From the Principal

Congratulations on a wonderful Term. You have done so well considering the challenges that have been faced by all during these COVID times. Congratulations to Year 12 on the way they have continued to focus after the Trial HSC Examinations, as well as the student leaders for the initiatives they have put forward. Thank you to all the students who have volunteered to be a part of the many initiatives we have put forward this Term. Staff gain such enthusiasm when the student response is so positive. Have a safe and happy holiday. I look forward to working with you all in Term 4.

‘It’s All About Learning’

Gospel Reflection:

Parable of the Two Sons (Matthew 21:28-32)

The parable of the two sons (Matt. 21:28-32) is about two brothers whose father tells them to go work in his vineyard. One tells his father that he will but doesn’t do it. The other tells his father that he won’t go but ends up working all day among the vines. Jesus then asks the question, “Which of the two did the will of his father?” The answer is clear: the one who actually worked, though initially refusing to do so. This parable continues earlier stories in Matthew about the people who actually are part of God’s kingdom. Jesus tells the religious leaders in his audience that “tax collectors and prostitutes are going into the kingdom of God ahead of you” (Matt. 21:31). The people who look the least religious will enter God’s kingdom ahead of religious leaders because in the end they do God’s will.

In work, this reminds us that actions speak louder than words. Many organizations have mission statements declaring that their top aims are customer service, product quality, civic integrity, putting their people first, and the like. Yet many such organizations have poor service, quality, integrity, and employee relations. Individuals may do the same thing, extolling their plans, yet failing to implement them. Organizations and individuals falling into this trap may have good intentions, and they may not recognize they are failing to live up to their rhetoric. Workplaces need both effective systems for implementing their mission and goals, and impartial monitoring systems to give unvarnished feedback. We must be careful not to be delusional about our motives and be people who act.

New Religious Education Curriculum Year 10:

Parent Survey Results: Draft New (Religious Education) Curriculum

In week 8 of this term, all parents of students involved in the Term 3 “Test Runs” of the Draft New Curriculum in Religious Education, were given the opportunity to share their feedback and insights. Thank you to all parents who were able to do so. Below is a summary of the responses from across the Diocese. You will see that it has been a positive response with the majority of parents agreeing to each of the statements listed below:

• My child has been enabled me to think about their faith
• My child has connected what they have learned to their life
• My child has responded positively to their lessons
• My child has spoken about their lessons at home

Important insights and points of feedback were also provided which, along with feedback from students and teachers, will be read and reflected on by Mission leaders as they continue to refine the Draft New Curriculum. 

Congratulations Gerardo Pareja Delgado (Class of 2019) on having his research project published :

Gerardo completed an outstanding research project in Year 12 as part of the Science Extension course. As a result he has had this research published in a Scientific Journal. Please see the link below to view  the article. We are very proud of the achievement and the fact Gerardo is a product of our great College. https://www.mdpi.com/2624-5558/1/2/14

VIRTUAL CAN:

Congratulations to all the students who auditioned and performed for CAN this year. Mr Chiappetta had the idea during our COVID times to go live and record our performances with the view to hold an outdoor event later in 2020 to view the performances. All being well, this should occur in Term 4 this year. Thank you to Mr Chaippetta, Mr Alata, Mrs Weaver, Ms McKechnie, and all who supported our talented students in this experience.

Debating:

Congratulations on a wonderful 2020 Debating season. We were the most represented school in the Finals which is something that we should be very proud of. We were unlucky with a few of the final debates but that’s how it goes and we will come back better for it next year. Thank you to our student debaters, helpers, supporters, staff, and ex-students who were adjudicators.

Gym Almost Complete:

Unfortunately, there have been delays in receiving some equipment as it is coming through Victoria. We only have a couple of pieces of equipment still to come though and we will hopefully be running Boot Camps for students and making the Gym available during class times for PDHPE and Sport.

Fidem in Christo

Stephen Kennaugh
Principal