Head of Conlon House, Ms Cathy O'Sullivan
From Head of Conlon House, Cathy O’Sullivan
In eight short and busy weeks, we have seen the induction of our four new House Prefects and four Student Representative Council members. Conlon for the second consecutive year won the Inter-House competition. Year 5 experienced time together at their annual camp, and our Year 12 students spent three days together on retreat. Year 6 joined with other Year 6 boys coming to Waverley next year for a full Orientation day at the senior campus, and Years 5 to 10 completed their final exams and assessments. Evander Hudson (lead vocals) and Campbell Groves (guitar) along with other members of the Year 8 band performed a beautiful rendition of the song ‘Lanterns’ in front of a whole school assembly. Throughout the term, many boys received Gold awards, and a significant number of Conlon students were recognised at the end of the year Academic Awards presentation. Due to the fires, our Year 10 students experienced a week of varied activities closer to home. Sadly, at the end of term, we also said good-bye to Mr Bruce Dominish, Conlon 09 mentor.
Presentation of Conlon Prefects and SRC Representatives
A special assembly was held at the beginning of Term 4 with families present was held to announce and present the new College leaders. Our Conlon Prefects for 2020 are Mitchel Eyles (House Captain), Charlie Barber, Josh Conacher-Smith and Emmanuel Di Bartolo. They were presented with their badges by a family member in front of the whole College. This is a very special occasion for the boys and their families.
Our four Prefects have already demonstrated their maturity, commitment, and strong leadership qualities. The Prefects have not only been responsible for leading the House assemblies, but they have been the driving force behind the Conlon Bake Sale, and an end of term Breakfast BBQ. Thank you to the Prefects and all boys who assisted with these events.
Conlon has always distinguished itself by our terrific young men, who are always willing to do their best in all endeavours and to take care and look out for each other. I am confident that next year we will have one or two students become mid-year Prefects.
In our second assembly for the term, the new Student Representative Council students were announced at a whole school assembly and presented with their badges by a family member. The 2020 Conlon SRC representatives are; Marcus Marin (Yr 8), Lachlan Grant (Yr 9), Cuba Kanakis & Christian Kitas (Yr 10), and Patrick Hoggett (Yr 11). In Term 1 next year our new Year 7 boys will elect their own representative.
Year 12 Retreat
Also, this term, Conlon and Tevlin House spent three days on Retreat at Winmalee Christian Centre in the lower Blue Mountains. The three-day Retreat gives the boys an opportunity to explore their spirituality, reflect on where they have been and where they want to go. It is also an opportunity to get to know each other better. Both the Conlon and Tevlin boys were a credit to themselves and their families. Their mature behaviour, generosity, and willingness to engage and contribute to group discussions and activities made for a very successful and enjoyable Retreat. Thank you to; Mrs Mary Ryan, Mrs Sherri Falkinder, Mr Paul Cornish, Mr Cameron Cross and Mr Matthew Johnson for giving their time to attend the Retreat and ensuring its success. At the same time four Conlon students; Charlie Barber, Mitchell Eyles, Joshua Cornelius and Josh Conacher-Smith attended, along with students from the other seven Houses the Kairos Retreat at Mulgoa. Thank you to Conlon mentors; Ms Sue Walsh, Mr Richard Bryant, Mr Jean-Paul Boumelham and Ms Nohara Binyara for facilitating this Retreat. All participants returned saying that the experience was life-changing.
Year 10 Alternative Camp
Due to the horrific bushfires our state has endured over the last few months, Year 10 were unable to participate in their camp this year. Instead, the students were involved in activities that focused on leadership, team development, wellbeing and positive life choices.
The week began with the students travelling to RYDA at Homebush to undertake practical and powerful road safety workshops. The workshops aim to significantly improve students’ understanding of driver safety, prior to them obtaining their driver’s license, in order to reduce road accidents involving young people.
Conlon students participated in the ‘Rock and Water’ program with Ms Gemma Brown and Ms Rebecca Gair on Tuesday. This program focuses on students developing self-control, self-confidence, and self-reflection through a variety of engaging and practical activities.
Sam Clear who is an adventurer, inspirational speaker, producer, and author also spent a day with Year 10. He shared with them the highs and lows of his 15636km pilgrimage across 21 countries. His story and presentation encourages students to reach out to those around them, step out of their comfort zone to pursue their dreams and recognise the impact they can have on the world around them.
The week rounded out on the water as students were challenged with the coastal walk from the Spit Bridge to Manly Beach. They cleaned up the coastline along the way and discussed the importance of waste management and sustainability for our marine ecosystems. This was then followed by a wonderful Harbour cruise on Friday. Students sailed over to Balmoral Beach for a pizza lunch and a swim before returning to Circular Quay.
The week provided Year 10 students with opportunities for social and personal development, self-reflection and fun.
