The Dash to the Finish Line
Experience has taught me that Week 7 of a term can be a challenging one and it's an important time to do the simple things well in order to finish the term positively. We have a busy three weeks of term remaining and some students and staff grow tired during this time.
Some tips to finish well:
• Time for a re-set; haircut, shine shoes, tidy room, clean out school bag/locker.
• Less online time; limit screen time post 8pm whether it be scrolling, social media, gaming and even school work-busy minds need time to unwind to get a decent sleep.
• Balance; fun, relaxation, sleep, exercise, school work-team work makes the dream work.
• Work rate; this should be a time of term where the benefits of a steady study routine are kicking in and an increase rather than a last-minute cram is what is required with assessment work, revision and preparation.
The final three weeks of term are a busy and important time for assessment, revision and exams. Best wishes to all.
Claddagh Retreat
The Year 12 Claddagh Retreat is the pinnacle of our retreat programs and a highly important, meaningful and special occasion. We normally facilitate this signpost ritual during Camp Week in Term One but this was washed out by Cyclone Alfred and prioritised by the College for our Seniors and is being held this Wednesday to Friday.
I wish all Year 12s and the 28 staff involved as facilitators and mentors the very best for this sacred time. I thank the staff for their generous dedication and commitment; both those that are attending the program, and those that remain behind to support classes from Year 7 to 11 impacted for these days. Due to the need to prioritise this experience, the entire secondary school is supporting the program while classes in Year 7 to 11 continue.
I am in Adelaide at EREA meetings from Wednesday to Friday this this week and will miss the welcome back rituals of the students, staff and parents which I am disappointed by as this is a very important and enjoyable part of the process to witness and celebrate. My apologies and best wishes to all.
Thank you to Ms Kate Garrone, Dean of Faith and Mission and all staff for their leadership, organisation and support. I am sure it will be a wonderful program.
Service and the Biggest Morning Tea
Our College Pillar of Service was on fine display at last week’s assembly where student initiatives in the Junior and Middle Schools were shared.
For last week’s Biggest Morning Tea, we joined communities throughout the nation in raising funds for Cancer Research and it is a huge event for the Hospitality department’s for students and staff. Congratulations and thank you to a well-oiled and organised team.
Despite the results of State of Origin I, it was great to see our students and staff don their beanies and jerseys last Wednesday in support of research into brain cancer and to have some community fun. Well done to everyone for entering into the spirit of this initiative.
AIC Cross Country
The AIC Cross Country Championship will be held this Wednesday 4 June at Curlew Park. I wish all participants a successful day after an effective preseason and first outing as a team at the recent GBC championships where they took home two championship trophies. The team is well aware that this Wednesday will be a harder day at the office but have been steadfastly committed to improvement and growth and will do their very best. Good luck to all.
Staffing News
Congratulations to Mr Bernard Wong on his ongoing appointment as Head of Leinster House after a period of acting in this position. Mr Wong is a well known and respected member of our community who has led ably as Head of Year in the Middle School in recent years and joined the Senior School Formation Team this year. We wish him well for his leadership of Leinster House.
Mr Simon Martin, our Head of VET has been appointed to Nudgee College as their new Head of Service Learning. Mr Martin begins at Nudgee in Term 3 and will be missed at ATC and we thank him for an excellent contribution at ATC.
Also departing this term are Ms Louise Evans, Professional Assistant to the Principal, and Ms Suzanne Colette, Professional Assistant to the Dean of Formation. Each have made outstanding contributions in their roles at ATC and are returning to roles in the corporate sector. We thank them and wish them every success and happiness.
We also recently farewelled Ms Deb Turner, our Risk and Compliance Officer who has gained a similar position at Clayfield College. As a young school, she ably supported us to grow in our systems and processes in this important area, and we thank her for a job well done and wish her well.
The College is currently completing recruitment processes for these roles and looks forward to welcoming the new staff.
Community Prayers
Lord, we pray for those in our community who are suffering. Be with them in this time of hardship and uncertainty. Give comfort and peace to those who have lost loved ones. May their sorrow be turned into strength, and their distress turned into peace. May our hearts remain loving and pure as we seek to always be compassionate to those around us.
God bless
Chris Ryan
College Principal
