From the Principal
As Term 1 draws to a close there is much to celebrate:
Executive Director’s Excellence in HSC and VET Awards
Last Monday evening, Ms Alvarez and I attended the Executive Director’s Excellence in HSC and VET Awards to celebrate those students who gained First Place in the Diocese in HSC courses, as well as achievement in VET courses.
Congratulations to the following for achieving First Place in the Diocese:
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Verdi Maximous – Business Studies |
Eleanor Albuquerque – Studies of Religion 1 |
Natasha Andrianakos – Textiles & Design |
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Kora Villa – Science Extension |
Natalie Leung – Information Processes & Technology |
VET Achievement: Olivia Cranfield – Business Services |
Fundraising for Ukraine Refugees and Northern NSW Floods
I am so proud of our students as they came together last Thursday in House Groups to raise awareness and funds for Ukraine refugees and the Northern NSW flood victims. Using their ‘gifts’ at the College Talent Show, each House competed for the Talent Show Trophy and House points. The collective talent displayed by the students was both entertaining and amazing.
Well done to all Houses, but especially to the placegetters:
First Place: Perroton
Second Place: Marcellin
Third Place: Colin
Year 7 Welcome and Social Night
Cerdon Plaza was buzzing as we welcomed our new Year 7 parents and students on Friday night. For the first time in two years, our parents were able to gather socially on the College site. The weather remained fine while we all enjoyed great conversation and sampled the delicious pizza cooked on-site. Our Year 7 students were also treated to fun activities organised by their Year 10 Amica Leaders. Thanks to all who were part of the planning and hospitality on the night, especially our Year 12 Parent Engagement Group, coordinated by Tennille Southcombe and Natasha Lakic; our Year 12 and 11 Hospitality students, supported by their teachers Mrs Della Vedova, Mrs Erin Healey and Mrs Leonie Clarke; and the Year 10 Amica Leaders supported by the Leader of Wellbeing, Ms Angela Bowland and Assistant Leader of Wellbeing, Ms Gemma Muller.
We look forward to repeating this parent social experience for Year 8 parents and students in Term 2 on 29 April.
Staff Spirituality Day
On Monday, all staff travelled to the L’Hermitage, the Marist Retreat Centre in Mittagong for our annual Spirituality Day. The day was facilitated by the Marist Missions Team. In the beautiful autumn sun and picturesque hills of the Southern Highlands, we adopted the theme ‘Known and Loved – Dignity for All’ as our inspiration:
One of the deepest desires of every human being is to be heard, listened to, and accepted. To be heard is to be known and loved. This captures what is at the heart of the Gospel message: that every human being, no matter who they are and no matter where they come from, possess dignity because they are created in the image of God. The day explored the way Marist communities strive to be places where everyone, especially the least, lost and invisible are ‘known and loved’; places where each person’s voice is heard and respected, where their dignity is recognised and honoured. We know that we are called to move beyond simply recognising human dignity, but to act accordingly”.
The image of Mary, ‘Our Lady of Loreto with the Refugees’ Cloak’, in the photo above, was painted by young Italian artist Margherita Gallucci. She dedicated the painting to ‘the sacredness of human life, to the sacredness and dignity of all those who are victims of brutality, war and racism.’
Welcome to Our New Counsellor
We welcome to our Marist community Counsellor, Carly Boaler. Carly joins the Wellbeing Team, working closely with our current Counsellor, Louise Scuderi. Carly is at the College full-time and can be contacted by parents through the College Reception. An introduction from Carly appears later in this newsletter.
As we journey to Easter with ‘hope’, I wish a Happy Easter to you and your families.
