DEPUTY PRINCIPAL STUDENTS

I trust all the students, staff and families had an enjoyable Easter and school holiday period – and are now eager for an exciting Term 2.

ANZAC DAY CEREMONIES

The college was invited to continue its association with the Mildura RSL by participating in the War Graves Service at the Nichols Point Cemetery on Anzac Day. We thank those students, staff and families that participated and attended the service. It was a very moving experience. I also thank our College Captains Lily Bruhn, Tom Sapuppo, Kaitlin Hards, Anthony De Maria, and House Team Leader Mr Dion Collins for representing the college at the morning service held at Henderson Park.

The college Anzac assembly was held on Cleadon Oval on Wednesday April 26. Mr Scott Richards, the secretary of the Mildura RSL, a rifleman in the Army and Afghanistan veteran, addressed the students about the importance of Anzac Day and those who fought so we can live in peace. It is a very important ceremony for the college where we acknowledge and remember those in our community who died during wartime. 

FEAST DAY – CROSS COUNTRY, STALLS AND CARPENTERS CLASSIC

Always a highlight on the college calendar, the college celebrated the Feast Day of St Joseph the Worker and Cross Country Carnival on Wednesday May 3. Congratulations to Xavier House, who had a narrow victory over Mackillop House. The top place getters at the Cross Country Carnival then went on to represent the college on Friday May 5. Thank you to Mr John Fleming and Mr Dion Collins for all your hard work in preparing and overseeing the event.

Following the Cross Country, students took part in and enjoyed the variety of Homeroom food and activity stalls. The final part of the day – the Carpenters Classic – gives students the opportunity to show off their vocal, dance and theatre skills. As is tradition, the Year 12 students performed the final act together. I thank all the students who supported and cheered on all the performers that were brave enough to perform in front of their peers. While all the performers were outstanding, a special mention to Jaxon Allen and Hazel Symonds who sang amazingly and received perfect 10’s from all the judges (with Mrs Dixon giving Jaxon a score of 100!), and to Katie Hawkes who also received a perfect score for her contemporary dance performance. Special thanks to Mrs Tracy Aston, Mrs Jacinta Jones, Mr John Menhennett, Canteen and Maintenance staff, and all the staff that worked to ensure the stalls and the concert were great experiences for the students.

COLLEGE UNIFORM

A reminder that students are required to wear the College Blazer as the outer garment when they enter and exit the college during Terms 2 and 3, as per the College Uniform Policy. Students are also required to wear the blazer to morning Homeroom. This also applies to Year 12 students when they are wearing their Year 12 rugby jumper on a Tuesday and Thursday. 

Please be aware that the blue shirt (Years 7–10) needs to be tucked in, unless students are actively engaged in sport. Ties need to be worn correctly at the top button as per the image below. Additionally, skirt length is to be at the knee.

If you have any queries, please refer to the uniform policy on the college website.

LOCKS FOR LOCKERS AND PROTECTIVE BAGS FOR LAPTOPS

Many students do not use padlocks or continue to use their padlocks incorrectly on their lockers. While we are fortunate to attend a school where theft is extremely rare, we have had multiple incidents where intruders entered the college on a weekend, and reports of theft have been made to Victoria Police. I encourage all students to have and use a lock to ensure their belongings are safe. As stated in the Student Mobile Technology Policy, students are required to keep their phones in their locked lockers throughout the day. Students do keep valuable items in their lockers, and they need to ensure these items are kept safe.

We also remind students to carry their laptops around the college in their protective bags. While laptops are covered for one insurance claim per year, this is based on the assumption that students are carrying their laptops in the protective bags that were supplied with the laptops.

LOOKING AHEAD...

We look forward to another busy and exciting term. While many of our Year 12 students enjoyed their subject camps late in Term 1, this term our Year 8 students will be heading down to Halls Gap, while our Year 12 students will have their retreat in Anglesea. Other major events include the Mother’s Day Breakfast, Sunraysia VCE Ball, and the Combined Schools Mass.

Have a great term.

Mr Heath McClaer

Deputy Principal Students