Principal's Message Week 8 Term One

Being a Good Host

Our young men at the College really are wonderful ambassadors. Last Thursday they really outdid themselves and I am certain parents would be proud of their sons as they hosted more than 300 visitors to the school on our Discovery Tour morning.

The boys (young and older) were charged with leading tour groups around the campus. They were asked myriad questions about their school, the opportunities available, and what they like most about the place. It is so heartening to see young men readily engaging with adults and little boys – the next generation of Ambrose Treacy boys – as they discovered our place.

I am indebted to the staff and students for making newcomers feel very welcome and for proudly showing people who we are as well as what we offer. When I have had the opportunity to speak to a group of parents, I have offered my objective view of my observations as a relative newcomer to the school. I am pleased to be able to share that first and foremost we are a Catholic school, and one in the Edmund Rice tradition. Our school is a place where God is spoken about, and where students are invited into an ever-deepening relationship with the person of Jesus. Our spirituality is inextricably linked to the Gospel – one that is Good News. We are impelled to go and make a difference in the world in small ways every single day, and we actively seek to serve others, particularly the poor, and those on and beyond the margins. That is why we have such a robust service learning program here.

It is easy to talk about the many opportunities that exist here, and to be honest, many schools offer likewise. Notwithstanding, I daresay our co-curricular Sport, Music and Clubs' programs would be the envy of most. If a boy can’t find something to “try” here at ATC, then maybe he is not looking hard enough!

We are blessed with our location, and our physical environment. We are so fortunate to have a college that has Years 4-6, and the mentoring and role modelling that naturally occurs through the span of Years 4-12. This is priceless to see in action every day. Our Junior School is a wonderful entry point to ATC, with dedicated and talented staff, and with specialist teachers on offer across the curriculum.

We are even more blessed to have been gifted a school with an invested parent body, who genuinely seek partnership and engagement with the community. Raising a child is perhaps the most complex job you and I will ever have. It is comforting to know that the school is a true partner in this most precious of roles – helping grow good men, who will be (and already are) a true sign of faith to others, ready to serve, and willing to try his best.

I was humbled to hear prospective parents speak so positively about our school, on an ordinary day, in action: where teaching and learning was happening across the campus. We are already a very good school; and we’re too good not to strive to be even better.

I look forward to our next Discovery Tour that we will offer to new families in August. I see no reason for us not to be the first choice for families looking for a boys' school in our area.

Dr Craig Wattam

College Principal