Earlier this week, the Church celebrated the feast day of one of the very few saints, that many of us were alive at the same time as, and whom some of us may have seen in person on one of his two visits to Australia in 1986 and again in 1995. Pope John Paul II died on April 2, 2005, and was canonised by Pope Francis just 9 years later. Pope John Paul II was a vocal advocate for human rights, regularly speaking out about suffering in the world. He modelled the ultimate act of forgiveness after being shot twice whilst travelling through St Peter’s Square in Vatican City, only to eventually be released from hospital and visited his attacker in his prison cell to offer his forgiveness. In 1986, Pope John Paul II instituted the first international World Youth Day in Rome which has since travelled every 3-4 years to all corners of the globe, including to what remains the single biggest gathering of people in Australian history, for World Youth Day 2008. 

St Pope John Paul II - Pray for us. 

Over the past three weeks students from our graduating class of 2023 have been busy preparing for, and sitting, their Higher School Certificate Examinations. This significant examination period draws to a close over the coming week and, along with the conclusion of exams, comes the conclusion of secondary education for these fine students. I take the opportunity this week to congratulate each and every student for their hard work and dedication over the past year, but especially over the past few months. Together, we wait with great anticipation for their results to be released later this term. In congratulating our students, I also thank and congratulate the parents, carers and family members who have supported them in recent times, along with our fantastic staff who have walked alongside them. I particularly thank and acknowledge our HSC Presiding Officer, Mrs Michelle Cornett who has done an outstanding job in supporting, calming and encouraging our students each and every day of the HSC. 

In acknowledging the work of our HSC students, I particularly acknowledge Brayden Chadwick of Year 12, whose major work in Industrial Technology - Timber (ITT), has been nominated for the Shape Exhibition, which is an annual showcase of outstanding student works created by NESA. In congratulating Brayden, I also thank and congratulate Mr Danny Avalos who invested a great deal of time and energy in supporting Brayden and all the ITT students to produce such outstanding major works. 

Over the past few weeks, we have had a number of students participate in a range of Duke of Edinburgh experiences that have taken students (and staff) well out of their comfort zones and into the wild and a range of unpredictable situations. Congratulations to all students who have taken on these challenges and a special thanks to the teachers who have mentored, supported and guided these students on their respective expeditions. 

Finally this week, a reminder that our next P&F Meeting will be held this coming Tuesday 31 October in the College Library, commencing at 7pm. All parents and carers are welcome to join us for what will be our final gathering of 2023.

Wishing you all the best for the week ahead, 

David Cloran

Principal