From the Principal
Our Book Week Assembly was a memorable event. The guest speaker Randa Abdel-Fattah provided thought provoking ideas about the life experiences some people have, as well as opening our student’s eyes to the world that they live in. This was followed by the book week parade. What an exciting parade it was! Please see the photos of the staff and students. Thank you to Ms Nascimento for organising the event and the support of the staff for their enthusiasm. They do love a good ‘dress up’! I encourage even more students to get involved next year and join in the fun of the morning.
Our Year 12 students attended the ‘Conversation with the Bishop’ on Tuesday. The students were respectful and attentive and through a long morning they sustained their attention - well done. I am hoping that you learned something around catholic social teachings on the day.
Unfortunately our gym was broken into and vandalised, as well as equipment stolen. It is so disappointing to see people being so disrespectful to our school community and it also stops students using the facilities. As a community we are moving to increasing the CCTV coverage around the school, so that these people can be prosecuted with the available evidence provided by the footage. The notice for the area under surveillance, that is required by law, is located on the entrances to the school.
On an extremely positive note, our TAS block completion date is getting closer. We are looking at Week 3 Term 4 for the full completion. I would ask that all students be respectful of this new facility that is there for the education of all our students now and in the future. Our official opening will occur next term.
‘Challenge and Change’ has been the theme for us this year. It is interesting to see what students perceive to be a ‘challenge’. It is different for every single person but it is this diversity that makes the need for teamwork and collaboration so important. High School is preparation for the workplace. I want this school to be a place where students are moved outside of their comfort zone, so they can learn life lessons in a ‘soft environment’ where they can have fresh starts and learn from mistakes. I want students to be able to do their best and have experiences that are beyond the curriculum, hence the development of significant enrichment activities such as the Aspiring Athlete Program, the Elite Academic Group, the enrichment activities of musical, spirituality and creative arts. I am currently working on a different student leadership model that will provide students with learning that will give them a step up in employment. I want these young people to have opportunities for success but to also give back. It is in giving back to others without any expectation of a gain, that makes it so joyous when we do this. We all have God given gifts and talents, and our challenge is to use them well and to give back to others.
Ms Amanda Wilson
Principal