From the Acting Deputy Principal/Head of Senior School

Dear Members of the St Gregory’s College Community,

There is much to give thanks for over the past fortnight. The boys are back and with them has come energy, life and vibrancy. I must say that the College is empty without them. This has most certainly not been the case this week and last as we have enjoyed near-record attendance levels. It seems absence really does make the heart grow fonder. It has been so refreshing for all members of the College community to return to some sense of normality as we have been able to return to our regular timetable and many of our regular routines. This week we have also had the pleasure of celebrating one of the most important events on the Marist Calendar as we celebrate the Feast day of St Marcellin Champagnat. 

Happy Champagnat Week

This week we had the pleasure across the College to celebrate Champagnat Week by acknowledging being Marist by highlighting a characteristic of Marist education each day. On Monday, we had the pleasure of starting the week by focusing on ‘Love of Work’. What a great way to start the week as we prepare for our assessment period. There was also an opportunity for staff to share a ‘Love of Work’ award with some students and even amongst staff! Tuesday was a focus on the characteristic ‘In the Way of Mary’, teachers and leaders helped the boys pray the Rosary. Wednesday was an opportunity to focus on ‘Presence’. This is such an important characteristic in today’s day and age. This was celebrated through a liturgy either live (Kindergarten, Year 1 and Year 12) or streamed into the classes. Our annual Battle of the Codes led by Year 12 took place on Thursday and what a way to celebrate the characteristic of ‘Family Spirit’, and boy was it evident on Thursday! We finished the week on Friday with ‘Simplicity’, this was as simple as a Curly Wurly to finish the week and looking out for one another around us. Thanks for a wonderful Champagnat Week!

We give thanks for the gift of Marcellin and the profound relationship that he had with Jesus and Mary. Inspired by our Marist spirituality, we have the responsibility to share this gift within our community and with one another. Thanks to Mrs Cathie Clarke, Mrs Mazzo and their team for a wonderful week and one that is a highlight on the calendar for all St Gregory’s College students.

The Western Entrance

Thank you for your patience at the drop-off and pick-up points from the Western Entrance. I appreciate that the traffic flow has been busier than usual. Please continue to exercise patience and courtesy when queueing up to wait for your son. We have also asked your sons to exercise extreme caution when walking along the Western Entrance. 

The Canteen

In the last newsletter, Mr Brooks reminded all families about the need to limit line ups at the canteen where possible. A big thanks must be forwarded to the families who are making use of the online ordering system Flexischools to place orders for lunch. This does ensure more efficient service, provide certainty about what food is available, and it has been limiting congestion and minimising wastage. Thanks to those families who have supported this initiative.

Have a lovely long weekend and we look forward to seeing you all back for Week 7!

As our St Gregory’s College motto states, ‘You will reap what you sow’.

Joel Weekes 

Acting Deputy Principal