FROM THE ACTING COLLEGE PRINCIPAL

I’m thrilled to share with you the exciting news that our College has once again been named a finalist and Excellence Awardee in the Australian Education Awards. The annual Australian Education Awards, brought together by The Educator, is the leading independent awards event in the K-12 education sector. The awards showcase the top-performing schools, principals, department heads, and teachers for their outstanding achievements and transformative work that makes a profound difference to the lives of young people across Australia.

This year, we’ve been recognised in two categories: Innovation in Learning Environment Design and Education Rising Star of the Year.  

Our recognition in the Innovation in Learning Environment Design category comes after the completion of our 4-storey STEM Learning Hub. Since its opening in January 2024, students and staff have been benefitting from its state-of-the-art facilities, including specialised Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Technology and Marine Science laboratories (fitted with purpose-built aquatic tanks). The STEM Learning Hub has been a transformative step forward in providing contemporary learning opportunities to students.

Our Head of Sport & Fitness, Mr Sam Lowry, has also been named an Excellence Awardee in the Rising Star of the Year Award. Sam is being recognised for his passion and commitment in leading, innovating and promoting sport and fitness at the College. He has also been instrumental in forming and strengthening a range of external partnerships to continuously improve the experience and future opportunities for students. Winners of the 2024 Australian Education Awards will be announced during a ceremony in Sydney on 9 August.

Cameran Triffett

ACTING COLLEGE PRINCIPAL

ACTING DEPUTY PRINCIPAL

As we begin the second half of Term 2, I thought it timely to remind students of the benefits of participating in extracurricular activities. With two terms remaining in the year, it is a good time for students to be reinvigorated and ready to embrace a new opportunity. Along with organising their academic schedule, students need to ensure they have balance in their lives and this means engaging in a variety of extracurricular pursuits. The College provides a plethora of activities to suit varied student interests. From sport, to music, community service, dramatic and visual arts, students are encouraged to give something a go. Evidence shows us that involvement in extracurricular activities is just as important as what happens in the classroom.  Such activities allow students to explore their passions and career interests and making friends with similar interests.  These valuable life-skills flow on to later life aiding continued personal growth and development.   You can support your student’s involvement by discussing with her the things she is interested in and considering what activities are available at the College or within the local community. Our extracurricular organisers are always keen to engage with our students and look forward to welcoming new and returning members.

At the conclusion of Term 2, our students have further opportunities as they embark on camps and retreats across all year levels.  A wonderful time for students to learn outside the classroom, and make memories with their peers.  The Term 2 holidays will also see two groups embark on overseas trips.  Myself and Mr Chris Pacey will take 13 students to the United State of America where they will participate in STEM Trek including San Diego, Space Camp in Huntsville, Alabama and Orlando including Kennedy Space Centre (the home of NASA).  This is the third time the College has offered the USA STEM Trek.  Mr John Goulter, Ms Rachel Cairns and Mrs Conni Mosch will travel with 18 students to Auckland, New Zealand for the World Choir Games.  This inaugural trip will allow students to compete in the biggest choral competition and festival on the globe, with an expected 11,000 singers across 30 countries.  We can’t wait to hear all about camps, retreats and the overseas adventures when we return in Term 3.  

Amy Byrnes

ACTING DEPUTY PRINCIPAL

ACTING DIRECTOR OF STUDENTS

CAMPS/RETREATS

Last week all families received a letter containing important information about our upcoming camps and retreats. Please ensure that you have read this letter carefully and completed the necessary paperwork. A reminder that the camp and retreat program is a compulsory event; it is expected that all students attend. If your daughter cannot attend, please follow the directions outlined in the letter. All correspondence needs to be completed by Friday 31st May.

FRIENDSHIP

Friendship is the secret ingredient that makes every moment sparkle a little brighter. It can be good, messy and downright beautiful.

Kate Forsyth once said, “Friendship is a sheltering tree.” It’s like having a cosy nook where you can just be yourself, no judgements, no pretence. We’re those sturdy branches for each other, offering support, laughter and sometimes a little tough love when needed. Friends bring joy, laughter and genuine happiness; they celebrate our wins, console us in tough times and stand by us.

However, maintaining friendships takes work. Sometimes they’re messy. Sometimes they’re hard work. But they are worth it, every single time.

Sometimes, navigating friendships warrants attention. Communication is key. Talk it out, be honest, and listen with an open heart. And remember, it’s okay to set boundaries; a true friend will respect them.

Friends will occasionally let us down, but when this happens, let’s not forget Liane Moriarty’s words: “It’s the hardest thing in the world, to forgive. But if you can do it, then you can do anything.” So, let’s practice that – forgiving each other, forgiving ourselves.

