Principal, Mr Graham Leddie
Lent
We celebrated the beginning of Lent this week, with Ash Wednesday celebrations for each year level. Lent is a time that reminds us to reflect on what is important in our lives and our relationship with God. Previously, the Church has encouraged us to give up something for Lent, however these days, the focus has shifted to doing some good action for someone else each day over the next 40 days to Easter Sunday. Your actions speak volumes of your character. A little act of kindness goes a long way ….We have encouraged students to start with some positive actions within their family and friends.
Ukraine
Our thoughts and prayers are with Ukrainian families within our community and the people of Ukraine at this time. One would have thought that we would have learnt from our collective experience, of the devastation that war brings to communities and families. However, a new dangerous chapter of our civilised history has been opened up. Let us pray for a speedy resolution to this crisis and these unacceptable actions.
Tongan Tsunami Appeal
Thank you to all members of our community who contributed so generously to the Tongan Tsunami appeal. All items have been forwarded on and will be sent directly to Tonga via our partners at ‘Youth in Union.’ We hope that these will play a small part in making life a little bit easier, as the country tries to recover from the extensive damage caused by the recent tsunami.
Pupil-Free Day – Monday, 7 March
A reminder that there is a Pupil-Free Day on Monday, 7 March at the College. It is a designated Staff Development Day where staff will be in attendance at the College and undergo training across a range of areas.
Open Day – Tuesday, 8 March
With COVID-19 limiting visitors to the College, a large number of potential students and their parents have been unable to attend the College for an Open Day. On Tuesday, 8 March, the College will be open across both our campuses for a large number of visitors who have provided an RSVP to the day. Enrolment applications for 2024 for Year 5 and Year 7 will close on Thursday, 31 March. Application forms are available on our website.
Upcoming Year 12 Parent / Student Interviews
Please see details from Mr Chris Soden later in this newsletter, to make a booking.
COVID-19 Update
Please see below the College COVID-19 numbers as they stand today. There has been an increase this week in transmission rates, as the Government expected, with its reduction in precautionary measures.
| COVID-Positive | Close Contacts | |
| Year 5 | 7 | 1 |
| Year 6 | 0 | 1 |
| Year 7 | 1 | 6 |
| Year 8 | 3 | 3 |
| Year 9 | 2 | 3 |
| Year 10 | 6 | 1 |
| Year 11 | 5 | 2 |
| Year 12 | 7 | 2 |
| Staff | 6 | 1 |
| Total | 37 | 20 |
College Raincoat
The Canadian-made all weather jacket sold in the Uniform Shop, came about from parent and student feedback seeking a warm and rainproof jacket. It is a very good-quality jacket, sold at cost price at $230. We acknowledge that this is a significant expense for parents, but it does achieve its goal of keeping students dry and warm, and it can be layered depending on the season. The College does not make any money on this jacket, and it would retail in an outdoor retail shop for over $430.
We have had a few requests via the Parents’ Association to include a lightweight raincoat to our uniform, which we are currently investigating.
International Women’s Day
International Women’s Day (Tuesday, 8 March), is a global day celebrating the social, economic, cultural, and political achievements of women. The day also marks a call to action for accelerating women’s equality. The College will be celebrating this day with its students and staff at next week’s assembly and with a morning tea.
Imagine a gender-equal world. A world free of bias, stereotypes and discrimination. A world with less wars. A world that’s diverse, equitable, and inclusive. A world where difference is valued and celebrated. Together, we can forge women’s equality. Collectively we can all #BreakTheBias. Celebrate women’s achievements. Raise awareness against bias. Take action for equality.
Student Achievement
Congratulations to Year 9 student, Jackson Lorimer, who has raised $3291 for the Chris O’Brien Lifehouse charity, which focuses on cancer research. Jackson joined SurFebruary, which required him to swim or surf every day of February, and seek sponsorship for his efforts. He has surpassed his goal of raising $500 and is one of the top ten fundraisers in the community.
>>> Click here to view more information about Jackson’s remarkable achievement.
Kids Giving Back
‘Kids Giving Back’ is a charity whose mission is to create the next Generation of Generosity. Their programs are delivered for children 6-18 years old and their families, and offer opportunities to assist vulnerable people in the community.
Thank you to the following students who participated in one of their programs during Term 4 of 2021, and over the Christmas holidays.
- Sam Vlack (Year 9)
- Aidan Carpenter (Year 8)
- Ben Capaan (Year 8)
Students and families are encouraged to participate by volunteering in giving back programs outside of school hours.
Commonwealth Government Address Collection Notice for 2022
The Australian Government Department of Education, Skills and Employment (the Department), would like to notify you that a request has been made for your child’s school to provide residential address and other information as required under the Australian Education Regulation 2013.
The College is required to provide the Department with the following information about each student at the College:
- Names and residential addresses of student’s parent(s) and/or guardian(s)
- Student residential address (excluding student names)
- Whether the student is a primary or secondary student (education level)
- Whether the student is boarding or a day student (boarding status)
