PRINCIPAL’S ADDRESS – JULY 2022

Reflection 

Welcome back to Term 3.  This time last year, I recall notifying the community that the College would commence the term with Online Learning.  With the Public Health order being extended, all schools were frantically organising how to best support their staff and students.  This was the commencement of a long road to returning to on-site learning. The full implications of this period has yet to be realised.  Fortunately, we have returned in Term 3 2022 in a face-to-face capacity however, being ever mindful of the disruption and threat of COVID.  Therefore, it is imperative that we follow the COVID safe measures that were communicated to the community in Week 2.  The College will review theses measures as the COVID situation unfolds over the term and keep the community aware of any changes.  Please remain safe and healthy over the term.  Please click here to view our College COVID update for the commencement of Term 3.

A reminder that the commencement of each term provides students with an opportunity to reboot and re-evaluate their goals after reviewing their Semester One reports.  Whether it is to improve because of a lack of effort or because students wish to set an even higher standard, all students are encouraged to do their personal best at all times and always be the best version of themselves.  We need to remain hope filled that we can improve and add value to the College environment by making great choices, taking the opportunities to learn and being enthusiastic about our own learning.  The American author and Educator, Charles Swindoll once said:

“The remarkable thing we have is a choice every day regarding the attitude we will embrace for that day. We cannot change our past. We cannot change the fact that people will act in a certain way. We cannot change the inevitable. The only thing we can do is play on the one string we have, and that is our attitude.”

So, as we commence the term all students are encouraged to look at their attitude to learning and seek to embrace the opportunities to improve from the previous term.

On Monday, 18^th July the College hosted the EREA Eastern Region Network Day for Science, Religious Education and Careers faculties.  The theme for the day was “Our Voices in Learning” where staff members from all Eastern region EREA schools were able to reflect on the new EREA Learning Statement and how to ensure all learners have a voice in guiding practices within schools through collaboration of current learning practices within our schools.  It was a wonderful day for staff from all the EREA Eastern Region schools as they shared within their own fields of expertise.

Staffing Update

St Dominic’s College has always pride itself on the wonderful staff and how they support our students in their formation.  Unfortunately, during the year there are some changes to our staffing because of personal, family or professional reasons. I would like to provide the community with an update to our staffing.

The college would like to thank Mrs Waygood for her contribution to the College over the past three years.  Her contribution to both the Science Department and our House competition was outstanding.  Also, I would like to thank Mrs Wells, College Receptionist, for her contribution to the College over the past 14 years.  Mrs Wells has supported the College in a number of different areas within our Support Staff.  I wish both Mrs Waygood and Mrs Wells our best wishes as they pursue new endeavours.

As we farewell staff members, we also welcome back two significant members.  A warm welcome back to Mrs Monteleone from maternity leave and Ms Torpy from medical leave.  Their experience and expertise has been sorely missed.

Students excel in their DSE scores for Term 2

Congratulations to the following students for receiving 100% in their Semester One Report.  This is an outstanding achievement.

Year 12 will commence their final assessment during Week 3 and 4.  The Trial HSC Assessment Block is the final opportunity for students to improve their HSC ranking.  Through hard work and commitment to their studies I am confident all our Year 12 students will perform to their personal best so that they can support each other in the final grades.  Good luck to all our Year 12 students and I look forward to celebrating your successes upon your return.

Year 12 HSC Major Works evening was an outstanding success.  The quality of the major TAS (Metal and Timber) projects, Design and Technology innovation, Visual Art and Performing Arts creativity, Extension History and the Hospitality menu was amazing.  I would like to congratulate all the students on the impressive major works that were on display or performed.  It was obvious that much time, effort and love has gone into the major projects and I am certain that we will receive some outstanding results. Great work doesn’t happen without the expertise of experienced teachers therefore I would like to thank, Mr Easterbrook (TAS – Timber), Mr Tsahtarlis (TAS), Mr Gately (D&T), Ms Knowles (VA), Mr Williams (TAS – Metal), Mrs Bright (Extension History), Mr Hine (Music) and Mrs Luke (Hospitality) for their commitment and dedication to their students.  You must be very proud of their work.

Once again, Term 3 will be new opportunities for all students.  I encourage all students to seek these opportunities so the Lord’s light can shine brightly in your heart.

May we all continue to live life with hope.

Dominus Lux Mea

Mr Michael Ronchetti

St Dominic’s College Principal