From the Principal
Small 鈥渋鈥 leading
At each of the recent excellence assemblies, a staff member spoke about the top ten students in each year level. The common trend in these testimonies was not just about hard work, talent and curiosity, but about kindness and their generosity in using their gifts to assist others. These attributes exemplify the 天美传媒 value of COMPASSION: 鈥榮ervice to others through education and experiences that are based on kindness and generosity鈥.
The centrality of service as a key component of leadership - particularly in our Christian tradition - will form part of the Year 11 assembly on Monday 2 September where the nomination process for student leadership positions for the College in 2025 will be launched. Our 2024 leaders have provided a wonderful example through their involvement in debating, sports, music, hospitality, VM fundraising, leading College tours and so much more. Each has humbly led, embracing their service to the community, a trait Sr Barbara Reid refers to as 鈥渟mall 鈥榠鈥 leadership鈥.
Before Pope Francis鈥 first Easter in the role, he provided a very practical example of humility in leading by re-creating the Holy Thursday scene in which Jesus washed the feet of his disciples (John 13:1-17). By washing and kissing the feet of 12 youth detention prisoners - including two women and two Muslims - Pope Francis continues Jesus鈥 model of servant leadership. He has repeated this gesture each year of his pontificate, this year (at age 87) doing so for 12 women prisoners from his wheelchair. We take this inspiration as leaders to know our role is in serving and elevating others: we are but the small 鈥榠鈥 in developing leadership that exemplifies compassion for all.
Capital works update: Masterplan & Stage 1
Throughout Term 2, the College consulted staff, students and parents as part of the process of compiling and creating our Master Plan in conjunction with Kosloff Architecture. The plan has now been endorsed by MACS, so we are please to be able to begin the launch with this overview image:
We are excited about the plans this provides for the next 15+ years for our campus, rejuvenating the landscape, providing new facilities for students and the wider community, improving safety for pedestrian flow, providing a new Wominjeka welcoming garden as the entry point for the College, dedicated Performing Arts building, new gym and a new technology precinct. More details about the Master Plan will be released via the College website and social media over the coming months.
Planning for Stage 1 will begin next week. This will include a new Year 9 Building, a Wellness Centre for all students and revitalised garden, recreation and outdoor learning spaces for the Middle Years precinct.
Community - upcoming College events
We have a packed week coming up shortly featuring four significant community events
- Family Mass - Tuesday 10 September: All members of our community are invited to join this liturgical celebration in our Chapel at 7.30pm, with supper provided afterwards.
- Senior Music Showcase - Monday 9 September: Another great evening of showcasing the wonderful talents and dedication of our music students. All community members are welcome to attend for a 7.30pm start in the Gym.
- Term 3 College Mass - Monday 9 September: Our student & staff community gathers only once per term to celebrate our Catholic identity in the liturgy. We look forward to celebrating with Fr Dispin John.
- Term 3 College Assembly - Tuesday 10 September: the focus of this assembly will be celebrating excellence across the College in its many forms.
David Broadbent
Principal