A Word from the Principal

This semester seems to have flown by. Last weekend gave me the opportunity to reflect on the learning which has occurred this semester as I sat and read the report cards of all students. Wow! Students, and in turn teachers, have been very busy. If you happen to come to the College during the day, you will be aware that underneath the layer of calm and serenity is a beating pulse and hive of activity. From classrooms to lunch times and even after school – the hallways and corridors murmur the messages – you can be….whatever you choose to be. The learning is complemented by the myriad of opportunities – academic challenges, sporting, and the arts.

The many activities that Term 2 has seen include the College events of Field Day, Autumn Concert, Cultural and Languages Week, STEM activities and the Dance/Drama showcase. Many of these activities highlight the strength of certain departments but I realise that support comes from many different corners. A great many staff and parents put up their hands to help make these events successful. The students thrive in these events – they socialise with students they don’t regularly get to be with and learn to respect the talents and diversity of everyone. A huge thank you to all who help out, offer support and encouragement.

Staffing arrangements for next semester have been confirmed. Amanda McGarrigle has extended her leave until the end of the year and Rob Owen will continue in this role. Rob is currently putting the final touches on the production The Dream for Week 3 of Term 3. Anne Haward has also extended her leave from Kinder until the end of the year. Anne has benefitted from the time off this term and would like the opportunity to consolidate this gain in health by taking some further time off. Karen Giudici has agreed to remain as Kinder teacher until the end of the year. I thank both Rob and Karen for putting the continuity of student learning first and agreeing to remain in our community. We are grateful for this generosity. Sharon Himson goes on leave and her class will be covered by Anne Crawford and Christine Russell. We hope Sharon has a refreshing break.

Knowing that it has been a big term and an even bigger semester, the break offers a wonderful opportunity to recharge and rejuvenate the batteries. I encourage the staff here at the College to step away from emails and school documents and spend time building up the health bank heading into Term 3. If possible this time is also a great opportunity for our students to reconnect with family, tidy their rooms, see sights that they may never have been exposed to, visit a museum, read a book, help around the yard – so many different opportunities and the time to take up the challenge. Enjoy!

Thought of the Week

This week’s reflection comes from Peter Pan (J.M. Barrie) and some of the famous quotes which tickle my imagination:

All the world is made of faith, and trust, and pixie dust. Bring on the PIXIE DUST.
The moment you doubt whether you can fly, you cease for ever to be able to do it. Keep dreaming you can fly.
Dreams do come true, if only we wish hard enough.

Mrs Fiona Nolan

Principal