Principal's Log

The Origami production on the weekend had a strong theme of hope for world peace. The thought provoking production prompted us to not only reflect on the impact the Hiroshima bombing had on the lives of Japanese people, but also the impact of wars in our time. The production followed the story of Sadako Sasaki, who contracted leukemia and folded peace cranes throughout her illness, hoping that it would enable her to recover. As a result of her death, a Children’s Peace Monument was built in Hiroshima where over 10 million cranes are laid each year. The story was gently yet powerfully presented through clever use of technology and strong student performances. All students and staff are to be congratulated. We thank all cast, crew and families for the time that went into rehearsals and prop production. A particular thank you to Mrs Laura Bonner for her scripting and direction of the play and to Miss Adriana Schuster, Mrs Janine Delaney, Miss Anita Morton and Mrs Tracy Hickey who gave extensive support to the production.

On Saturday, it was uplifting to connect with the graduates of 2005, their children, partners and parents at the college and also at the evening function. There were many and varied stories of lives well lived. The college component of the celebration included a blessing written by Pastor Rick and a tour of our grounds where the past students and parents were impressed with the progress and developments that had occurred since their time. Conversation was relaxed and lively, with plenty of laughter. The time together left us as staff feeling very proud of the men and women they have become. 

Students entering the Middle College enjoyed their Orientation Day on Monday. After spending the morning getting to know their Pastoral Care Group, students new to the Middle College enjoyed a chapel led by the 2016 student leaders. Throughout the day there was opportunity for young people to be exposed to different learning areas and to get to know each other. In the evening, parents also enjoyed the opportunity to learn more about the opportunities in Middle College and to meet new people. Throughout the day and the evening there was a buzz of excitement as people came together. Thank you to Mrs Rae Hall and Mr Brendan Delaney for their organisation and to the Heads of House, teachers and students who all helped to provide such a warm welcome.

We congratulate Annemieka Brown who was awarded Student of the Year at the Sunshine Coast Technical Trade Training Centre 2015 HIA awards last week. This is a wonderful achievement for Annemekia who is completing a Certificate II in Electrotechnology.

Later in this newsletter there are details of the suppliers of technology devices for the college’s Bring Your Own Device program next year. Year 9 students will be required to provide their own laptop and other year levels are welcome to take advantage of this process. Further details including the required device specifications are provided on the college’s website as per the BYOD article that follows.

Our thoughts are with the Polverino family as they grieve the loss of their daughter and sister Jordan who passed away last week as a result of illness. Jordan graduated from the college in 2008. We pray that God would strengthen and support the family and friends of Jordan through this very sad time.

May God give us grateful hearts for the sacrifices made by many and the courage and capacities to live our lives well for the benefit of others.

Dr Bronwyn Dolling, Principal