Principal

Dear Parents, Carers and Friends,

Welcome back to Term 3 in what has been an extraordinary year so far. 

I am sure at the start of the year we all had goals we wanted to achieve, whether they were professional or personal. We often start the year with “New Year’s resolutions”, full of optimism for change and growth.  I know I had certain goals I wanted to achieve in areas of my professional, social and fitness life. As this year has thrown certain curved balls our way, some of these goals have been left behind, some have been achieved and some are still in the mix. It has been a hectic and often difficult year with lockdown, remote learning and COVID-19 endlessly in the news. If we have learned anything, we have learned to expect change and the importance of flexibility. In some ways, this has been a time of a forced slowdown, especially in our family lives, as travel, kids’ parties, sport and other pursuits have been cancelled or significantly altered. 

Nevertheless, goal setting is important. The goals that we work towards can provide us with positive experiences and emotions, help us to engage or connect with ourselves and to strengthen and grow. 

For several years now, all the staff have participated in the SMART (Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Realistic and Timely) goal setting process with their line manager. This year we introduced SMART goals to the boys in each homeroom. These can be found in the diary at the beginning of each term. 

It is now time with a mid-year check-in, to reflect on the goals we set at the start of the year and re-evaluate where we want to go for the rest of the year. At the end of last term, boys in Years 5 to 11 received their half yearly report. Parent/Teacher interviews were scheduled to reflect on successes from the semester and also to find ways to improve. I would encourage conversations at home about goal-setting for the second half of the year. We all need to improve in some way; whether it be in areas of health, emotional, social, physical, spiritual or mental well-being; we all have something to work on. We can all select a couple of new goals for the rest of the year, share with friends and family and make these goals achievable.

There are also exciting plans and goals for the College for the future. The first stage of our Capital Master Plan is well under way with project documentation lodged with the NSW Department of Planning, Industry and Environment. Our architects, BVN, are currently working with the College to refine the design of the exciting new facilities in Science and general learning areas, as well as sport and recreational areas, cafe, canteen and dining facilities and additional car parking. More ‘end of trip’ facilities will also be provided for the boys so that they will be able to ride their bikes, walk or run to school.  These new facilities will make learning exciting, contemporary and agile for the young men of today and tomorrow. An artist’s impression of the first stage of the Capital Master Plan appears below. Please note these are not the final plans and they are still subject to change.

Best wishes to all for a safe, healthy and happy term ahead.

Baby News

We offer our congratulations to Ms Adriana Tom (Visual Arts teacher) and her husband on the safe arrival of their first child, Florence Mae Tom, who was born on Tuesday 14 July at 2.18am, weighing 3.994kg and was 54cm in length.  Both mother and baby are doing well.

Damian Chase

Acting Principal