These last 7 days see two extremes of our school life.  Last Friday was tinged with (joyful) sadness as we formally farewelled our Year 12s.  And this Friday is tinged with sadness as we remember those of our community who have died while members of our school at the annual Memorial Mass to be held in Jubilee Chapel.

At the closing assembly, I spoke of what it is that schools do.  They serve two purposes.  One is to provide a "passport" to the next level of learning, be that a trade, new skills in a job, or some form of tertiary study.  In this case, the passport is only valid until the next training begins, and then it is superseded.  Furthermore, the content studied is transitory with research showing that what is not applied within 5 years becomes redundant.

The second purpose is more enduring.  It is the development of the character of the individual, a journey that starts and continues with parents, yet these parents allow us and support us to continue to develop the fine citizens that we see graduate each year.  I spoke of the journey we see our students take as they negotiate their early secondary schooling, jostling to find their place.  In these years we are often 'relationship counsellors'.  As they progress and seek to assert their independence, we see them challenge authority.  Then as they move into the latter years, we see them emerge as truly wonderful individuals, and this is why we are sad at their leaving us, yet joyful at being privileged to have played a part in their development.

We hope that all students who join our College stay until they graduate, and I would encourage any parent whose child is contemplating leaving us before reaching this milestone to reach out to me.  I know that there are financial pressures on families, however, we are a compassionate and accommodating (and confidential) organisation that can provide relief and support to allow your child to have the opportunity of becoming a valedictorian.  And if it is because of subject options, let us have a conversation.  The assumption is that you will continue to be a part of our College unless you have advised us otherwise.

Frank Pisano

Congratulations to the Year 12 students who received awards last Thursday evening for their outstanding service to the College. Each year we are blessed to have senior students show strong contributions and passion for College life. A person who is always doing the best they can is naturally a leader, simply through example.

Leadership and Community Service as College Captain and SRC Executive Award: Harrison Nield, Josh Fraser, Meg Castles, Ruby Skirving, Jessica Welch, Lachlan Robins, Austin Keay, Fletcher Tait, Sophie Grave & Ella Spaulding

Recognition of Sporting Achievement: Meg Castles, Sophie Grave, Catherine Greenhill, Ruby Skirving, Ella Spaulding & Jessica Welch

Service to the College: Catherine Greenhill, Chelbie Pickering, Ben Doran & Lucy Connors

Hicks Senior Shield: Jack Aherne & Jessica Welch

Performing Arts: Austin Keay & Jacob Walker

Sisters of St Joseph & Christian Brothers Award: Taya Webb & Zac Thomas

Ampol Best All-Rounder: Sophie Grave

ADF Long Tan Leadership & Teamwork: Harrison Nield

ADF Future Innovators Award: Brady Forth

Tennison Woods: Chloe Hollingsworth

Global Citizenship Award: Cohen Reeves

Visual Arts: Kiah Miller

Sports: Jack Aherne

Over the weekend, Oakley Vernon (Year 7) represented the College at the Tasmanian All Schools Athletics Carnival in Hobart.

Oakley had a great day finishing Second in the U14 Boys 100m, 200m, and 400m and First in the U14 Boys Long jump.

Oakley's successful weekend has seen him selected for the Tasmanian Athletics team, which will compete at the Australian All Schools Athletics Carnival in Adelaide from the 9th-12th of December. Well done Oakley!

Last Friday marked the final formal day of the school year for our fabulous Class of 2022. After the Year 12 cohort enjoyed their breakfast and liturgy, the College gathered as a whole school for the Graduation Assembly. Once the formalities were over and a quick change of clothes, the water guns and the water slide came out! We wish our Year 11 and 12 students the very best of luck during their upcoming exams!

Parents of students in Years 7-9 will have received an email from me with a google form to complete, asking some questions that will assist us in constructing Core Class groupings for Year 8-10 2023.

The form will give parents the opportunity to identify 3-5 students your child would work well with in class, and up to 3 students that are not a good combination with your child, along with the reasons.

This year I am hoping that every parent will complete the form, so please, if you don't know, or prefer to leave that decision with us, write 'nil' for the compulsory questions, or simply reply to the email. Responses are due by Tuesday 8 November.

One of our College Captains spoke eloquently last week at our Valedictory assembly about the various expressions of love she has experienced through her peers.

The following day, I came across this article about the five love languages for parenting teens. I found it gave some excellent advice, and so include the link for you here:

 https://parentingteensandtweens.com/the-five-love-languages-for-parenting-teens/

- Kim Walters

When students are in Year 10, up to 40 of them will hold a leadership position at the college. Students received information this morning during Homeroom and on Wednesday about the various leadership positions available. These include Sports Leader, SRC member, and Arts Leader. The application form must be completed by 9am Tuesday 8/11. The list of candidates is then sent to staff before students are vetted for suitability by reading their responses, then examining their SEQTA notes and attendance for this year. It is our hope that the process is finalised within a fortnight.

- Kim Walters