Principal's Log

This week we celebrated our inaugural Academic Assembly. Graduates of 2020 and their families joined with our Year 6-12 staff and students to celebrate those students who were top of subject, received an ATAR greater than 90 and were the Dux and Proxime Accessit for the year. It was good for us to celebrate the hard work, talent, and commitment of these students and to wish them well as they continue their journey to grow their capacity to make a difference in the lives of others.

There was great excitement as the Year 7 students returned from camp. New friendships and connections were formed as students stepped beyond their comfort zones to grow confidence and skills in unfamiliar settings. Having the confidence to embrace challenges and enjoy connections with nature provided rich opportunities for growth both now and into the future. We thank Head of Outdoor Education Ms Kim Wood for her leadership and organisation of this important experience. We thank Mr Ben Ryan, Mr Alex O’Connor, Pastor Tim Jarick, Mrs Leah Croke, Mr Andrew Block, Mr Brett Kersnovske, Mr Josh Danzey and the Outdoor Education Facilitators for giving of their time to form important connections with students and assisting in the leadership of the program.

There was strong spirit at both the Year 3-6 and Year 7-12 swimming carnivals over this past week. Students of all capabilities gave of their best and were encouraged by enthusiastic cheering from their houses. Well done to all students and thank you to Mr Cameron West-McInnes, Mr Darren Hooper and Mrs Natalie Campbell for their organisation and to all staff, students and parents for their support.

It was exciting to see talented Year 8-12 students who were highly engaged with College sport in 2020 growing through the opportunity to visit the Sport Hub last week. Students engaged in activities that demonstrated how evidence-based learning and science could lead to improved training regimes and performance for athletes. We thank Mr Darren Hooper and Mrs Natalie Campbell for organising this experience.

It was disappointing to learn of the cancellation of the Armidale Rugby Carnival last week. The Under 12 group of boys have been training hard together since coming together in Term 4 last year. We thank them and coaches Mr Josh Cummins, Mr Darren Hooper and Mr Scott Crompton for their time and wish them all the best for their upcoming competitions.

We look forward to parents of P-5 students rejoining us for Chapels and Assemblies each week. Parents are reminded that they will need to register on entry, sanitise, and socially distance.

We wish our music staff and students all the best for their upcoming music camp this weekend.

We pray that God would strengthen and encourage us to step boldly and learn through the new experiences that life brings.

Dr Bronwyn Dolling, Principal