Principal
Welcome back to the start of the new term and, as always, I extend a warm welcome to those new families that have joined us over the break. I particularly want to acknowledge the return of a number of our Boarding students and their families. Some of these boys have not been physically present in school since late March. We have all faced challenges during these past months but few of our challenges, as city folk, match the complications that some Boarding families have encountered. It is reassuring to have the Boarding Village full again.
We return to school with the wider Australian health landscape in flux and with some darkening clouds on the horizon. Importantly, we need to do our best to resist complacency in our health and hygiene practices. As the boys have returned they have been reminded consistently of what they must do to protect themselves, as well as others. In fact, each of them will have received their own bottle of hand sanitiser to carry with them around the school and to use regularly. Refills will also be readily available.
Being mindful of such practices must be equally matched, if not surpassed, by an awareness of the importance of day to day school work. Boys are naturally excited about the almost full return of sport, performing arts and community service activities. This excitement and desire to be involved after an extended break need not take away from their learning. The parent, teacher and student conferences that have been conducted this week online have reinforced the primacy of learning. Some boys excelled in Term 2 and the freedom to learn from home was a catalyst for greater engagement. Other boys struggled for a variety of reasons and now have to renew their focus under the closer presence and guidance of their teachers. Term 3 is the premiership quarter in terms of learning and teaching. End of year results are often dictated by the level of commitment, persistence and resilience boys display over the next 10 weeks.
This is particularly the case for the Year 12 cohort. They are entering the steady, relentless build up to the state-wide external exams in Term 4. It is sometimes the nature of boys to not engage fully until the proverbial whips are cracking in the final days prior to tests. With the external exams testing content from Unit 3 and 4, which goes back many months, Year 12s must be fully committed to continuous study and revision from the start of the term. Beyond the course work associated with each subject there is a preparation program in place to guide the build-up to final exams. The roadmap for external exams will be outlined to them at a Year 12 Assembly on Friday, and distributed to students and parents after Kairos.
The easing of COVID-19 restrictions will enable the College to begin holding Assemblies and larger gatherings over the coming weeks. We held our first Assembly since late March on Tuesday, with some students, parents and staff present. Thursday morning’s Barrett House Mass was the first time in months that we were able to pray together in our beautiful Chapel. We will continue to hold Assemblies with limits on attendees and COVIDSafe practices in place over the coming weeks. A variety of academic awards will be presented, commencing with Year 5 and 6 academic awards next week.
At Tuesday's Assembly we presented the 1st teams in Chess, Tennis, Football and Basketball. We congratulate the Captains James Hong, Declan Townsend, Bailey Dellapina, Zac Krogh and Chandrasekara Thasindu , respectively. Over 1,400 students will be representing the College during the term ahead – a significant undertaking, with teams spread further than usual given the closure of the Flats ovals and the running of multiple sports on the same weekend. We wish all our boys all the best as they recommence competition and have the opportunity to represent the College. They have been reminded of the standards of behaviour and sportsmanship that we expect. I also remind all parents of the restrictions that are in place for spectators, which have been circulated through the Sports Office and Team App. Your anticipated cooperation with these restrictions and the staff who have to apply them is greatly appreciated.
In conclusion, many in the school community were deeply saddened by the news of the recent passing of 2015 College Vice Captain Alex Seccombe. His funeral will be held in the Chapel at 10.30am on Friday. The Seccombe family (his parents Wade and Vicki, brother Harry [NC 2009-16], and his sister Elizabeth, who is in Year 12 at St Rita’s College) is in our thoughts and prayers at this time. One of the hidden blessings of schools such as ours is the loving support and care that many in the College community provide at such times. It will also be needed in the weeks and months ahead.
Mr Peter Fullagar
Principal