nominated past pupils later in the year!

In celebration of NAIDOC Week, I share with you the Aboriginal Our Father:

You are our Father, you live in heaven, we talk to you.

Father you are good.

We believe your word, Father, we are your children, give us bread today.

We have done wrong, we are sorry, teach us, Father, all about your Word.

Others have done wrong to us, and we are sorry for them, Father, today.

Stop us from doing wrong, Father, save us all from the evil one.

You are our Father, you live in heaven, we talk to you.

Father you are good.

Nicole Mangelsdorf

Principal