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

YEAR 9 Elevate Experience- Devika

On the 29th of august, Year 9 were introduced to the study skills workshop “Elevate”, a team of external providers that helps students on being better organisers when coming to school work and as well as overcoming procrastination. They conducted a seminar run by Uni students who were able to better relate to year 9 and influenced them greatly with engaging activities and games as well as teaching them about time management to prepare them for the coming years. Year 9 completed an evaluation of the session and to no surprise, 97% of the students would recommend this seminar to their peers and 96% considered this time well spent demonstrating the students enthusiasm for this positive interaction. One student stated “I think it's something year 9 students really need as it is the year where there's a lot of change and we start doing mid term exams and end of year exams.” We thank the elevate team for coming to our college and it has definitely been a memorable experience for all. We also like to thank Mr Badolato (Pastoral leader of wellbeing) and Mr Fricot (year 9 coordinator) for the organisation of the session and helping us “be more in 2024.”

Year 9 Elevate Study Skills Workshop: A Resounding Success

On August 29th, Year 9 students participated in the "Elevate" study skills workshop, led by a dynamic team of external providers dedicated to helping students enhance their organisational skills and overcome procrastination. The workshop, conducted by university

 students who could closely relate to our Year 9 cohort, offered engaging activities and games that not only captivated the students but also provided essential lessons in time management, equipping students for the challenges ahead.

Following the session, students completed an evaluation, and the results were overwhelmingly positive: 97% of students would recommend the seminar to their peers, and 96% felt that the time spent was valuable. These results clearly reflect the students' enthusiasm and appreciation for the workshop.

One student remarked, "I think it's something Year 9 students really need, as this is the year where there's a lot of change, and we start preparing for midterm and end-of-year exams."

We extend our heartfelt thanks to the Elevate team for delivering such an impactful experience. Special thanks also go to Mr. Badolato (Leader of Pastoral Care) and Mr. Fricot (Year 9 Coordinator) for organising this session and helping us all to "Be More in 2024."

Our Stage 3 students have once again showcased their exceptional public speaking talents, with Abigail from Year 6 and Henry from Year 5 representing our College at the Catholic Development Fund competition. Abigail took out 1st place and Henry secured 2nd place. The adjudicators commended them on their amazing speeches, and we are incredibly proud of their dedication and achievements. Both will now go on to represent our College at the Grand Final in November!

On Friday August 30th, Year 11 PDHPE achieved their formal First Aid qualification by participating in a practical incursion run by trainers from Royal Life Saving Australia. Throughout the day, students learnt and practised how to perform CPR, how to use a defibrillator as well as how to treat various other injuries including broken bones, snake bites, anaphylaxis, asthma and much more!

The knowledge and skills learnt on the day not only helped to consolidate students' understanding of course content, but also equipped them with the skills to treat injuries and potentially save lives in the real world. The First Aid qualification is also an officially recognised qualification that is required for many areas of employment.

Mr Baker
Class Teacher