Principal’s Log

The Celebration of Dance at the Ramada, Pelican Waters, last Friday evening was a wonderful celebration of the talent and growth of our dancers through their engagement with Curricular Dance, SCISSA Dance and the Pacific Dance Academy. Dancers of all levels showcased their talents demonstrating prowess across a range of genres. It was a very entertaining evening where clever use of pre-recorded interviews allowed the audience to learn of the benefits of the Dance program offered at the College and the role that Dance can play from professional and personal perspectives beyond school. All of the dancers, alumni coaches Zoe Clewett and Courtney Callaghan and Head of Drama and Dance, Mrs Kristy Astwick are to be congratulated on a wonderful showcase of talent which included a guest appearance of alumni Miss Eliza Bryan. Thank you to Mrs Astwick and Mrs Alysha Borak for their organisation of a professional and thoroughly entertaining event and to Mrs Lisa Stevens and Mr Tim Ambrose for their support of the evening.

Earlier this week we farewelled our Year 9 students who are enjoying and growing through their two week Outdoor Education experience. The opportunity to complete a solo, as well as engage in a range of activities and grow confidence in their ability to overcome challenges as they enhance their relationships with each other, nature and with God provide life changing experiences. We wish the Year 9 students and their leaders all the best for their remaining time together.

Our Year 12 students are now taking advantage of two weeks of study time where they have the flexibility to work from home or school. We wish our Year 12 students all the best as they prepare for their important exams.

Our Year 11 students have now transitioned into leadership of the College and into Unit 3 of their Senior studies. Year 11 students and parents greatly appreciate the information provided at the Year 12 2024 Information Evening which included information about the development of important capabilities through engagement and leadership of a range of activities at the College, their academic journey and pathways within and beyond the College and the range of events and opportunities they can look forward to in their final year.  We thank Director of Students, Ms Leigh Finter, Head of Learning Senior College, Ms Anne-Marie Gerlach and Head of Career Development, Mrs Veronica Sanmarco for their informative presentations and Head of IT Services, Mr Steve Rattey for his support.  Families will be notified when the screencast of the evening is made available on NAV.

We wish students participating in the Future Problem Solving National Finals all the best as they compete this weekend in Brisbane.  All of the individuals and teams are very excited to share their ideas and learn from other students on this National stage. We thank Mrs Linda Sydes, Ms Adelle Byerlee and Mrs Jo Belchamber for their leadership of these teams and parents for their valued support.

We also wish our Intermediate boys team all the best as they compete in the Queensland Champion Schools Basketball competition over this coming weekend. We thank Mr Brad Burdon for his coaching of the team, Mr Cam West-McInnes, and parents for their support.

May God grant us the optimism, love and wisdom to make a difference for people and the planet. We pray for all the people of the world.  We pray for those impacted by acts of aggression and war. We pray that God would grant wisdom to all leaders of the world that they would work to bring peace and enhance the lives of people and the planet.  May we all grow in our respect and valuing of the human dignity of all.

Dr Bronwyn Dolling, Principal