Connected Together sharing common ground
Principal's Message
Dear Parent/Carer
‘He called the people to him again and said, ‘Listen to me, all of you, and understand. Nothing that goes into a person from outside can make them unclean; it is the things that come out of a person that make them unclean.’
Mark 7: 21-23
It has certainly been a very busy few weeks for the College. We have had our Year 11 Science/HSIE excursion to Sydney, along with the PASS Camp both which were most successful. We also had a large number of students who took part in our SHINE Faith experience that was well enjoyed by those who took part. I continue to acknowledge staff who were required to supervise students across these experiences, which involved overnight and time away from family and friends. This is a huge ask and I honour our staff who continue to do this to provide our students with such experiences.
Our Year 12’s concluded their HSC Trial examinations this week and our Stage 6 staff are now busy marking to provide feedback and overall results which will inform students of actions required leading to the ‘real thing’ in early Term 4! I note the many Year 12 students who met with their teachers across the last few weeks in preparation for these examinations. It is now critical that students keep attendance high for the remaining weeks of Term to make the most of lesson time and revision which will fine tune their knowledge and skills.
Our VET Work placements were out across this week. As usual our students were exceptional and we are so pleased to receive positive comments on how students engage with their work and the skills that they are able to demonstrate within these varied work settings. It speaks volumes about the quality of our VET teachers at the College. I also acknowledge the generosity of employers within the local business community who continue to open their doors to our students.
The HSC Creative Arts Showcase took place this week and was another significant celebration for the College. It showcased the incredible skills of our Year 12 Drama, Art and Music students and the commitment of our teachers to their students. What talent exists at our school!
The build is progressing well and we are close to completion. We are on target for completion in late September, when we can have a final check and then a gradual assimilation into our whole school footprint. This facility would sit pride of place in any school across the country and is set to be well enjoyed by our College, parish and local community.
Finally I would like to acknowledge the work of the Mission team (Mr Geoff Melville, Mr Matthew Mitchell and Ms Olivia Eberhaut) who put together an incredible Year 11 Retreat experience at Bonny Hills. The comments from our students and the feedback from staff indicate that it was most successful. This Retreat aligns with the commencement of our Student Leadership Programme and I commend families to speak with their Year 12, 2025 young people about Leadership in 2025. It is a wonderful opportunity to lead our College community across our 60th Year - so much to acknowledge, honour and share with all in our community.
Our Year 12’s concluded their HSC Trial examinations this week and our Stage 6 staff are now busy marking to provide feedback and overall results which will inform students of actions required leading to the ‘real thing’ in early Term 4! I note the many Year 12 students who met with their teachers across the last few weeks in preparation for these examinations. It is now critical that students keep attendance high for the remaining weeks of Term to make the most of lesson time and revision which will fine tune their knowledge and skills.
Our VET Work placements were out across this week. As usual our students were exceptional and we are so pleased to receive positive comments on how students engage with their work and the skills that they are able to demonstrate within these varied work settings. It speaks volumes about the quality of our VET teachers at the College. I also acknowledge the generosity of employers within the local business community who continue to open their doors to our students.
The HSC Creative Arts Showcase took place this week and was another significant celebration for the College. It showcased the incredible skills of our Year 12 Drama, Art and Music students and the commitment of our teachers to their students. What talent exists at our school!
The build is progressing well and we are close to completion. We are on target for completion in late September, when we can have a final check and then a gradual assimilation into our whole school footprint. This facility would sit pride of place in any school across the country and is set to be well enjoyed by our College, parish and local community.
Finally I would like to acknowledge the work of the Mission team (Mr Geoff Melville, Mr Matthew Mitchell and Ms Olivia Eberhaut) who put together an incredible Year 11 Retreat experience at Bonny Hills. The comments from our students and the feedback from staff indicate that it was most successful. This Retreat aligns with the commencement of our Student Leadership Programme and I commend families to speak with their Year 12, 2025 young people about Leadership in 2025. It is a wonderful opportunity to lead our College community across our 60th Year - so much to acknowledge, honour and share with all in our community.
Nice weekend to you all.
Kind regards
Mr David JOHNS B.Ed., Cert. Gifted Ed., Grad. Cert. Adol. Health and Welfare, M.Ed. (Ed Lead), M.Ed. (Theol)
Principal