January 31st, 2008 College Chronicle

From the Principal

Dear Parents,

Encycl. Diu satis, May 15, 1800.

....And you must “take heed to the whole flock wherein the Holy Ghost hath placed you Bishops.” (Acts 20:28) But it is the children and growing youth who have first claim to the care and indefatigable zeal which proceeds from your love and fatherly kindness. These are the children and the youth whom Christ, by word and example, so earnestly recommended to Us. Those who try to destroy public and private institutions and to trample on all human and divine rights have done everything possible to poison and corrupt their tender souls, hoping in this way to put them on the path of evil. Indeed, we know how soft and pliable these young people are and how easily they can be moulded into any shape. Once they have been formed they grow up hardened and clinging to it with a tenacity that defies all attempts to change them. Hence the common proverb: Raise a child in the way he should go and when he is old he will not depart from it. (Prov. 22:6)

Take heed, then, Venerable Brethren, that the “children of this world are” not “wise in their generation than the children of light.” (Lk. 16:8) Pay great attention to the type of person to whom you entrust children and growing youth in seminaries and colleges, to the matter in which they are instructed, to the teachers selected and to the lectures they give. Be very careful in watching over and probing every little detail. Drive off and keep far “the ravenous wolves who will not spare” the flock of innocent lambs, and if, by chance, they have already penetrated into some place, then cast them out and destroy them immediately according to the power which God has given you unto edification.

These words of Pope Pius VII to Bishops are ever repeated by the Popes as the requirements for the heavy task of the education of youth.

St Thomas Aquinas College has been built on the prayers and sacrifices, the sweat and tears of many priests, teachers, parents and generous friends. To all of us the task is now given of extending and improving what we have received: help children save their souls by the fulfilment of their daily duty, thus making them noble and worthwhile members of society.

A new principal does not mean a change in principles. Inevitably though, there will be a change of perspective. This will come about as time goes on. For the time being I would like to thank all, staff, parents and children for the warm and kind reception I have received at the College.

One important piece of housekeeping. The procedure to see the Principal has changed. All contacts are to be made through the College Office. Parents in the Primary School who perceive a problem are to firstly contact the class teacher and class teachers will keep me informed of matters which arise. In the Secondary School the first point of contact that parents would have is the Home Room teacher or Head of Department depending on the nature of the enquiry. They too, will keep me informed. All staff have been informed of this important change and all are asked to follow this procedure.

Let us all work together for the glory of God and salvation of souls.

Father Michael Delsorte
Principal

What's On

FIRST TERM SPORT: Tennis at Tynong Courts

OFFICE HOURS

Please note that the office is now closed from 3:15pm each afternoon. Parents are requested to conduct any business prior to this time. Thank you.

SCIENCE TEXTS

ALL SCIENCE TEXT BOOKS FROM LAST YEAR YR 7/8 CLASSES TO PLEASE BE RETURNED.

YR 9/10 RELIGION

Catholic Morality Book 3 of the course By John Laux will be studied this year by 9/10 Boys & Girls.
Please notify the office by Friday if you already have them .

FAMILY RECORDS

Next week we will be sending home the file of the records which we have at the College for your family. Please take the time to check all the details and return this information to the office by 15th February. It is of the utmost importance that all contact numbers and addresses are up to date. Also, we strongly urge you to check that our medical records for each of your children are accurate.

LUNCH ORDERS

Lunch Orders will resume on Monday 4th February. A price list has been included with this edition of the Chronicle. Please note that you do NOT need to supply a brown paper bag. The orders are faxed to the Milk Bar and they are supplied to us already bagged. So, simply write the order on the outside of an envelope and place the correct money inside. The order needs to be placed in the basket in the office before 8.30am. As per normal lunch orders are available Monday and Thursday of each week.

KOOL CADETS

Normally there is no meeting when Crusaders don't have one. However, if there is sufficient interest I am willing to conduct a meeting this Saturday. If so, could parents please advise Kees a.s.a.p. on 59681316.

MISSING

1 BLAZER FROM LAST YEAR. It is a Size 68 and has the initial of TB on the inside of the inside pocket. Please check your families blazers in case there has been a mix-up and if found return the blazer to the office please.

MISSING

Boys school jumper with Alexander Ross clearly marked on the label. If found please return directly to Alexander or alternatively hand in at the College office.

SECONDARY ART STUDENTS

A reminder to please bring back your empty folio to school so that it can be used this year. All students, primary and secondary are required to have an art smock or shirt for Art. Mrs Davey.

CHOIR

Senior girls choir practice will be held every Wednesday afternoon from 3:15pm - 4:00pm.

P&F News
CHOCOLATE MONEY

There are several families who have money outstanding for boxes of chocolates from 2007. Would you be so kind as to pay this at the office in the next 7 days.
There are still boxes of chocolates and natural snakes available that perhaps parents could sell at their workplace.
These can be collected from the College office.

CASH FOR CARTRIDGES

Please don’t throw them in the bin, bring them into school.
Inkjet, laser, fax and photocopier cartridges are all worth money. Please leave at the College office.

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