Principal's Message
Mrs Josie Crisara
Year 12 Celebration Day
The Class of 2019 completed their formal education this week and we wish them well as they either complete their VCE exams or their VCAL outcomes. It is always an emotional time for students, their teachers and families. At the final Chapel and Assembly, students were reminded that school has probably been one of those stable and predictable elements in their lives and as that time draws to a close to look forward to what is to come. I started with one of Shakespeare’s soliloquies from the play “As You Like It” ( paraphrased a little)….
“All the world's a stage,
And all the men and women merely players;
They have their exits and their entrances,
And one person in their time plays many parts,
Their acts being seven ages.”
Students were asked to cast themselves as a Director of their own play and like in any good drama production, life will include elements of the absurd, comedy, romance and tragedy along with expected highlights and lowlights. However, as the director they will be in charge of their own performance. This will bring its challenges; there will be major decisions to make, as they review their time here at Aitken College and determine how it has shaped and guided them. Students were reminded that those people in their play that you cast in the leading roles will be significant choices and that they need to choose wisely. The quality of life’s production will depend on the strength of character of self and of those around you. A great adventure awaits them as they go from the safety of a controlled environment to one where you are far more at liberty to choose their paths. The joys of greater freedom and responsibility await them and hopefully school has prepared them well to take on this challenge. A few words for thought were given:
- Treat success as a privilege and remember success comes from all the things you do not see - dedication, hard work, persistence, discipline, sacrifice, failure, disappointment
- Be hopeful and optimistic and be willing to accept adversity as a challenge but never be afraid of seeking advice
- Be courageous and set yourself goals
- Reflect on any mistakes you make
- Do things because they are right
- Develop a sense of justice towards others.
The students were reminded that they had the capacity to direct their own life; use the tools of compassion, honesty, integrity, kindness and respect. The College is very proud of the achievements of the Class of 2019. From great scholarly achievements, to the cultural pursuits of performance and music, in sport, in leadership and in service to others both formal and informal.
Finally they were reminded of the words in Jeremiah Chapter 29:
God declares this: For I know the plans I have for you, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.
The students leave the College with all our blessings.
Congratulations to the following Year 12 students who were awarded Brookhill Colours :
Congratulations to Graeme V on receiving the Long Tan Award for service and leadership.
Parents and Friends Association Annual General Meeting
Research shows that parent involvement in the school has a positive impact on children. It highlights the value they put on their children’s education and also the value of service in volunteering to assist wherever they can. It is that time of the year for the Annual General meeting for the Parents and Friends Association. The meeting will be held on Monday 25 November in the seminar room located in the Chapel and Performing Arts Centre. I encourage parents to nominate for the committee and can do so by emailing admin@aitkencollege.edu.au. If you would like to volunteer, please send an email to pandf@aitkencollege.edu.au.