Principal's  Message

 

Year 12 Formal

The majority of our young men were in attendance, many with a partner yet others were more than comfortable being on their own. This was held, for the first time, at Moorabbin Town Hall. The venue proved to be spacious and welcoming. The evening was a respectful celebration for the boys who were excellent ambassadors for the school.

It is important that we give a safe environment for our students to celebrate and feel valued.

50 Years (Plus) Reunion

This event began at the College in the Functions Room where the Old Collegians gathered to hear about the latest initiatives and building developments. A tour was offered followed by a sojourn to the RSL.  Given that over 90 Old Collegians were in attendance, it seemed that the format and location worked well for the group. Following a long afternoon of good company and stories the group went their various ways, keen to hear of the timing of the next gathering. It is pleasing to see such a strong bond between the students of the past and the College in its current form.

Twelve Angry Men

The College congratulates all involved with the production of Twelve Angry Men. I watched the rehearsal process over the past few months and saw how the students developed from tentative, script reliant actors to confident players who interact ed seamlessly. It is uplifting to see students develop confidence, stagecraft and poise as the practice becomes reality. This is a great testimony to the environment in which they operate as well as staff expertise and encouragement. There were a considerable staff team involved, all of whom volunteer their services in a most generous way.

Football

Our First XV111 won the ACC Championship. This is a considerable effort as they are competing against schools that have substantial numbers of NAB Under-18 players within them. I have been attending their games and have been full of admiration for the way in which they have committed to school football. As we achieved the championship, the team represented the ACC at the Herald Sun Shield Semi Final against Aquinas College and won convincingly. We now play in the Grand Final against St Patrick’s Ballarat for the right to be recognised as the premier football school in the State. This complements our ACC Cricket championship. The cricketers will also represent the ACC in December this year when they compete for the Victorian Championship.

Balgo Visit

The College has been looking at ways to increase our awareness of Indigenous issues and possible levels of involvement. A committee was formed last year that has now recommended the development of subject material to use in classrooms, initially with Year 7 and Year 11 students. We are also looking at using one of the early staff days on next year for a guest speaker on this subject.

The Principal of Balgo Community School (300 kilometres south of Halls Creek) has contacted us to arrange a visit for his students to Melbourne in August. Balgo has had a long association with the De La Salle Brothers and is located in the Great Sandy Desert of Western Australia. The visit is currently in the planning phase and we hope to have a reciprocal return visit next year. The aim of the above is to develop a sequential and more substantive indigenous awareness program over the coming years.

Public Speaking and Debating

The College has a number of debating teams who will be competing in the finals. We have had considerable success in the preliminary rounds. Our public speakers are also competing in the Legacy Australia rounds. Due to a generous benefactor, 15 public speakers will be going to Canberra for four days to participate in a parliamentary debate session and various other activities.

Council of International Schools (CIS)

This term we prepare for our visitation which is to take place at the end of October. The College is seeking accreditation to be recognised as a school operating at a standard comparable to any school locally or internationally. To gain such accreditation it is necessary for our school to be reviewed in a comprehensive way looking at all aspects of our mission, learning, pastoral, co-curricular, plant and operations. This process will take place over 18 months and will involve consultation with all members of our community. We have just begun the response phase to the first request for information.

Year 10

Our Year 10 students are undertaking many activities over the coming four weeks. Two such activities involve Work Experience and the Grampians camp. Whilst these programs may seem very different, they have a feature in common. Both are designed to give a sense of resilience and teamwork. We learn much about ourselves when in unfamiliar and challenging settings. We wish all our Year 10 students well with the full four-week program.

The Pathways Evening was extremely well attended by our Year 10 families. It is important to have sound information when making choices about future pathways. Well done to all of our families, and the incoming St James College families, on their genuine wish to discuss all possible options. We all have the goal of assisting young men to become engaged in meaningful and productive careers.

Enrolments

Per Vias Rectas

John Finn

Principal