Principal’s Log

Over the weekend our robotics teams competed in the Roborave Australia World Championships that brought together teams from Poland, Mexico, Taiwan, China and the Philippines. Students competed in a range of competitions, including programming their robots to negotiate a maze and engage in Lego sumo. Three Pacific teams reached the finals across the two days. The team of Toe 2 were very excited to reach the grand final of the Lego sumo competition. In a tight contest they narrowly came second to a Chinese International team. This is an outstanding achievement for our robotics teams, and we give a standing ovation to all of our robotics students and teachers Mrs Nicole Shirripa and Mrs Janine Stone.

This week staff, students and parents have engaged in student, parent and teacher conferences. These conferences provided the opportunity to reflect on areas of strength and to identify one or two small steps that students can take to improve habits and identity as learners. Many social emotional as well as intellectual capacities are grown through being able to take personal responsibility and identify one or two steps that young people can take to improve their learning. Critical skills, including adaptability, flexibility, creativity, and resilience, grow as young people enhance their capacity to learn in different ways and contexts. Wellbeing and purpose are also enhanced as young people strengthen their co-agency to improve their learning. We thank parents, staff and students for the thoughtful, purposeful and positive energy they brought into these important learning conversations.

We are looking forward to the students and staff from our sister school, Seishin Gakuen joining us in Week 4. There was excitement as families and students received details of the students they will be hosting and shadowing. We thank Mrs Michiko Hauser and Mrs Kana Chan for their leadership of this rich learning experience.

We congratulate Mrs Claire Richards on her appointment as Head of Science.  Mrs Richards has considerable expertise, a strong passion for inspiring a love of science and has very capably led our Science team in her Acting role last term. Mrs Richards also provides leadership in her roles for the QCAA as Subject Matter Expert, Writing Panel Member, Chief Endorser, Lead Confirmer and Lead Marker for Physics. At the end of this week we farewell Middle and Senior College Mathematics teacher Mrs Sarah Rossow. We have appreciated the professional way in which Mrs Rossow has supported the learning of the students and contributed to the growth of the mathematics department in her time. We thank Mrs Rossow for her significant contribution. We look forward to welcoming Mr Nigel Farley from Siena Catholic College at the start of Week 4. Mr Farley brings extensive experience as a teacher including roles as a QCAA Subject Matter Expert, Confirmer and Endorser for Psychology.  We welcome Physical Education teacher Ms Chester who will be taking Ms Alice Boyd’s classes while she is on leave this term. We wish each of these staff all the best as they make their transition into new roles.

We say a prayer of thanks for the talents and hearts of the staff, students and parents of this community and pray that God will equip us to continue to strengthen and enrich our relationships.

Dr Bronwyn Dolling, Principal