Dear parents, friends, staff and students,

“Yes there are those now last who will be first, and those first who will be last” (Luke 13: 30). This is the last line of this week’s Gospel from St Luke. It is particularly appropriate for our current context as, over the past two days, the Year 11 students have been undergoing their Leadership Training Days. At the commencement of these days, I speak with the students about what leadership is. I remind them that all Year 12 students are leaders regardless of whether they have a formal named role or not. They will be held to account and their standard will be higher than the rest of the students. I ask them to consider what type of leader they want to be, what type of leader they want to have, and what types or leaders they want to be remembered as. These days will help them to discern their own leadership skills but will also assist them in their level of support for their peers in various leadership roles. In true leadership, we do not aim to be the one who craves fame and fortune but who strives to improve others. This may take different forms at different times. Thank you to our Year 11 students for their participation. Thank you also to Mr Berkely for running these days with his Pastoral Team and for a very effective program that has been established over many years by our competent Year 12 and Pastoral Coordinators.

At the start of this week, our Year 12 students concluded their Trial HSC exams and then attended their retreat reconnector. The timing of these two events is deliberately set to ensure that the stress of the examination period finished with a reminder that the students are valued and their lives have a greater purpose. The reconnector gives the students an opportunity to reflect on their retreat experience and the joyous nature of that time away. Following the trials, the students will begin to receive their results and will be given feedback and direction for improvement. It is important that they use these suggestions appropriately and take them as opportunities. Just as a high-level coach will make suggestions and tweak performance, our students should use their teachers to the full in order to do their best. For all students in the College, I encourage this same thinking. 

On Wednesday evening, our Year 9 students and parents attended the Elective information evening to assist them with their subject choices for 2026. At this evening, I once again emphasised the idea that we should aim to learn simply for growth itself. The choosing of electives provides a wonderful opportunity to take some control of their own education. Thank you to Ms Miller and Mr Hagan as well as the many staff who attended to provide this support.

Today our staff attended the Term 3 Professional Learning Day which was focussed on student wellbeing. This involved a guest speaker who worked with the staff on their own skillsets and how they might use these in assisting students. It also gave some strong insights into skills that might be followed up with the students themselves. I am acutely aware of the constraints that pupil free days place on parents and I greatly appreciate your understanding in knowing that these improve the delivery of education for your children. 

On Tuesday evening, we held the Term 3 P&F meeting at the College. Whilst I had to send my apologies (I had been sick for the two days prior), Ms Giles presented the Principal and AP reports as well as delivering a presentation on the High Impact Teaching Strategies (HITS) that are being used within the College. From all accounts, it was a very informative evening. Thank you to all parents who attended.