Principal Message

Welcome back to the new term. I trust all had a happy and holy Easter and were able to take the time to reflect upon the significance of the Resurrection. Our Director Mrs. Elizabeth O’Carrigan offered us this reflection at the start of term;

“We are an Easter people and so the Resurrection shapes the world for us. And despair cannot conquer us. Jesus told us, “In this world, you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” “

As we return for Term Two I’d like to announce some staff changes. 

• Ms. Louisa Reynolds has taken leave to have a baby and won't be returning until late November. We have appointed Mr. Zack Cohalan as Acting Academic Care and Wellbeing Coordinator of Benedicta House.
   
• Mr. Cameron Gaffney has been appointed in the HSIE faculty in job share with Ms. Pip De Mattia extending his load which also includes some PDHPE. 
   
• In the Science department we congratulate Ms. Larissa Byrne on her permanent appointment replacing Mr. Sharrock.
   
• Next week we welcome Ms. Lauren Wetton who is going to work for us for twelve weeks as a School Nurse.

We congratulate Ms. Reynolds too, on the birth of her baby daughter Matilda and we wish them all the best at this exciting time.

Thank you to the many parents who were able to make parent teacher interviews late last term. I spoke with the students on Monday about the need to set learning goals for the term ahead off the back of the feedback from those interviews. 

I would encourage you to check in with your child’s teachers if you weren't able to have interviews. The learning partnership between school, home and your child is critical for their success.  In Coaching time the students will be working through their goals and with their coaches checking on them as the term progresses. Please ask your child about their goals.

Congratulations to the many sportsmen and sportswomen who participated in a broad range of sports in Term One, many achieving their own personal bests. Many played in Diocesan carnivals and just as many played in local competitions for the College. We particularly congratulate the Opens Girls Touch team who made the final of the Preston Butcher Cup and to the Opens Rugby League who made the final four of the Hardy Shield.  Both teams played in a fine spirit and it was heartening to see the voluntary support each team received at local venues. 

Year 12 have just completed their Retreat at Greenfields at Stromlo in the ACT. I was able to visit them on Monday night and really was a privilege to be with them. Their commitment to each other and the sincerity they brought to the experience was humbling. They were supported by a wonderful team of staff led by Ms. Christine Savage and Mr Peter Gaffney. I want to thank them for their commitment to the students and for the sacrifice of their time away from their families. We also thank Fr. Paddy and Fr. Damian who were able to join the students for reconciliation on Monday night. The Holy Spirit was truly in Year 12’s midst. 

Best wishes for the term ahead.