The past week has seen a variety of Pastoral Care and Wellbeing activities take place. Today saw our Year 7 cohort for 2025 participate in the annual Orientation Day. Students were formally introduced to their new House peers and engaged in a program that involved some literacy and numeracy testing in preparation for next year, a taste of subject experiences in Science, Technology, Creative Arts and PDHPE, and a tour of the College with all finished upgrades for the first time. Many thanks to Ms Armour, the staff from the various KLA groups that conducted sessions and our Year 9 & 10 helpers who assisted with the smooth running of the day. Thanks also to our incoming Year 7 students for the enthusiasm and cooperation that they demonstrated throughout the day. This was the culmination of a big week for our incoming Year 7, who attended a parent information night on Wednesday. Thanks again to Ms Armour, Miss Miller and the Front Office staff for their organisation of these important events. 

At the other end of the year group spectrum our College Captains and Vice Captains attended the annual Bishop’s Leadership Retreat at Mittagong over the past 3 days. This initiative allowed the student leaders from across the Diocesan High Schools to listen and engage in leadership presentations from a range of guest speakers, including Bishop Brian Mascord. Thanks to Mrs Pearce for accompanying our leaders over the past 3 days.

Also earlier today Avila House celebrated their founders day with a Liturgy and fundraising activities to raise money for St. Vincent de Paul. A heartfelt thanks to Mr Sullivan, the Avila House Captains and pastoral staff for their work in ensuring that the recognition of St Teresa of Avila was a resounding success.

Earlier in the week, the extreme heat that we incurred was a timely reminder about some of the risks that we may be confronted with in the upcoming summer. MISA sport was cancelled on Tuesday and the outdoor areas of the College were closed at lunchtime to minimise the risk of students suffering from heat exhaustion. Catholic Schools NSW has an extreme heat policy that recommends that al;l outdoor activities cease once the temperature reaches 36 degrees. At this point in time, the College will continue to follow this recommendation. It is also important that students also ensure that they are appropriately hydrated and have their College Cap with them to prevent both long and short term problems associated with heat and exposure to Ultraviolet radiation.

Further to that, could we also please remind students and families who depart the school from Spitfire Drive each afternoon that the Traffic Island adjacent to the front gate is not a designated pedestrian crossing and students need to cross the road with caution.  We ask that students and carers be patient and aware, especially during the afternoon pick-up. 

Before our next edition in Week 9, Year 10 will be participating in Team Building activities at The Tops, All my own work and Elevate Education Study Skills presentations on December 9, 10 and 11. The College will be conducting our annual Sports Awards Assembly on Friday 13 December and Years 7-10 will hear from the Local Police Liaison Officer regarding Cybersafety. Information regarding these events will be communicated through Compass.

As is always the case, should you have any issues regarding your son or daughter’s learning and wellbeing, please contact their respective Year Coordinator or the College Office.

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