I hope this communication finds you well.
- Virtue of the Week
- Thought from Archbishop Lefebvre
- Year 4 – 6 Athletics and 7 – 10 House Camps
- Personal Grooming
- University Open Days
- College Closure Dates
This week, the staff and students explore the Cardinal Virtue of Prudence, which enables one to reason and act rightly in any given situation
A thought from Archbishop Lefebvre
Why is it necessary that you take the time to withdraw from the world? In order to reflect on the great gift which God has bestowed upon you in giving you a soul, and above all in order to receive the light of grace. You will reflect on what eternity is compared to time, what the spirit is compared with matter, what God is compared with yourselves, poor creatures. As our Lord said so perfectly to St. Catherine of Siena, you will reflect on Him who is everything, and on her who is nothing.
Thank you to all of the parents and students who attended the Parent Teacher Interviews last Wednesday. Parents continue to influence their children’s learning and development during the school years and beyond. This is why it is important for parents and the College to work together in partnership. Research demonstrates that effective schools have high levels of parent engagement, which is strongly related to enhanced wellbeing, positive behaviours and improved student learning.
I had the pleasure of representing the College along with the College Captains and Kolbe Learning Centre Captains at the Tynong ANZAC Day Service on Thursday. It was wonderful to see many of the local families in attendance at the Cenotaph.
This week we wish our Year 4 – 6 Athletics Team all the best as they compete in the next round of School Sport Victoria Athletics. We also wish our 7 – 10 students all the best for their respective house camps which run from Monday 29th April through to Wednesday 1st May. The young ladies will attend the Summit and our young men will attend Stringybark lodge. These camps continue to build upon the experiences provided to students through our Adventure Education Program in Term One.
As I moved around the College last week, I noticed hairstyles amongst our young men (primary and secondary) that did push the expectations held for them in relation to grooming. Therefore, I provide the following information for parents to discuss with their son:
- Hair is to be of natural colour, clean and tidy.
- All extreme styles are to be avoided.
- Styles are expected to be conservative
- Unacceptable styles include:
- Noticeable contrast in length
– Fades
– Mullets
– Rat tails
– Dreadlocks
– Mohawks
– Patterns or designs
shaved into the hair.
Students who opt for a style of haircut and are unsure are asked to consult the Dean of their respective Learning Centre, Deputy Principal or Principal prior to having their hair cut or styled. Furthermore, young men are to be clean shaven at all times. The College does reserve the right to address issues with grooming that are deemed to be unacceptable. In most cases the young men will be given 24hrs to have the issues rectified.
I have attached a document that includes pictures of both acceptable and unacceptable hair styles.
Universities will shortly be advertising their Open Days. I encourage students to take advantage of these opportunities to find out more about potential future study pathways and what they need to do right now to set them on their way.
Open Days are not only for our VCE students, and I encourage Year 10 students and their families to consider visiting one or some of these events. Universities are the best place to get information about pre-requisite VCE studies, required grades or results and application processes. These details will allow students to enter Years 11 and 12 feeling confident they have selected a program that will meet their goals. Should you require any further details, please contact Ms Deloriane Keegal – Careers Counsellor, or Mr Emlyn Davis – VCE Coordinator.
This is a reminder that next week, the College will be closed on Ascension Thursday (9th May), and Friday (10th May) will be a student-free day as the staff complete an in-service day.
God Bless,
Kieran O’Dwyer
Principal.