Principal’s Log

Many of us had the wonderful opportunity to be entertained by the broad repertoire of our talented musicians at the Ensembles Concert last week. From rock to more classical styles, to pieces that had us tapping and moving to those that prompted reflection while others had us smiling and laughing. We congratulate our musicians on the talent they showcased. We thank Mrs Carlie Purkis, Mr Paul Cusick, Mrs Helen Williams and the instrumental teachers for supporting the love of music as well as for the tremendous growth in our musicians. The food and refreshments provided by our hospitality students and staff added to the experience.  We thank Mrs Beattie, Mrs Lendrum and our Hospitality students for their much-appreciated service. We wish our musicians all the best as they enjoy their NZ tour over this semester break.

The Year 12 retreat over the weekend provided a unique experience for our Senior students to come together to strengthen relationships, reflect, have fun, celebrate and reset for the next semester. As a student-led initiative, the College Captains and Pacific Action Group Captains planned and led the experience. As a non-compulsory event, it was heartening to see so many of our Year 12 students taking advantage of this time to connect and grow and many of our teachers dropping in over the weekend. A special thank you to our College and Pacific Action Group Captains for their leadership and Ms Leigh Finter, Mr Duncan McNee, Mr Josh Cummins, Mr Josh Danzey, Mrs Leah Croke, Mrs Virginia Schlotterbach, Ms Angela Hill, and Miss Georgie Snelling for sharing the whole experience over the weekend.

At the end of this term, we wish Head of Music, Mrs Carlie Purkis, Head of Hospitality, Mrs Colleen Beattie, Chaplain Mrs Holly Gricks and Director of Staff, Mrs Kim Bonello and their families every blessing as they take maternity leave. We also wish Year 2 teacher Mrs Jodie Connors and Year 4 teacher Mr Jo Doran as they take long service leave next term and Head of Outdoor Education, Mr Paul Brace as he takes leave for the remainder of the year all the best.

We farewell College Counsellor Mrs Annie Williams and Middle and Senior English and Humanities teachers, Mrs Kirsty Webb.  Mrs Williams has been our first College Counsellor and has provided support to many staff and students throughout her time at the College since 2012. All members of our community have appreciated Annie’s warm welcoming presence and counsel. She has worked effectively with our Pastoral leaders, providing that special additional support when needed. Mrs Kirsty Webb has very effectively taught English and Humanities to our Middle and Senior College students throughout her time at the College. Students have appreciated her enthusiasm and commitment to getting the best from each of them. We wish both Mrs Williams and Mrs Webb all the best for their futures.

We congratulate the following staff on their appointments: Ms Leigh Finter as Director of Students, Mrs Michi Hauser as Acting Director of Staff, Mr Brett Kersnovske as Acting Head of Middle College Students, Mr Mark Hauser as he returns to the Chaplaincy role, Mr Paul Cusick as Acting Head of Music, Ms Megan Bancks as Acting Head of Bula House, Mrs Virginia Schlotterbach as Acting Head of Japanese and Mrs Emma Lendrum as Acting Head of Hospitality. We look forward to welcoming Mrs Karen Costa as a Year 4 teacher, Mr Cleveland Meyerhoff as a Year 2 teacher, Ms Kristelle Hill as a P-12 music teacher, and Mrs Natalie Van Dongen as an English and Humanities teacher. We look forward to the gifts of experience and perspective that each of these staff members will bring into their positions and wish them well as they transition into their new roles.

There was a lot of excitement and colour around the College yesterday as our P-3 students enjoyed their celebration of Under 8s Day which included a colour run. We wish our P-2 students all the best for their cross country this afternoon and thank our P-3 staff who have supported these events.

Our kayakers have enjoyed having access to new craft this year and the additional technical coaching provided by Mr Mark Rantel who represented Australia at the World Marathon titles.  Over 40 students are looking forward to competing in the State Marathon titles on the Gold Coast over the weekend. We thank Mr Graves and Mr Rantel for their preparation of the students, and our parents for their support and wish our students all the best as they test their skills against others from across the state.

We thank staff, students and parents for all they have given this term. We thank God for the blessings He continues to bring into our community and wish everyone a time of rejuvenation through the change of rhythm that school holidays provide.

Dr Bronwyn Dolling, Principal