As Mr Lo Cascio has made mention in his section of this week’s newsletter, a number of events have taken place over the past week which are an important part of our ongoing mission to develop important community links, both within and beyond the boundaries of the College. These activities are also an important part of the ongoing learning and wellbeing support that are two of our central priorities, the other being faith development and formation. The integration of each of these aspects of Student growth are evident in the many activities that have been conducted over the past week and will be held over the coming week.

With respect to last week, the Youth Aware of Mental Health (YAM) program for Year 9 students is an important part of our Pastoral Care and Wellbeing program. Session 2 was held last Tuesday and the third and final session will be Tuesday next week. I would like to thank the staff from CEDoW and Mr Berkeley for their work in preparing, organising and presenting this valuable resource. Yesterday saw our Year 11 students take part in the annual “U Turn the Wheel” driver education presentation, conducted by Rotary and NSW Police. Again, thanks to our presenters, to Mr Harpley for liaising with our providers and organising the day and to the staff who assisted with supervision. The other significant event from last week was the finalising of Year 10 Academic marks and reports. These will be checked and formatted over the following weeks, prior to release at the end of the term and will be the first official NESA record of student achievement for our current Year 10 students. Thanks to Ms Miller, Ms Toogood and all staff involved in the teaching, learning and assessment processes that have occurred  over the past year in  order to reach this significant academic milestone.

Next week will see further initiatives and events occur that will supplement the daily in-class activities that are designed to enhance the Spiritual, Academic and Pastoral growth of our students. These include:

• Sun to Tues: Marist Student Leaders gathering at Mittagong
• Monday: Music Workshops for Year 7, Choir and Band members
• Tuesday: Final session of YAM
• Wed: Parent Literacy Evening
• Thur: Year 7 Resilience and Peer Relationships workshops Presented by CatholicCare
• Friday: Year 9 Fast Forward University Experience at WSU, College Assembly to recognise Year 11 preliminary course achievement.

Thanks in advance to all staff and external providers who are involved in these activities for the commitment, organisation and time involved in providing these wonderful opportunities for our students.

As always, as we head towards the final weeks of the year, please do not hesitate to contact your son or daughter’s Pastoral Advisor, Year Coordinator or College Reception should you have any questions regarding their learning, wellbeing or spiritual development.

Mr Simon Huntly