Principal’s Message
From the Principal
As we reach the end of Term 1, a very challenging term given responding to the Corona Virus, I thank the students, parents and staff who have all contributed so well to the learning and teaching processes of the College. In particular, I thank those families who are new to the College this year for the support and efforts necessary for their son to commence at St James College and to settle during Term 1.
Easter Liturgy
Traditionally in the week before Easter we hold the Stations of the Cross Liturgy. Yesterday, some Homerooms were able to take an opportunity to participate in such a Liturgy as a small group service. I thank Mr Marty Callanan for the preparation for these services, and the Homeroom teachers for leading their student group liturgies.
These Liturgies help us to recall the events involved in Holy Week leading to Easter. During Lent, our focus should be on what we can do better - especially in our work and our relationships with others. A question each of us may ask ourselves during Lent is “How may I be of better service to those around me: my family, my work or school colleagues, particularly during this time of physical distancing while mindful of the importance of remaining connected to those who are more vulnerable?” Perhaps this could involve a phone call or an email to those who are alone - extending that sense of community and support for others where possible.
During Holy Week and then Easter, we are reminded of the life, death and, most importantly, the Resurrection of Jesus. Over these coming weeks, let us recall and consider the Easter message: Hope, new life, and our Unity in Christ. Let us be the example for others and to live the message of the Good News of Easter.
Term 1 Involvements
This Term has seen students involved in Year Level Retreats and our Lasallian Service program assisting at local primary schools and opportunity shops. Our students have represented the College in the many Southern Independent Schools competitions and activities including successfully competing in European Handball and Cricket. The evening DAV Interschool Debating competition commenced with our students speaking well in the first round. Thank you to the students and staff who were involved in these activities.
At this stage, Term 2 activities will be very limited due to the necessary precautions for the Corona Virus, however I encourage all students to continue to find other ways to practice their skills in the hope that some programs may be recommenced later in the year.
I thank our students as they have been impacted by these arrangements for the response to the current situation. Our students have accepted the news of the cancellation of sports and cultural activities, excursions, camps and gatherings involving large numbers. I commend the young men for their understanding, and for their readiness in anticipation of extended periods of on-line learning.
St Vincent de Paul Easter Collection
Last week we finalised our Easter Hamper collection. We presented our Easter Hampers to representatives from the St Peter’s East Bentleigh St Vincent de Paul Society. The Hampers will be distributed around the local conferences of St Vincent de Paul at East Bentleigh and Moorabbin. Thank you to the students, parents and staff who contributed to this year’s Easter Hamper collection – a great example of generosity! Thanks also to the College Student Representative Council and to Mr Barry Wood for organising this appeal.
Term 1 Assessments
The Term One Assessments for your son can be viewed through our Parent Access Module - PAM.
At this stage, the Parent/Student/Teacher Interviews scheduled for the early weeks of Term Two have been cancelled due to COVID-19 precautions. In response, a Student Progress Report for this term will be produced and parents will be able to access the report via PAM early in Term two.
I would like to acknowledge all students who have set their Personal Learning Goals and are making steady progress to succeed. This holiday period provides time for each young man and his parents to discuss progress and achievements during Term One, and to reset for Term 2.
Staff Farewell
As of the end of this Term, we farewell our Business Manager Mr Halyer Rayner who is taking up an appointment at Simonds Catholic College as Business Manager commencing in Term 2. We thank Halyer for his outstanding management of the College finances over the last two years and we wish him well in his new position.
We welcome Mr Bryan Lobo from St Bede’s College who takes on the role of Business Manager at St James College. Bryan has been involved in handover with Halyer, and he will also have responsibility for much of the budgeting and financial considerations of the Amalgamation work through this year.
Reflection
In these uncertain times and as we complete the first term, I encourage each family to be mindful of the Easter message – Hope for the future. We especially keep our Leaders and our Health workers in our prayers, and that each may find the clarity and support to carry out their duties well in these weeks ahead.
Lord Jesus Christ, in your mercy and compassion look kindly upon us. Bless
our nurses, doctors, researchers and all healthcare personnel with courage
and strength as they continue to care for our sick sisters and brothers.
May your Holy Spirit inspire in all Lasallians a sense of social responsibility
and guide us to follow the directives of medical experts and governments so
that together we can ensure the wellbeing of all, especially of those who
are poor and have limited or no access to healthcare.
Grant to each of us, Lord, the eyes to see our relatives, neighbours and
friends who are alone, who have lost loved ones or who need a good
Samaritan to do their shopping or assist with other basic needs. Give us a
compassionate heart that moves us to generously respond to those in
distress.
Lord Jesus Christ, in your mercy and compassion look kindly upon all
members of the Lasallian Family.
Bless all of us with peace and good health.
Br Robert Schieler, FSC (Br Superior)
Stephen Pooley
Principal