Principal's Log

As our Year 12 students graduate this week, we will also be farewelling a number of parents, some of whom have been with us since the commencement of the College. Through their support and contribution, they have been instrumental in shaping the College to who we are today. We thank all of those families who have been part of our community for your contribution and entrusting us with the privilege to grow with you and your family. You remain an important part of our community and we are deeply appreciative of all you have given and been.

It has been great to feel the energy and excitement of our Year 12 students as they have completed exams and now prepare to engage in the final rites of passage of school life. The 3-on-3 basketball competition held on Tuesday night between Year 11 and 12 students may become a new tradition, with all players having a lot of fun. We look forward to the graduation, final chapel and formal over the next two days. 

We have been very fortunate to have been able to play as much sport as we have this year. As we celebrate the achievements of individuals and teams at our Sports Awards this week, we also express our appreciation to teachers, parents and coaches who have navigated changing contexts to continue to provide opportunities for our students. We particularly thank Acting Head of Sport Mr Darren Hooper and Sports Aide Mrs Natalie Campbell who have provided tremendous support to our community through their attention to detail, high levels of professionalism, creativity and ability to adapt quickly to changing conditions. We appreciate Mr Hooper’s generosity of spirit in his willingness to take on the very large role Head of Sport P-12 this year to maintain the continuity of sporting opportunities and culture for our students.

The new senior certification process has brought a different rhythm of learning particularly for Year 10 and 11 students who need to maintain intensity as they learn important new material right up until the end of this term. Next week provides important opportunity for all Middle College and Year 10 students to learn through the feedback they receive from their assessments. It is important that students learn to build from their strengths and to identify next steps forward rather than have an emotional response to the result. Family conversations should support young people to reflect on what have they learnt well and then identify one or two things that they can do to improve. Owning learning and learning to set small achievable goals that will make a difference is an important life lesson.

This week, families were emailed information regarding the Year 6-11 Closing Service on Tuesday 1st December. Parents are reminded to notify the College by this Friday 20th November if their child will not be attending this event using the following link: students not attending. Your assistance in early notification is important to enable us to effectively plan this event to meet COVID-19 requirements and provide optimum opportunity for parents to attend.

We say a prayer of thanks for the gifts that our Year 12 students and their families have given to this community and pray that God would hold them all in his care.

Dr Bronwyn Dolling, Principal