|
As I am sure many of you would agree, 2022 has not commenced without its challenges and the College has been no exception to this reality. The regular changes and updates regarding COVID-19 compliance and their implementation has been difficult to say the least. This is in addition to the postponement or cancelling of many events and activities that would normally take place as part of life at the College, such as the Interhouse Swimming Carnival and St Pat’s Day Games, along with many camps, trips and excursions. Whilst schools are predominantly places dedicated to teaching and learning, there is far more to a holistic education than just classroom teaching. These are the camps, trips and various other extra-curricular activities that all complement a students’ experiences to provide a well rounded educational experience. Whilst staff at the College have become dynamic and inventive in trying to deliver some of these events for our students, it is never quite the same as the full experience and what we want to provide for our community. Hopefully, in the not too distant future, life for all of us will revert back to a degree of normalcy and we can again provide rich experiences for our students. I would like to take this opportunity to acknowledge the hard work of our staff at the College who continue to develop creative ways to engage our students in their learning, despite the current challenges. Their commitment and dedication make a real difference to the students under their care, and I feel it is important to recognise this contribution in trying conditions. Well done to all. Principal’s Honour List Our highest achieving students in Semester 2 2021 were recognised as recipients of the Principal’s Award and recorded on the Principal’s Honour List. For every student who made this semester’s list, there are several others close behind offering a healthy challenge and friendly competition. It is important to strive for excellence in all fields of education and I would like to congratulate all students, both those who made the Honour’s List and those who tried their very best last semester, on their commitment to success. The list of award winners can be found here. Year 12 Ball It was wonderful that we were able to hold our Year 12 Ball at the start of this Term. Our Year 12 Seniors were barely recognisable as they walked the red carpet. All of our students were impeccably dressed, with the right amount of glamour fitting the prestige of this event. The Ball was an outstanding success, hallmarked by some very enthusiastic dancing. Congratulations to Miss Melissa Buscumb who was primarily responsible for coordinating the Ball. My thanks also to the many staff who contributed in a variety of different ways to ensure everyone had a good night.  Founders’ Mass Our annual Founders’ Mass commemorates Venerable Nano Nagle and Blessed Edmund Rice along with providing an opportunity to commission our Year 12 Seniors. Nano Nagle and Edmund Rice were born in Ireland, and both set up schools for the poor and disadvantaged. Nagle Catholic College began in 1994 as the result of the amalgamation of Stella Maris and St Patrick’s Colleges. The lives of our Founders are the source of the College’s values and echo the College’s motto ‘For Others’. With COVID-19 protocols in place, this year’s celebration was a little different with only the Student Leadership Council present for Mass and our Seniors receiving their badges on the Peter Saunders Oval. My thanks to Mr Damian Ramos, Deputy Principal of Faith and Life, who coordinated the Mass on behalf of the College, and the many staff who contributed in a variety of ways. My sincere thanks also goes to Bishop Michael Morrissey who led our celebration, along with Father Robert O’Bryan, a member of the College’s Advisory Council who helped mark this special day on the College calendar. Despite the challenges already presented in 2022, we are confident that our Year 12 Seniors will lead proudly in all that they undertake as the Graduating Class of 2022. 
Easter
Catholics around the world use the season of Lent, a time of prayer, service and fasting, to prepare themselves for Easter. Each year as a College, we use this time to support Project Compassion, the major fundraising campaign of Caritas Australia. Caritas supports the end of world hunger and poverty through various projects around the world. These projects empower people to find long term solutions that improve their lives. So far, with money raised from a casual dress day to commemorate St Pat’s Day, bake sales during break times and competitions, the students have raised more than $1,300. This is a tremendous result given the restrictions in place to keep COVID-safe. Special thanks to our For Others Club who have not only raised funds, but grown awareness of the work Caritas Australia does for those in need. I would like to wish everyone a happy and Holy Easter. Easter is an opportunity to take time from our hectic schedules and reflect on the sacrifice Christ made for all of us on Good Friday, and our spiritual salvation through His resurrection on Easter Sunday. I trust that you have an enjoyable Easter break with family and friends. With this sentiment in mind, this is a friendly reminder that the College will be closed from Saturday 9 April 2022. School will resume for all students on Wednesday 27 April 2022. Regards, Mr Michael Williams Principal Comments are closed.
|
