Faculty News

This week many AFL football clubs resumed their training regimes after enjoying a relaxing break from the rigours of a gruelling 23 week season. At the same time many young hopefuls are putting their hand up in the AFL draft in the hope that they will be selected by a club and are given a chance to fulfil their sporting dreams on the big stage playing alongside their childhood heroes. The Australian Test Team also started training this week for their assault on the Ashes this summer after a successful quest for glory in the World T20 men’s competition. In both instances, this period gives the players the chance to re-focus, recalibrate, and reflect on what worked previously, what needs to be improved and a chance to rediscover the joy and passion of playing the sport.

This week the entire school community embarked upon a two-week transition programme. By rolling over the school timetable into the 2022 version, we are giving our students the chance to experience the demands of studying a subject in their next promoted year level. The goals of this program are not that dissimilar to the sporting examples I cited above. Our students have had a challenging year. Extended lockdowns, remote learning and a lack of social interaction have made it difficult for our students to thrive. In many cases they have lost their passion for learning, gaps have developed in their academic knowledge and their self-confidence has been shaken. For our VCE students going into Year 11 or 12, the stakes are high and they certainly need to take time to reflect carefully on what they need to do, so that they can give a good account of themselves in 2022. 

To ensure that a program such as this can operate requires the goodwill and generosity of so many staff. At the top of that list are our classroom teachers who have prepared exciting lessons, developed interesting resources and started the process of getting to know the individual needs and strengths of the new students in their care. Much praise also goes to our Timetabler, Maurice Lee, and Daily Organiser, Chris Windley, whose hard work and expertise make it all happen!

Along the same lines, as Fr Harry reminds us today in his reflection, our Church starts its new year this week as we celebrate the start of the Advent season. In many ways, this time of our liturgical year gives us a chance to recalibrate our faith, reflect on how we can become better followers of Christ and the role that each of us plays in making the kingdom visible here and now.

May God bless you all as you start the journey to Christmas.

Enjoy a well-earned break,

Mr Mark Rolfe

VCE Coordinator