Principal's Log

Last Friday night we enjoyed the Ensembles Concert at the Sunshine Coast Events Centre. It was a delight to be entertained by very high-quality performances from our ensemble groups that included a large orchestra. Our students are to be congratulated on their musicianship. We thank Mrs Helen Williams, Mrs Aleisha Tuaine, Mr Steven Lake and our instrumental music teachers for supporting tremendous growth in our music program throughout this year.

Earlier in the morning, our musicians provided a wonderful vibe for the Building Opening of Stage 9, which includes the Year 5 learning space, new Administration Building, the Student and Staff Wellbeing Centre, the first stage of the library extension, landscaping and the upgrading of the Prep – Year 2 car park. The buildings were dedicated by Bishop Paul Smith. Founding College Council Chair Mr Peter Hovey opened the buildings, celebrating the growth of the College and its culture. We appreciated the presence of many special guests including the Honourable Mr Andrew Wallace Member for Fisher, Mr Jarrod Bleijie Member for Kawana and Mr Mark McArdle Member for Caloundra and his wife Judy. We also expressed our appreciation of the contribution of $1.2 million from the State and Federal governments with each contributing $600 000 towards the $3.2 million construction of the Year 5 learning space, Administration Building, Wellbeing Centre and associated works. The College also received a $117 500 grant from the State Government to go towards the first stage of the extension of the library, which had a cost of $300 000. 

The Year 9 and 10 STEM and Information Technology students were enthusiastic in the sharing of their learnings at the STEM Showcase last Friday afternoon. The rich learning that had occurred was evident as they demonstrated and explained how they had planned, designed, constructed and refined their underwater drones, robotic devices, bionic arms, roller coasters and optical devices. We thank Praesidium Global CEO Mr David Baird for his inspiring words and teachers Mr Wes Warner, Mrs Kate Vaney, Mrs Claire Richards and Mrs Janine Stone for their leadership of the event. Thank you to the parents and families who supported the evening and congratulations to our STEM and IT students.

At Tuesday’s Sports Awards ceremonies we celebrated the contribution and sporting achievements of our staff and students throughout the year. Students valued the opportunity to hear Olympian Jake Packard reflect on his journey as an elite swimmer. We congratulate all students on their participation and growth and thank our staff for the considerable time they have given in providing a breadth of opportunity for students to develop and compete in a variety of sports. A particular thank you to administrator Mrs Natalie Campbell and Heads of Sports Mr Darren Hooper and Mr Brett Kersnovske for their leadership of sport throughout 2019. The enthusiastic applause given to our staff and coaches by the students is a clear indication of the value they have placed on the time given by these leaders and staff over the year.

We look forward to celebrating the Graduation, Final Chapel and Formal with our Year 12 students this week. We pray that God would keep them safe and bless them and others through them as they move into the next phase of their lives.

Dr Bronwyn Dolling, Principal