The term continues to roll on with teaching and learning at the forefront of all our activities.
Things do not always go according to plan. The important thing is how you respond to the disappointment. Nathan Cleary, our alumni for 2016, demonstrated last week during the Rugby League Grand Final when things were not going his way or the teams way, that he had to refer to others means to overcome the adversity. He could have easily given up, or pointed the blame to someone else but he didn’t. He used his energy and determination to not blame anyone but rather respond to the dilemma that he and his team were facing. It was this characteristic that made me feel so proud as Principal of the College he attended because I hope the school had something to do with building this type of value into his character. His response to the adversity was amazing as he used his positive energies to inspire himself and those around him. We at the College are very proud of you Nathan.
This scenario has a lesson for all our students. Whether it be the disappointment of making a poor decision, performing poorly in an assessment, not being selected in a sporting team, playing poorly, behaving poorly, or just not being the best person you can be, we all have the choice in how we respond. We can respond in a positive and reflective manner or giving up or blaming someone or something else for the adversity we are facing. I hope and pray that all our sons look to Nathan for the inspiration to respond positively and become the true gentlemen that we aspire for them.
There have been some exciting and significant learning initiatives that have been reported in our news feed to commence Term 4. These include: Y7 Young Scientists, Click Here, Y11 Investigating Science Growing Microbes Click Here and the Y10 Geography Competition Click Here. Congratulations to the staff and students who participated in these learning events and made learning even more enjoyable.
The NRL Schoolboy Cup match against Westfield Sports High once again demonstrated the determination, courage and talent that our young men possess. From the early exchanges, they could have put up the white flag and given in to a much bigger and aggressive team but that is not the Dommies way. Rather, they rolled up their sleeves and played an outstanding brand of football that nearly toppled the more fancied opponents. It was only a last desperate tackle that saved the opposition from total embarrassment and reward the more gallant team. It wasn’t to be for this young and enthusiastic team. Even in defeat, the young men of St Dominic’s showed their true sportsmanship by shaking hands with all the opposition and then sharing with me their love for their school. Not only was this a humbling experience but once again, like Nathan’s situation, it showed me that the College is on track in the formation of these great young men who, one day, will lead the wider community.
The investiture of the College Captain, College Vice-Captain and other College Prefect roles provides me with great confidence in the future of student leadership. Though the ceremony was live streamed to the College community and the parents of the College Prefects, it has become the means of communicating to the community and acknowledging the achievements of our students. These young leaders will hopefully inspire their peers to extraordinary things in the next 12 months. Their journey has commenced with the launch of our Movember drive. I wish Dylan, Lwandile and all the College Prefects every success as they commence their leadership year. Click Here
Congratulations to the following students for receiving 100% on their Term 3 DSE reports and being leaders of the College’s learning environment. I will congratulate all these students at the Principal’s Morning Tea next week as a means of my appreciation of their effort and commitment to their studies and the learning environment of the College.
Year 7
Callum Donnelly, Davor Franich, Matthew Hamilton, Cooper Hartstonge, Jarred Haydon, Cooper Horne, Campbell Kean, Joshua King, Oliver Nekic, Axzel Yuque
Year 8
Lachlan Antecki, Toby Camilleri, Bailey Murphy, Karlo Sudulic
Year 9
Dannish Ahmed, Harrison Ashmore, Jose Cocio, Christian Finianos, Alexander Gouriotis, Adrian Hadfield, Kennedy Storr, Ryan Sycz, Jack Vella, Joel Wheeler, Logan Wilson, Ryan Woodhead
Year 10
Lachlan Harris, Luke Micallef, Hayden Walsh
Year 10 students are moving into a very significant period of the term. Over the coming weeks they will finalise their assessments, engage in a camp and prepare for 2021 with the Post-Camp program. I encourage all students to remain committed to their learning over this period and then look forward to the formation opportunities. May Jesus guide them as they prepare for their final assessments and transition to the next stage of their life.
MCS Representative sports is back! It was with great excitement that I voted with the other MCS Principals to return to competitive sport. Though we are waiting on CSNSW to ratify the MCS COVID19 Health Plan, we are confident that MCS Cricket and Basketball competitions will commence in Week 5. Thank you to all our coaches who have been enthusiastically selecting and coaching our teams. There will be strict COVID-19 guidelines that will be in place to ensure the safety of our coaches and players.
There have been many great learnings over the course of the first few weeks of Term 4 and I hope that all students reflect upon these and become the better person as a result of their positive choices.
Continue to stay safe and healthy throughout the term.
Dominus Mea
Let Your Light Shine
Mr M. Ronchetti
College Principal
