From the Principal
- Prayer at the College Opening Mass
- Academic Awards Ceremony
- Swimming Carnivals
- STOP PRESS: COVID-19 Protocol Changes
- COVID-19 Bulletin 4
- Invitation to P&F Commencement Mass and Social
- 2022 Open Day
- Enrolments for Years 5, 6 & 7 2024
- College Council Meeting
Prayer at the College Opening Mass
At our beautiful Opening Mass on Tuesday Bishop Peter Ingham (Old Boy 1957) offered our Mass on the Feast of the Chair of St Peter. Gospel: Matthew 16:15-18
Jesus asked. “Who do you say I am?”
Simon Peter answered, “You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God.”
Jesus replied, “Blessed are you, Simon son of Jonah …..I tell you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church…”
The Lord says to Simon Peter:
I have prayed for you that your faith may not fail,
And, once you have turned back, strengthen your brothers and sisters.
This was an inspirational occasion and I share Bishop Peter’s Homily below captured on our live stream of the Mass. In this inspirational Homily, Bishop Peter speaks so clearly to all of us. I share just a few quotes for your reflection but I encourage you to listen to the whole homily.
“In this new College year, our 85th, be alert, be awake and be ready for the learning opportunities that will come your way.”
“Take the opportunity to grow and develop into a thoroughly good person, a person who can really make a difference.”
"Start where you are.
Use what you have.
Do what you can."
“Be someone who encourages others and put fresh heart into the people you mix with.”
Bishop Peter is an inspiration to all of us.
Academic Awards Ceremony
It was another wonderful occasion to celebrate academic achievements yesterday at our Academic Achievements Ceremony at Oxford Falls.
Our 2021 HSC High Achievers returned and we took the opportunity to celebrate and congratulate them for their magnificent results in what was definitely a challenging time.
The 2021 Dux, James Scaiff, spoke profoundly about how different 2020 and 2021 were for everyone, and that his approach was to focus on what he could control rather than what he couldn't control. He tenaciously focused on his studies and his perseverance brought him through. James thanked his teachers and fellow classmates and again showed his humble maturity in his success.
I share with you below the list of both our Academic Award recipients from Years 8 - 11 and also the 2021 HSC High Achievers booklet.
Congratulations to all our recipients.
Swimming Carnivals
We are all looking forward to our Swimming Carnivals which are being held at Macquarie University Aquatic Centre, tomorrow for the Senior School, and on Friday for the Junior School. A reminder that the carnival is a compulsory event for all students, however, students should not attend if unwell with COVID-19 symptoms. Students will sit with their year cohorts at the Senior Carnival and Colour Houses for the Junior Carnival as a COVID-safe measure. A reminder also that masks are to be worn on the buses to and from the carnival. I attach the Information Sheet for the Carnivals including the COVID-19 Protocols.
STOP PRESS - COVID-19 Protocol Changes
The NSW Government has made further announcements today regarding changes to take effect from Monday 28 February.
These include:
- Masks no longer mandatory for students.
- Schools can reduce or remove cohorting
- More visitors may be invited to school sites
A further Bulletin from The College will be sent to parents by the end of this week with full details of the updated College COVID-19 protocols that will take effect from Monday 28 February.
COVID-19 Bulletin No 4
Yesterday all parents were sent the College's COVID-19 Bulletin No 4. I attach the bulletin below.
In the bulletin I advise that the next group of RAHTs have been distributed to students this afternoon in homerooms. Students will each receive one box of 5 tests. The new tests will be for use at your own discretion.
When the NSW Education Minister makes further announcements regarding masks and other provisions for schools, I will advise the College community.
Please remember to have your son take the final test from your previous distribution tomorrow morning before school.
Invitation to P&F Commencement Mass and Social
All families are welcome to join us for the P&F Commencement Mass and Social this Saturday, 26 February, at 5.30 pm. Parents of students in Years 5, 6 and 7 are especially welcome. This evening is a great opportunity for you to meet other parents and to also catch up with others you may not have had the opportunity to see over the past year.
A reminder that, to assist with catering, would you please advise your attendance using the Trybooking link, https://www.trybooking.com/114628.
If you are able to assist with helping prepare, serve or clean at the social after Mass, please use the following link to place your name on the roster:
https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1lbPV9jLnmnorf_WWedKdRL_MLeX177msfoQhBzbGgio/edit
2022 Open Day - Saturday 19 March
We are very excited to announce that we are holding an OPEN DAY on Saturday, 19 March. The Chatswood campus will be open from 10.00 am to 2.00 pm. The Treacy Centre at Oxford Falls will be open from 8.00 am to 12.00 pm. Tour bookings essential – please see the link below. The Principal, Mr John Couani, will make an address at 11.00 am and 1.00 pm at the Chatwood Campus.
Bookings are open for Open Day Tours using the following link
Enrolments for Years 5, 6 & 7 2024
Online enrolment application forms will be available from next Monday, 21 March. Please see the College website for details. Lodgement closing date for 2024 is Friday, 8 April 2022.
College Council Meeting
The College Council met on Monday evening and one of the items discussed was the draft 2022 Annual Plan. This plan was endorsed at the meeting and I attach it now.
Mr John Couani - Principal