2017 Term 1 Conlon House Report

From the Head of Conlon House, Catherine O’Sullivan

The past ten weeks have been full of new beginnings, experiences, and at times, unexpected challenges. The young men of Conlon House began 2017 with positive energy and enthusiasm, ready to embrace our House motto ‘I’ll either find a way or make one’.

All our Year 12 students have demonstrated great leadership and empathy. They have embraced their role as a ‘big brother’ to all our new Year 7 boys. They have also provided continuous guidance, support and friendship to all students in their mentor groups.

Our weekly House Assemblies have been a wonderful opportunity to welcome our Year 5 & 6 Conlon boys from the Junior school. Our dedicated and committed prefects: Jackson Flynn, Ben Donaldson (College Vice-Captain), Joshua Donovan, Matteo Panucci and John Soden prepare and lead the assemblies. The Prefects also make regular morning visits to the Junior school to mix with the boys before school and then attend their Wellbeing time.

Our dedicated Wellbeing mentors have been meeting with your son (or sons) each morning. The focus this term has been on developing positive relationships. Earlier in the term, we had Mentor/Parent/student meetings which gave the mentors the opportunity to gain a better understanding of your son. Thank you to Mr Phil Davis (C0 1), Mr Nick Brophy (CO 2), Mr Paul Cornish (C0 3), Ms Karen Jones (C0 4), Ms Mary Ryan (C0 5), Ms Kaitlyn Downey (C0 6), Ms Sherri Falkinder (C0 7), Mr David Reidy (C0 8), Mr Bruce Dominish (C0 9), M. Richard Bryant (C010) and Mr Chris Blienkinsopp (C011).

Highlights of Term 1 for Conlon House

• Year 7 Camp: Although the weather was very hot and humid for the three days at beautiful Broken Bay, the boys all showed great resilience and worked extremely well together. They faced many challenges, but, were always encouraging and supportive of each other. It was a wonderful opportunity for the boys to get to know each other and begin their high school journey together.

• House Swimming Carnival: While the overall result was 4^th place for Conlon, there was no lack of House spirit throughout the day with student participation at a maximum and outstanding sportsmanship on display. Again, our Year 12 boys lead the way.
• Year 7 Dodgeball inter-house competition: Although, only just missing out on making the final, our Year 7 boys played a very spirited and competitive game.
• Conlon Breakfast: This was our first opportunity for our Conlon families to come together in an informal setting and share not only good conversation, but also amazing food prepared by Ms. Boyce and our Conlon Food Technology and Hospitality students. The event was made more enjoyable by having live music performed by Ryan Bakels and Simon Finegan.
• Conlon Fundraising: Our SRC ran a number of highly successful cake sales over the course of a week and raised over $600 for our Lenten Appeal Charity, the Ruben Centre. Thank you to all the boys, parents and staff who baked such delicious cakes and biscuits.
• Extraordinary Ministers of the Eucharist: Congratulations to Zac Conacher-Smith, Ben Donaldson and Jackson Flynn for demonstrating leadership in undertaking the training to become Ministers of the Eucharist.
• SRC representatives: Congratulations to the following students who are the Conlon Student Representative Council for 2017: Christian Kitas (Y7), Cooper O’Donnell, James Hoggett, Patrick Hoggett (Y8), Josh Conacher-Smith (Y9), Jazz D’Costa, Cooper Flynn, Oliver Ruse (Y10), Luca Martin, George Pantazis, Jonathan Schacht, Samuel King, Anthony Roydhouse (Y11), Zach Conacher-Smith and Adam Hutchinson (Y12). These boys bring enthusiasm and exciting new ideas to their leadership role.

Co-Curricular Achievements

• 1^st Cricket: Ryan Connolly and Ben Donaldson. Ben was also selected to played in the CAS representative side
• Captain of Basketball: Matteo De Vecchi
• Ed Hartson Gym Manager’s Award: Daniel Harasta
• Vice Captain of College Band: Liam Wilson
• CAS Swimming & Diving Carnival: Congratulations to Erwan Le Pechoux, Peter Cassimatis, Jonathon Schacht and Luca Martin who all received a place in their event.

Thank you to all members of the Conlon House community for ensuring our young men have had the best possible start to 2017. I wish you all the best for a safe, happy and holy Easter break.