Principal Appraisal

I would like to thank staff, students, and parents/carers for either being involved or providing feedback on my principalship during the recent Principal Appraisal.

The comments provided were embarrassingly positive and incredibly kind. While the official report is still being drafted, I’m very excited about what we can achieve in the coming years. 

Not surprisingly, the panel was incredibly impressed by everyone they spoke to and the way in which they spoke so glowingly about our College, our parish and the learning and teaching that occurs at the College. The panel has identified particular areas for focus around the College’s strategic priorities and the ongoing challenge of involving such a large community, with various needs from K to 12. I genuinely value the importance and power of feedback, and I am very thankful for the proactive, forward-thinking way these comments were expressed and shared.

CatholicCare’s parent/carer presentation on the use of social media

On Thursday night, over 80 parents and carers attended the College to hear from CatholicCare, who provided a presentation on using social media and technology safely.

CatholicCare’s Rita Maher and Hannah Watters (one of our CatholicCare-supplied counsellors) delivered an information session that explored the pros and cons of social media and provided a number of warnings, ideas, and opportunities for supporting young people as they increasingly use the Internet and particular social media platforms.

One of the key messages was that there is no one approach. Indeed, each child is different in terms of their maturity, ability to determine potential dangers, and/or the positives that can come from technology use. Rita and Hannah explored ways to support our young people in a complex and changing world. Resoundingly, the importance of clear boundaries and communication between parents/carers and their children is the best approach. I thank CatholicCare and the parents/carers who were able to attend.

Captains’ Mass with the Bishop

Last week, our 2024 College Captains (Nicholas C. and Abigail A.) and Vice Captains (Khloe F. and Saurav B.), along with the Year 12 Coordinator, Mr Arzapitian and myself went down to the Cathedral in Wollongong for an opportunity to meet up with the Bishop and school captains across the Diocese. This visit afforded chances for conversations with the Bishop about the 2024 academic year, life at the various schools and life beyond school. A beautiful mass followed this, and then a communal lunch where students and school leaders across the Diocese mingled, dined and chatted about education and student futures. I thank our Bishop for his ongoing commitment to supporting our students and schools; we value his care and concern for our students.

R U OK? Day

It was lovely to see a splash of yellow across the College last week, as we supported mental health and considered ways to ‘lift one another up’ and ‘check in with our mates’. There have been a variety of activities across the week to support good mental health and the timing coincided with our Year 9s undertaking the YAM (Youth Awareness Mental Health) Course facilitated by the Catholic Education Office Wollongong.

The College will continue to emphasise the importance of good mental health for all our students K-12.

Public Speaking

Our fabulous success as a College over the past few years in Public Speaking and Debating has continued. 

We are delighted that last week we performed exceptionally well in the Year 10 MISA Public Speaking Competition at St Patrick's College, Campbelltown. With thirteen schools from across the region competing, Ellie M. and Aleksandar G. delivered planned and impromptu speeches in a highly organised and impressive way. By the competition’s end, it was wonderful to hear that Ellie M. was commended on her “polished, confident and inspirational speech” and, as such, won the competition! Congratulations!!!

Well done to both students and I thank and acknowledge Ms Tanya Beslic who has been so influential in bolstering our performances in public speaking at the College.

Prayer

We would all be familiar with St Francis of Assisi’s beautiful peace prayer. Another prayer that is also beautiful - although it has a different focus is his prayer for creation. May this prayer be a source of inspiration for you:

The Canticle of Creation (by Saint Francis of Assisi)

O Most High, all-powerful, good Lord God, to you belong praise, glory, honour and all blessing.

Be praised, my Lord, for all your creation, especially our Brother Sun,

who brings us the day and the light; he is strong and shines magnificently. O Lord, we think of you when we look at him.

Be praised, my Lord, for Sister Moon, and for the stars which you have set shining and lovely in the heavens.

Be praised, my Lord, for our Brothers Wind and Air and every kind of weather by which you, Lord, uphold life in all your creatures.

Be praised, my Lord, for Sister Water,

who is very useful to us, and humble and precious and pure.

Be praised, my Lord, for Brother Fire,

through whom you give us light in the darkness, he is bright, lively, and strong.

Be praised, my Lord, for Sister Earth, our Mother,

who nourishes us and sustains us,

bringing forth fruits and vegetables of many kinds and flowers of many colours.

Be praised, my Lord, for those who forgive for love of you;

and for those who bear sickness and weakness in peace and patience - 

you will grant them a crown.

Be praised, my Lord, for our Sister Death, whom we must all face.

I praise and bless you, Lord, 

and I give thanks to you, and I will serve you in all humility.

–Amen