This week was the anniversary of the death of Saint Oscar Romero. His work to improve the lives of others was inspirational. In the words of Romero,

Why can’t we “ Aspire not to have more, but to be more”. As a community how do we ensure we consider how our choices and behaviours impact the lives of others?

The terms seem to go faster. This term we have jam packed many activities into it. I believe that students gain so much from involvement in activities outside the classroom. Some of the benefits include enhanced connections to others, personal growth, resilience, patience, new skills, empathy for others and being able to work collaboratively. When I move around the school, whether it be before school, recess, lunchtime or afterschool you realise how many opportunities there are to engage in activities. Parents and guardians are encouraged to get their child to get involved in these initiatives. This term we have seen our Year 7 and 9 students experience camps along with some Outdoor Education and Duke of Edinburgh Camps. It is great to see rehearsals well underway for the Little Shop of Horrors.

Once again life outside the school walls offer so much and are carefully planned to meet the needs of our students. Thanks to the Year Level Leaders, House Leaders and staff that have spent time creating a learning environment that provides students experiences that allow students to grow as people, as learners and develop resilience when things don't go their way. They meet students across other levels and work alongside staff as they develop different skill sets.

A gentle reminder that the College blazer is compulsory for all students, especially when travelling to and from the College. If students wish to wear the College jumper, it must be worn under the blazer, not as the outer garment. Students may continue to alternate between the skirt, pants, dress or shorts, only the blazer is compulsory.

Parent Engagement

I encourage parents and guardians to take up some of the different forums and utilise the avenues promoted by us that may allow you to be exposed to different ideas around keeping your child safe, parenting, online challenges and just navigating being a parent/guardian in today’s complex world. We have provided a number of parent online sessions including Vaping, Wellio: Owning your role as a parent and Dr Justin Coulson Happy Families access.

As I write this synergy article I would like to thank those parents and guardians that work with us to ensure our community is a great place to be. The road is not always smooth and at times we know our young people will do things we are proud of and then do things that disappoint us. It’s the journey that matters.

On a side note I will be taking term two off to enjoy some Long Service Leave. I will leave you in capable hands with Mrs Kelly Sexon, taking charge as Acting Deputy Principal.

Stacey Bourke - Deputy Principal Student Wellbeing

Tuning in to Teens

A six-week parenting program runs once a week for two hours. The program will teach parents or caregivers how to work with your own and your young person's emotions in ways that help you to remain close and keep communicating.

The program provides parents with skills to:

  • communicate more effectively with your teen

  • understand your teen better

  • help your teen to manage those difficult emotion

  • help to prevent behavioural issues in your teen

  • teach your teen how to deal with conflict more effectively.


The program will run each Wednesday evening from the 7th of May at 6pm on campus for six weeks. If you would like to know more or register your interest, please complete the following form:

Tuning Into Teens Expression Of Interest