Years 5 & 6
It has been an extremely busy term for the Conlon boys in the Junior School. For Year 6, the final few weeks have been a time to reflect on their rewarding experiences in their last days of Primary School. Conlon House has been gallantly led in the Junior School by Captain, Kayden Baker and Vice Captain, Archie Godby. These two young men are to be commended for their reliability and enthusiastic leadership over the past year. Last Thursday evening, the Year 6 boys celebrated a Graduation Mass at Mary Immaculate Church where every boy in Year 6 was presented and acknowledged for their valuable contributions over the last two years.
As the boys approach their last few days of Year 6, they are truly grateful for the great times they have shared. Some of the highlights this term have been the Year 7 Orientation Day, the final rounds of Summer Sport and the Raging Waters Excursion.
One of the most exciting events for the Junior School is the Walkathon. Conlon Wellbeing Mentor, Mr Anthony Gill, has been the organiser of this major Junior School event for the last 16 years. He has been impressed by the generosity displayed by all the boys in their efforts to raise funds for eight different charities. Out of the $54 230.00 funds raised in total, the Conlon boys raised $7384. 00. Special mention is to be given to the following boys who raised significant amounts: Ben Darcy – $568.00, Charles Beckett – $525.00, Charlie Grant – $476.00, Lucas Coe – $417.00, Luke Nezval – $380.00, Harry Kelly – $300.00 and Zolton Szabo – $300.00
The Year 5 Conlon boys have also enjoyed an exciting term. The Big Brother Little Brother Program has been a highlight for them. They were given the opportunity to connect with their Year 10 buddy in Conlon House by participating in various activities. These connections have been valuable in building support and unity within the House.
Many Year 5 boys have displayed their interest in stepping up as Conlon leaders for next year. Congratulations goes to Captain: Adam Curran and Vice Captain: Charlie Carter. We look forward to their leadership unfolding in 2020.
Congratulations to all the Junior School Conlon boys for their outstanding efforts and wonderful achievements this year. It has been a delight to witness their talents and successes in all areas of College life. Special congratulations goes to the following Major Award Winners in Year 6.
Year 6 Major Award Winners
Kayden Baker | The Edmund Rice Trophy for Academic Excellence – Dux of Year 6.
Archie Godby | Br M.M. O’Connor Award for Outstanding Sportsmanship
Zolton Szabo | The Judge Paul Urquhart Award for Social Justice
Charles Beckett | Waverley Council Citizenship Award
Co-curricular Award Winners
Congratulations to the following boys who were acknowledged at the summer Co-curricular assembly;
Swimming | Peter Cassimatis
Touch Football | Kalani Sullivan, Christian Dos Santos, Reeve Smith
Surf Life Saving | Daniel Lambert
Tennis | Kai Jones, Oscar Melder, Cuba Kanakis
Water Polo | Joshua Magdas
Cricket | Ryan Smith, Matthew Frost, James Hoggett and Cooper O’Donnell
End of Year Award Winners
Congratulations to all the Conlon boys who have received a Gold Award this term. Congratulations to the following Semester 2 award winners who were all presented with their awards at the end of year presentations;
Year 7 | Robert Muir
Year 8 | John Walsh and Lachlan Grant
Year 9 | Christian Puga, Thomas Martin, Zachary Straker and Jared Garwood
Year 10 | George Vouros, James Hoggett, Cooper O’Donnell, Jesse Sonego and Hayden Wild
Year 11 | Sebastian Puga, Peter Cassimatis, Joshua Cornelius, Dylan Williams and Eliot Vincent Hull
Farewell
It is with great sadness that we say farewell to Mr Bruce Dominish (CO 09). Mr Dominish’s mentor group will miss the care and interest that he took in their lives but also the wise and practical advice he gave if they found themselves veering off course. Mr Dominish who is also an Old Boy of the College will be greatly missed by not only his mentor group but the entire Conlon community.
Thank you to all Conlon mentors for their continued care and support of your sons; Ms Jennifer Hoare, Mr Anthony Gill, Ms Sue Walsh, Mr Nick Brophy, Mr Paul Cornish, Mr Jean-Paul Boumelhem, Mrs Mary Ryan, Ms Kaitlyn Downey, Mrs Sherri Falkinder, Mr Matthew Johnson, Mr Bruce Dominish, Mr Richard Bryant and Mr Chris Blienkinsopp.
Thank you also to Ms Gemma Brown who was Acting Head of Conlon during Week 7 and 8 (the busiest time of the year) whilst I was away on an Edmund Rice Education Australia immersion to Kenya and Ireland.
I would like to take this opportunity to thank you all for your continued support throughout the year. I look forward to seeing you all again in 2020. I sincerely wish you all a very safe and happy Christmas and New Year.
