From the Principal
Today I’d like to begin my newsletter article by welcoming teachers and students back to the College after the mid semester break. I trust that all students are well rested and energised for the term ahead. A special welcome to the following teachers who are commencing their Lauries Journey at the College this term:
Ms. Megan Field Teacher – Maths & Science
Mr. Dennis Clough Teacher – English
Mr. David Richardson Teacher – Media
This week at the College were fortunate to be able to mark the start of the term by acknowledging NAIDOC week. NAIDOC Week celebrations are held across Australia in the first week of July each year (Sunday to Sunday), to celebrate and recognise the history, culture and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. The theme for this year’s NAIDOC week was “Keep the Fire Burning! Blak, Loud and Proud.” During the assembly organised by Mr Paul Corfield and College Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Liaison Officer, Mr Kelsey Doyle, we were privileged to be joined by Uncle Billy Cummings, Charlie Chambers (Indigenous Man and Old Boy of the Class of 2021) and special guest Mr Jake Adams (Board of Directors, Winnam Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders Corporation).
As a College we heard about the life of the Turrbul people in early times from Uncle Billy, and Charlie’s personal story that included his Lauries journey. A highlight of the assembly was Mr Adams' recount of his journey to become the winner of the Australian Defence Indigenous Leader of the Year Award for 2021. In a story that encapsulated Mr Adams’ life as an indigenous man whose family originated in Cunnamulla, to a young member of the military and now corporate leader, Mr Adams shared his personal understanding of life and leadership with our community. Throughout his story there was a strong message of service, humility and care being essential to leadership. It was a story that resonated with all of our community and was highlighted by his unknowing connection of leadership and our Edmund Rice Charism. NAIDOC week is a time to celebrate story, understand those who have gone before us and those who have grown with us. It was a privilege to have Uncle Billy Cummings, Jake and Charlie join us on assembly and celebrate a very important part of our culture.
Within the same assembly, our students were spoken to about the importance of a good start to the term. Like an athlete in a race, or an employee embarking on a new career, a student needs to ensure they start each term well to be able to set themselves up for a positive finish. It was highlighted that our students must prioritise their learning, remember their social courtesies and ensure they serve others, to be able to make the start they need on this stage of their Laurie’s journey. These three things mean different things for different families. I encourage parents and caregivers to talk to their young person about what each of the different elements of a good start means in your context. For our Year 12 families, I refer you directly to the Finishing Strongly document published by our Teaching and Learning Faculty.
In another milestone to commence the term, this week we were able to open the new and improved Hogan Deck. With construction beginning over 12 months ago, the new Hogan Deck is an agile learning, play and eating space for over 400 students at the College. After many site challenges and weather delays, we are now left with a space that will be a hallmark feature of the College for years to come. I thank Gentner Builders for all their hard work and dedication to their project, Macksey Rush Architects for the insight into design, and future proofing of the area and the College leadership team who have worked to ensure a successful vision design and completion of this project. A special mention to Mr Chris Leadbetter who began the project in June of last year.
Over the holidays we had many staff and students participating in holiday activities. Inclusive of basketball, tennis, music, clubs and our Manchester City Holiday Clinic, I thank all those involved in giving of their time to make these opportunities happen for our students.
I would particularly like to thank Mr John Butterworth, Mr Patrick Byron and Mr Sam Dickman who travelled to Townsville to allow our boys to participate in the Confraternity Shield. Competing amongst 62 other teams of Catholic schools from across the state, our Rugby League students performed diligently and represented the College well. I thank these staff, along with parents Paul Boase and Martin Langton for making the effort to travel with the boys and give of their time to this Catholic Schools Carnival.
MR BEN LOWRIE
College Principal (Acting)