Associate Principal, Operations Report

The last couple of weeks have provided me with some reminders about former students and the good things they are doing.

Last Friday, Western Bulldogs Premiership player Liam Picken (Collegian 2002-04) visited the school.  He spoke to an excited crowd at lunchtime, explaining the role of an elite footballer and noting the importance of on-going education.  Most impressive was his message that he had quickly discovered, on his journey to football success, the things he was not so good at and how he had sought to improve in those areas.  I think the idea that Liam had undertaken some studies and continues to study at tertiary level and his comments about the need for honest self-appraisal and action to improve where needed were very powerful messages for our students to hear.  We were delighted too by the generous sharing of his time afterwards for photographs and autographs.

Also last week, during the VCE Studio Arts examination, students were presented with a range of art pieces which they needed to review and assess.  One of the works featured was credited as being a partnership between two designers, one of whom was Bruce Slorach (1975-78).  Bruce is a highly regarded artistic designer and creator.  His passion at school was in the art area and he has pursued it to forge a most successful career.  It was exciting to see a former student’s work featured in an examination such as this one; it was also exciting to see how far following an area of interest can lead.  There is a good message also in that story, I think.

Finally, we have recently received into the Library a copy of a book, “The Sticky Note Guide to Life” by Charles Hutton (1989-98).  Charles’ book is the result of the power of social media.  He began drawing on yellow sticky notes and shared these through Instagram (Instachaz) where they “went viral” attracting interest from a number of publishers.  The result is this book, published by Harper Collins.  Young people can take from Charles’ story the point that opportunities need to be seized when they arise.

Three stories.  Three fine Old Collegians.  Three very sound messages.

Mr Neil MacLean