Principal's Log

Over the weekend, the Queensland Art Teachers Association Sunshine Coast Chapter benefitted from learning from Dr Kym Rodgers, who provided professional development in the areas of 21^st Century Abstract Art Theory and an Abstract Comics practical workshop. The knowledge shared by Dr Rodgers can be used in the new senior Visual Arts syllabus and is already a part of our Year 9 elective Art course. Over the years, Dr Rodgers has been invited to present at both a national and international level and our students are privileged to be able to learn the skills of Abstract Art from an expert.

It was a delight to watch our Middle and Senior College students participate in the Independent District Swimming Carnival last week. The whole team performed well with swimmers giving their best and supporting one another. Well done to all of our students and in particular, the 14 years boys and girls team who were very strong on the day and took out the combined 6x50m relay. Junior College students also had their District Swimming Carnival last week and it was pleasing to hear of a number of excellent individual and team performances, which are detailed later in the newsletter. Thank you to the parents who attended and provided strong support to our students and to Mr Brett Kersnovske, Mr Darren Hooper and their teams for their leadership and organisation.

Head of Outdoor Education, Mr Nick Tait has met with families of Senior College students interested in participating in the New Zealand Outdoor Education experience at the end of this year. Optional outdoor education opportunities for Senior College students compliment the strong developmental outdoor education program offered across Years 3-9. Engagement with the Duke of Edinburgh and the College’s outdoor education programs provide unique opportunities for growth as an integrated part of the personal development, pastoral care and Christian Studies programs. We look forward to the unfolding of these experiences over the year.

It has been good to see our various sporting teams begin their seasons with strong support from staff, students and parents. Involvement in outside of school training and matches for netball, soccer, volleyball, touch football and rugby as well as the running club, Pacific Boardriders and our Year 4-6 SCISSA teams builds fitness, teamwork, skills and connection. We thank all parents, students and staff who are coaching and leading these teams and wish all students a strong season of growth and enjoyment.

The rehearsals for Oklahoma are well underway and students are looking forward to their production camp at Luther Heights this weekend. The camp will enable students to take their performances to the next level as well as strengthen relationships amongst the cast and crew. We wish the cast and crew well and thank Mrs Janine Delaney and her team for providing such a rich immersion experience.

Many Middle and Senior College students are engaged in assessment at this time of the term. Being purposeful and intentional in working through revision and assignments one step at a time is an important skill to learn in managing competing priorities. Planning the next steps for each area and then committing to taking those steps, builds momentum.

May God gives us wisdom to discern what our next steps should be and then the courage to take them.

Dr Bronwyn Dolling, Principal