Principal's Report 4th February, 2022

Welcome back to everyone for a new school year.  Welcome to all of our new students, including the Year 7 students and their families.  It is amazing to return to see the number of new students who have enrolled at the College, especially in Years 7, 8 and 9, since the end of term three last year.  We do have some challenges ahead of us and due to this, some of our usual dates, such as the welcome BBQ, may be changed as we navigate our way through the first four weeks of the term.

VALE Anthony Briggs

It was with much sadness that we learnt of the passing of music teacher, Mr Anthony Briggs, on January 14 this year.  Anthony had battled valiantly with his illness over the previous 12 months or so, which required him to take sick leave for all of 2021.  He did this with an enduring positivity which was quite remarkable.  Anthony taught at the College for just over 20 years, starting back in 1999.  Anthony was clearly passionate about his music and was actively composing, and when possible, playing and performing all of his life.  Staff began the year last Friday with a minute’s silence at our first meeting, and then the students and staff did the same at our first assembly on Tuesday.  Our sincere condolences are extended to Anthony’s family and friends.

New Staff

Due to a variety of factors, there has been a significant change over in staff this year, with seven new faces at the College.  Miss Stephanie Carswell is a new Leading Teacher who will be teaching English.  Mr Drew Redmond is a maths teacher and comes to us all the way from London.  Miss Breanna Alexander is an English and Psychology teacher, Mrs Kathryn Powell is teaching Maths and Science and Mr Bernard Krywula is teaching Humanities and Health and Human Development.  We also have Mrs Rosemary Walsh joining us to teach Instrumental Music two days a week.  Our last appointment is Tania Scarce who is our new school nurse.  It has been five years since we had a school nurse and it is great to have one back again – especially one of Tania’s calibre. I am sure all the students and “old” staff will make all our new students and staff very welcome. Below is a photo of new staff with Stephanie Carswell absent on the day.

COVID Procedures

I have sent home an email aiming to outline all of the current requirements/suggestions/guidelines to deal with the current phase of the pandemic.  This will be a learning experience for us all and I am sure that we can all work through it together.  Student RA Tests are available for parents to pick up at the General Office, or parents can provide us with permission to send them home with students.  We have been provided with just enough to cover our students and staff, so ask that you use them as required.  At the time of writing this newsletter, I have not yet sent home and email to confirm any positive cases at school.  I will only do this if we have a person who tests positive and been at school, as I do not believe sending home an email every day that tells you nothing is in anyone’s best interests.

If your child does test positive, please report as required to the Department of Health.

Student Representative Council (SRC)

Over the next two weeks students will be considering and nominating students for this year’s SRC.  The SRC has two or three representatives from each year level and the Year 12 College Captains.  The SRC is a great forum for student voice in the school and through the School Captains, have a direct link to College Council.  I encourage you to talk to your child about this opportunity.

School Uniform

All students are expected to be in full school uniform.  If for some reason they cannot be in uniform, they require a note which goes to Mrs McCormick – Assistant Principal – where they will be issued with a uniform pass.  If you are finding it difficult to source some items of uniform, please contact the College as we do have access to some uniforms and shoes.  Just as a reminder for all families and students, school shoes must be all black, no white or coloured stripes, swooshes, writing or soles. 

Hats Outside

A reminder that all students are required to be wearing a broad brimmed (or legionnaires) hat when they are outside.

Upcoming dates

Friday 11 March – School Photos – all students in full school uniform.

Wednesday 16 February – Year 11 and 12 Info night – all students expected to attend.

Friday 25 February – School Leader’s Ceremony – 2pm at the Town Hall.

Tony Hand

Principal