Principal’s Log

Welcome to the start of Term 4. It is always good to feel the energy as staff, students and parents reconnect with community. We particularly welcome new students, their families and new staff members Mrs Tammy Schincariol (Middle and Senior College English and Humanities teacher), Dr Ryan Delaney (Middle and Senior College English and Humanities teacher) and Mr Jack Best (Middle and Senior College Mathematics and Science).

There is a great deal for us to look forward to as we commence the term. We wish all the best to our Year 12 students as they move into the preparation and completion of their external exams and to our Year 11 students who are completing their exams over this fortnight before commencing their Year 12 Unit 3 studies in Week 3.

Our staff team and Year 9 students have been getting ready to engage with their two week outdoor education experience from the start of next week. The expeditions that include canoeing, bushwalking, mountain biking and a solo experience provide a great opportunity for students to grow as individuals, in their relationships with each other and with God and in their appreciation and connection with the environment. We thank Mr Paul Brace and his team for the preparation and leadership of this transformational experience.  We wish all Year 9 students and staff a rich time of learning and growth.

Our Mary Poppins cast and crew have been excitedly rehearsing and preparing for what promises to be a thoroughly entertaining production. We wish Mrs Kristy Astwick and Mrs Lisa Stevens and their cast and crew team all the best as they continue to refine performances and put the finishing touches onto all aspects of the production.

We are now near the end of the tender phase of the construction of the extension of the gym which will provide a playing space for 2 additional indoor courts, a dance space, a gym fitness area and staff areas. The space will act as a community gathering space for assembly, chapel and information evenings. As part of the tender process, builders negotiate with the College in regard to the areas that will be impacted through the 12 month construction period which is expected to commence late November this year. We look forward to providing more detail once the builders have been appointed and construction dates and processes have been finalised.

Term 4 is a busy fast moving and important term of growth for all students. Having a calm focused approach to learning is important for our young people across the College. The Heads of Learning have provided some guidance to assist students and parents to finish strongly. I would encourage all families to read this article and to establish routines that support quality learning at home and school.

We pray that God would enable each of us to approach this coming term with a calm, purposeful mindset where we flourish as we embrace opportunity, grow capacity to keep the small things small and use our gifts to bring benefits to each other and the broader community.

Dr Bronwyn Dolling, Principal