From the Director of Students

Dear College community, 

As we head into the middle of the term, it is exciting to see that so many co-curricular activities and events are going ahead. It seems that 2021 has brought a sense of ‘normality’ for which we are very grateful.

With this new form of normality; students have been busy in and out of the classroom. We have had The Gordon Fetterplace Public Speaking competition, the College Swimming Carnival, which took place in Week 3 and our Show Team has competed in its first annual event with our prized sheep and junior handlers receiving numerous awards. 

Year 9 The Rite Journey Program

Our Year 9 students took their first step last week with a ‘mini retreat’ style introduction to The Rite Journey program and ‘The Calling’.

Our Homeroom teachers were amazing in setting the ambience of what is to come in the next few weeks. The boys went out around the College grounds in small groups to locate an item that would be significant to them over the year. This item came in the form of a wooden tree branch that was located at the College. This item will serve in many rituals and ceremonies over the year.

In the opening topic, students discussed rituals and rites of passage when becoming a man in different cultures. This evening, the program was in full swing as the parents joined the students in the program. This is called the ‘The Departure’ where parents, carers and mentors join the students for an opportunity to learn, reflect and look forward.

College Open Day 2021

Last Sunday the College opened its doors to our local community. Thousands of potential families visited the College. A massive thank you to all the students who gave up their time to support the College. Our students led by example, they were ‘on point’ and perfect ambassadors.

Many students took parents on tours around the College, some of these tours took over 2 hours to complete. The feedback from families was impressive, they were very thankful and expressed that our students had very strong knowledge and connection with their College. The boys were engaging, well presented, honest and friendly. 

As I wandered around the College I noticed both staff and students interacting with families as they visited our facilities, a highlight was the gas bubble experiment in the Science rooms.  Big congratulations to all students who attended.

Student Welfare: Vaping

I think it is very important that I share resources with parents regarding vaping and E-cigarettes. Many schools across Australia have seen a significant rise in young people using vapes. We also know that many parents may be oblivious that their son or daughter may be vaping.

Cigarette companies have been very good at marketing tobacco for many years and are now changing their approach with how they make and develop these electric devices. They are colourful, they taste sweet and smell nice. It is clear the small devices are targeting a young demographic. Most vapes have nicotine and others are laced with synthetic drugs. The main concern is that there is not enough data and research to conclude what the long-term health effects of vaping are.

Mr Baldino Vetrano

Director of Students