Principal's Report

Dear Families,

The recent Cluster Feast Day saw our staff and students gather in their respective Cluster Groups for six Masses celebrated simultaneously across the College. We were very fortunate to have Bishop Mark Edwards return to the College for this day. He was joined by Monsignor Portelli and 4 other Priests so that we could hold the six Masses across the College. 

Mass was followed by lunch in Cluster Groups before we all headed into the hall for the hotly contested 2017 Catholic Regional College Sydenham Talent Quest. Since being introduced in 2008, this event has grown in popularity and reputation. The 2017 show did not disappoint either. The talent of our students was on show and they are exceptionally talented. The judges of the Talent Quest awarded first Prize and the subsequent 3 Judges Prizes as follows:

It I important that schools provide opportunities such as Talent Quest for those students who are gifted with talents that allow them to express themselves creatively can indeed do so and be recognised for their work. We have a rich tradition at the College and I am thrilled to be informed by Catholic Education that a number of our students have a role in Time to Shine, the Catholic Education schools performing arts event. Our VET Beauty students will also be going along but the will be working as they have in previous years. Their role is to do the make-up for the students performing. Time to Shine will be performed at the State Theatre on 28 July 2018. Well done to the following students who have been selected to be involved:

Deanna  Ganci             Catholic Regional College Sydenham       12       Singer

Brodie Krslovic            Catholic Regional College Sydenham                   Student Crew

Matthew Martello       Catholic Regional College Sydenham       11       Student Crew

Year 12 famlies should have received a letter recently outlining the expecations of students as we approach the end of Year 12 and the various Rites of Passage activities that feature in our calendar for the graduating class. Please take some time to read this material thoroughly and avail your family of the opportunity to discuss what this is informing our community of. Students were briefed in a Year 12 assembly recently at which I provided an overview of the expectations we have as a community. I urge families to reiterate this message by way of follow up over the next few weeks.

It seems a little too soon to be speaking and writing about the completion of Year 12 but this is fast approaching and students are having to ready themselves for the next phase be it the examinations or work or another course. Our careers staff are available to meet with any student who is not yet certain of what they will be doing and this should only be if they have changed their mind. Please make the most of these expert staff.

It is always the custom and practice at this College to ensure we transition students for what may be ahead on their journey. For our College Captains who have served this community with distinction throughout 2017, it is time for them to start to focus more of their attention on heir studies and exams. This is why we always go through the process at this time of year to appoint the new College Captains from the Year 11 student cohort. The student panel shortlisted and interviewed applicants recently to offer the positions of leadership to a new group of leaders. Congratulations to our new College Student Leaders for 2018:

The new leaders along with the new Cluster, Sport, Social Justice, Liturgy and Sustainability & Environment Captains will officially take over at the College Assembly to be held in early Term 4. The current leaders will hand over the roles in a ceremony that will see our new leaders sworn in before the entire College. Families are most welcome at all of our assemblies and we look forward to many of you joining with us as we celebrate this occasion.

During the upcoming school break, the Study Hall will be open for students to use so that they may prepare for exams should they not have an environment that is conducive to study at home. Students have been provided with details of the opening times.

Thank you

Brendan J Watson OAM

Principal