Shari Finlay 

ACTING DIRECTOR OF STUDENTS

ACTING DEPUTY PRINCIPAL – ACADEMIC

Year 11 – Unit 1 Subject Changes

Year 11 students considering subject changes or pathway changes for Unit 2 are encouraged to contact the Learning & Teaching Office   Subject changes for Unit 2 will close on Friday, 31 May 2023 (Week 7, Term 2).  Unit 2 commenced on Monday 20 May 2023 (Week 6, Term 2).

Year 10 Exam Block and Year 12 Exam Block

As detailed in the Assessment Calendars on the Learning Hub, Year 10 and Year 12 students will be involved in Exam Blocks later this term.  These Exam Block schedules are available on the Learning Hub.

A reminder that students must attend all exams in their full academic uniform.  Only Year 12 students are permitted to complete individual study at home or in the Boarding House during Exam Block.

Year 10 students must complete study in the assigned classrooms.  If students are absent for any exams, they are reminded that they must request special provisions and if it is for medical purposes, provide a medical certificate.

Chris Pacey

ACTING DEPUTY PRINCIPAL – ACADEMIC

DEAN OF FAITH & MISSION

As we celebrate Pentecost we are called to be disciples of Jesus and be filled with the Holy Spirit to continue to spread joy, love, compassion and kindness to all in our College community.

Come Holy Spirit! Come fire and flame,

Come wind and breath, come gifts and fruits,

Come everything we need this day,

To rekindle our lives,

Our Church, our world with your love!

Come Holy Spirit! Come fire!

Amen.

VINNIE’S FASHION WINTER APPEAL

As a College, we will come together this term to raise awareness and funds for St Vincent de Paul. Our Mercy Girls in Action have been attending the Vinnie’s warehouse, choosing items to be sold at our Fashion Winter Appeal on Friday 7 June. Many of these items are suitable for our students to pack in their bags for camp. All funds raised will go towards St Vincent de Paul.

SACRAMENTAL PROGRAM

The following students have been involved in making their sacraments of Reconciliation, Confirmation and First Eucharist through the Cathedral Parish at St Joseph’s Church:

• Jade Cooper
• Leila Strickland
• Maddison O’Neill
• Scarlett Torkington

We wish them all the best as they continue their sacramental journey this year.

(Scarlett Torkington – absent)

FEAST OF THE SACRED HEART

This very special celebration will be at the Sacred Heart Cathedral on Friday 7 June at 7.00pm.

Elissa Andrews

DEAN OF FAITH & MISSION

UNIFORM POLICY AND 2025 TERM DATES

UNIFORM EXPECTATIONS REMINDER

As we transition into the colder months, it is essential students adhere to the College’s uniform expectations. Families are asked to take note of the following:

• The College jumper can be worn with either the academic OR sport uniform.
• The College sport jacket can only be worn with the sport uniform.
• Year 12 students are permitted to wear their senior jerseys on Friday only.

For further details regarding uniform expectations, please refer to page 116 of the College Diary. Your cooperation in ensuring your child complies with uniform expectations is greatly appreciated.

2025 TERM DATES

Please click the below link to view our 2025 Term Dates:

2025 Term Dates

STUDENT SPOTLIGHT

We’re thrilled to share the incredible achievements of Year 10 student, Sienna Monteith in her recent trip to Malaysia. The competition was fierce, highlighting the significance of such events in the world of sports. Representing Australia amidst tough contenders from Malaysia, New Zealand, Hong Kong and Thailand, Sienna showcased her skill and determination. In her debut international appearance, Sienna came away with an impressive array of medals:

🥇 Gold in the Team Pursuit

🥇 Gold in the Madison

🥇 Gold in the Elimination Race

🥉 Bronze in the Scratch Race

The College could not be more proud of Sienna’s accomplishments, and her success serves as an inspiration to aspiring young athletes everywhere. Congratulations Sienna!

Congratulations are also in order for Year 11 student Charlotte Rosenblatt for being named Youth Lifesaver of the Year. Charlotte was named Under 17 Age Champion and was in the top 10 patrolling hours! Well done, Charlotte.

HISTORY WEEK

History Week 2024 saw the College celebrating and honouring “Courageous Women of History”.

Studying and celebrating women of history is crucial for several reasons. It helps correct the historical imbalance where women’s contributions have often been overlooked, marginalised or completely left out. By shining a spotlight on their achievements, we recognise their invaluable role in shaping societies, cultures and progress throughout history. It also provides inspiration and empowerment for future generations of women, showing them that they too can make significant impacts in various fields.

Various activities were held across the week including the Big Wig competition, documentaries on the big screen, a whole school Kahoot, Frida Kahlo art activity, Courageous women scavenger hunt and of course the dress up day on Wednesday.

Celebrating women of history can foster a sense of pride and identity among women and girls, encouraging them to strive for greatness and break barriers.

Kelli Chapman

HEAD OF FACULTY – HUMANITIES