Dear parents, friends, staff and students,

Welcome back to Term 4

“There is nothing I cannot master with the help of the One who gives me strength” (Philippians 4:19-20).

The quote from this week’s second reading is once again a source of comfort and hope for those who read it. Whether it is locally, with our students sitting their HSC exams, or much broader with political issues nationally or globally, our witness and reliance on the support of Jesus should be unwavering. It is important to note that this quote does not suggest that we simply ‘leave it up to God’ or that we just accept whatever is to happen. The quote encourages us to ensure that we should aim to ‘master’ the situation but with the help of God. Our vision at the College over the past few years has been for a Christ-centred community which provides opportunities for excellence. I have spoken with students on many occasions to highlight that our aim is to provide the opportunities but there is a reciprocal responsibility for them to take those opportunities and use them to the full.

Earlier this week, our College Leadership Team spent a day discussing and developing our Annual Improvement Plan for the coming 12 months. This plan is based on the 4-year School Improvement Plan that was initiated at the start of 2023. Part of this discussion centred around clarifying our college mission so that we are able to develop and implement meaningful frameworks around what is important to our community. These frameworks and plans are not new but are a simple way to express what we do and why we do it. Below is the refined wording of our mission.

COLLEGE MISSION

With Mary as our model and inspired by our Catholic values, Marist charism and Carmelite traditions, we are a community committed to developing young people of courage, wisdom and guidance who:

• Walk in Truth and are faithful to the mission of Jesus Christ,
• embrace an attitude for excellence by demonstrating a desire for ongoing learning and growth, and
• create a dynamic, living environment where the dignity of all is recognised and promoted through positive relationships, justice, care and safety for all.

Over the next months and years, this mission will be used to inform the articulation of our College frameworks. I hope to share these as we develop them so that there is a clear understanding of our goals and processes.

During the last school holidays, the College has continued our refurbishment program and major building works. As the students returned, they would have noticed replacement flooring and lighting in our upper J block area as we turn the entry space into an Art Gallery of students’ work. They will also have seen the internal demolition of the English classrooms as these are being renovated and new toilets are being installed. These building works are part of our major project and school plans and are still on track for this stage to open at the start of next year. Thank you to all the students and staff for your flexibility with room changes and movement changes as we undertake these works.

Earlier this year, I notified parents through the newsletter that we will have two Pupil Free Staff Development Days this term. This is a result of agreements around the implementation of new syllabuses. Please note as previously notified that these SDD Pupil Free Days are on Friday November 10 and Monday November 13.

Ite in Veritate

Mr Steve Lo Cascio