From the Deputy Principal/Head of Senior School

Last Sunday 16 February, the College held its annual Open Day, which provided prospective families with the chance to become more informed about the many wonderful opportunities on offer here at St Greg’s. It was another highly successful day, thanks largely to many current members of the community. I wish to sincerely thank the many volunteers who assisted with the Open Day at both the Junior School and Senior School. The strong support of parents, students and staff ensured that the visitors were made to feel very welcome as they engaged in meeting people and walking around various parts of the property.

The fantastic response from parents on the day emphasised the benefits of being involved and making tangible contributions to the life of the College. I also wish to thank the many students, a record number of well over fifty boys, who assisted on the day with greeting families, conducting tours and assisting in a range of other ways, such as playing in the band, showcasing agriculture or being available to provide assistance and support wherever required. So many of the visitors commented on the openness of the boys and their many admirable qualities. To see these fine young men interacting so comfortably and transparently with our visitors was a highlight. The feedback from so many visitors was how impressed they were with the calibre of the boys who proudly represented their College on the day. They are indeed among the best ambassadors for our College.

Finally, a large part of the success of the day was also due to the staff who attended and showcased their learning areas, interacted with families or contributed in a myriad of other ways to a very successful occasion. To all of those who were involved in contributing to the success of the 2020 Open Day, thank you.

The first mid-term break is almost upon us. How quickly we have moved into the fifth week of the first term! Next Friday 28 February and Monday 2 March are staff professional learning days and, as such, pupil-free days. On the first day, the teaching staff will be involved in first aid training and sessions on positive education and learning. On the Monday, it will be a staff spirituality day held at The Hermitage in Mittagong. Further information about the work completed on these two staff days will be provided in the next Newsletter.

Many families and students have been impacted by the ongoing roadworks on Badgally Road which has resulted in considerable delays to many bus services, especially those that enter or leave the areas around Campbelltown Station. These roadworks will continue for a considerable time and boys have been advised to plan and allow for additional travel time.

Finally, I again seek the support of all families to reinforce with their children the need for the highest standards of behaviour whilst travelling on buses. It is unfortunate when we receive reports of a few students who choose to act in a manner that is contrary to both the clear expectations of the College and the conditions of travel. I take the opportunity to point out that it is a privilege to receive free transport and any instances where boys misbehave on the buses may result in a withdrawal of this privilege and the imposition of sanctions by the College.

Likewise, although sounding like a broken record, we need to continue to ensure that Opal Cards are used every day when boarding and alighting from buses.

Best wishes,

Mr Paul Brooks

College Deputy Principal / Head of Senior School