This week's celebration of Ash Wednesday was quite different from usual, comprising a 'virtual' symbolic marking to represent a commitment to change ourselves for the better. The tradition of giving up something has lost connection to this commitment to change. How does giving up chocolate help? Instead of giving up a delicacy, some choose to give up an aspect of thinking behaviour that makes them be less than their 'best self.
Project Compassion is Caritas's fundraiser to help fund its charitable works. The war in Ukraine has created one of Europe's biggest refugee crises since World War II. Caritas Australia is supporting Caritas Ukraine and its local partners who are currently on the ground providing displaced families with emergency food, water, shelter, and psychological support. In addition, Caritas Australia has launched an appeal to help victims of flooding in Queensland and New South Wales. At least part of the funds raised by the College community will be donated to the Caritas Australia-Caritas Ukraine appeal and the Appeal to support Flood victims.
This week, SRC Coordinator Ms Leah Sussman and I met with Zonta International and St Vincent de Paul representatives to discuss additional service clubs that students can join. We arrived at an arrangement that allows students to join our Vinnies Youth group and a new initiative, the Z Club. We looked at each of these groups' focus in terms of consciousness-raising to ensure that there was no overlap with the SRC's plans. I am excited by the additional opportunities that this provides for students.
I will be taking an unavoidable period of leave from Monday 7 March until the end of Term. In my absence, the Tasmanian Catholic Education Office has accepted a model of shared Acting Principalship by both Deputy Principals, Gavin Hicks and Kim Walters, supported by Shelley Keightley, who will step into the role of Acting Deputy Principal. This model allows my absence not to impact classes and is realistic in sharing the responsibilities. As usual, if you wish to connect to the Principal, ask for my EA, Iola Turner, or email her at PrincipalsEA@sbsc.tas.edu.au. If you are after a Deputy Principal, ask for the DPs' PA, Di Saltmarsh, or email her at Deputies@sbsc.tas.edu.au.
Please stay safe, keep happy and let's keep each other in our prayers.
Frank Pisano
Careers Advisor Role
Our careers advisor, Whitney Banfield, is taking a leave of absence from the end of this week until the beginning of Term 4. Taking on her role in her absence will be Mrs Healey (nhealey@sbsc.tas.edu.au) and Mrs Powell (apowell@sbsc.tas.edu.au).
For all career-related queries such as work experience, job opportunities, university applications, etc., please contact Mrs Healey and Mrs Powell.
Work Experience
On Thursday, Mrs Banfield held a work experience information session for any student (Year 10 - 12) interested in completing work experience during the Term 1 holidays. Please see Mrs Healey for a work experience form if you missed this session. Completed forms are due back to school no later than Friday, 25 March. A reminder that work experience is sourced by the student, not by the College; however, we facilitate it, which includes insurance cover.
Yesterday, we celebrated Ash Wednesday at the College. Catholic tradition celebrates Ash Wednesday as a day of reflecting on the times we have hurt others or ourselves throughout the last year. The tradition in the early Church was to be clothed in sackcloth and cover the head with Ashes as a way of saying sorry to God for hurting others or demeaning ourselves. We symbolise this today by tracing a cross on our foreheads with Ashes. Ash Wednesday signifies the start of Lent. Lent is six weeks where we, as a Catholic community, fast, give of ourselves, and reflect on our lives to prepare ourselves for the Easter season.
The College Swimming Carnival will be held at Splash. Transport for students to and from the Carnival is provided. Students must wear their correct Sporting uniform or clothing in their House colour. Hat and sunscreen should also be worn.
Students may purchase food from Splash canteen or bring their own if they prefer. A drink bottle should also be brought.
The Carnival is a great community builder and every student is expected to participate. Novelty events are part of the Carnival.
There is a catch-up day tomorrow for students who could not attend last week's photo day. Students must be in the correct full academic uniform.
For parents/carers, if you wish for your children to have a family photo, you can order online at www.leadingimage.com.au before 4.30pm Thursday 24 February. All guardians would have received an email with the unique access key.
If you are ordering via your mobile phone and experience any issues, we suggest you try ordering via a computer.
Monday 7th March is Clean Up Australia Day. We will celebrate this day by cleaning up our College grounds as a school.
Selected students will participate in the NSATIS Swimming Carnival at the Launceston Aquatic Centre. Transport to and from the Carnival for students is provided.
Students may purchase food from the Aquatic Centre canteen or bring their own. A drink bottle should also be brought.
A full correct Sporting uniform and College swimmers must be worn by students.
Student free day for all Year levels
Year 7 students and Sports/Peer Leaders will have two Activity Days at Camp Clayton.
Students can wear casual clothing and must wear a hat and enclosed shoes. A drink bottle should be brought also.
More detail and permission will be provided closer to the Activity Days.
Year 7, 2023 Information Evening. The evening will provide an opportunity to learn about all aspects of the College, including our pastoral care system, subjects and curriculum, extracurricular activities, and careers advice.
Thursday 7 of April, in support of Project Compassion, the SRC and Vinnies have decided to hold a Uniform for Ukraine day. On this day students are expected to wear blue or yellow tops and can wear casual bottoms in exchange for a gold coin. We would really encourage you to be involved in this as we bring awareness to the catastrophes in Ukraine as a whole school.
The College will hold its Athletics Carnival on the school grounds.
Students must wear their full correct Sporting uniform or clothing in their House colours. A hat and sunscreen must be worn.
Food stalls and a BBQ will be available, students may bring their own food also. A drink bottle should also be brought. The College Canteen will not be open.
The Carnival is a great community builder and every student is expected to participate. A range of novelty events are part of the Carnival.
A whole school assembly will take place to recognise Easter.
Students must wear their full correct academic uniform.
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