In the last week, I’ve spent a little time wandering around the College, visiting the classrooms of students at work. It has been a great joy to see our students diligently at work, applying themselves to their learning and displaying curiosity and pride in their learning. As the term reaches its mid-point and the weather cools, it’s easy for the students to lose focus or motivation. I’m pleased that this isn’t what I’ve witnessed this week! I would encourage you to remain involved in your child’s learning – you might be surprised by the impact it could have, to show an interest in the things they are learning in class, and to commend the efforts they are making.
Music Theatre Night
On Tuesday, a large number of students involved with Music and Drama gave performances in front of parents, students and friends in the Aikman Hall. Not only was I blown away by their passion and skill, but I was especially impressed by the improvement these students are making under the guidance of our amazing staff. Even more impressive was the culture of encouragement and teamwork being demonstrated among the students. Thank you to those students who performed and those who came along to support them.
Year 10 Careers Colloquium
On Wednesday night, the Aikman Hall was buzzing again, with our annual Careers Colloquium. Year 10 students and others were given the opportunity to engage with a large number of representatives across a range of vocations, exploring career options beyond school. It was exciting to see our students walk around the room, considering how their own individual gifts and interests might translate into meaningful and enjoyable careers beyond school. Thank you to all those who were involved.
Other Matters
I have been impressed with the general effort being made in wearing the College uniform with pride. As the weather cools, again allow me to remind students and parents that wearing a non-college item of uniform is not permitted even on a cold day. We are pleased to offer a large range of uniform items for both formal and sports uniform which will keep students warm. For this reason, it is not permissible to wear a hooded jumper underneath a sports jumper, or at any other time. Thank you for your support with this.
Mr Daniel Odell
Head of Senior School
Musical Theatre Workshop Evening
On Tuesday evening, our Vocal and Drama students took to the stage for the school’s second annual Musical Theatre Workshop Evening. The event celebrated the outstanding talent of students across both the Junior and Senior Schools, providing an opportunity for performers to showcase their vocal ability, theatrical flair, and confidence in front of a warm and supportive audience.
The evening featured performances from a diverse range of well-known musicals, including Waitress, Newsies, Dear Evan Hansen, Rent, Seussical, The Last Five Years, and many more. Audiences were also treated to performances by both the Junior School and Senior School choirs as well as two impressive monologues performed by our Year 11 Drama students, whose humour, creativity, and strong stage presence captivated all in attendance.
I commend all the students for their dedication and teamwork throughout the event and am incredibly proud of all their preparation, courage, and collaboration across the evening. I can’t wait to see what they bring next year.
Mrs Rachel Bate
Music and Drama Teacher/Musical Director
National Boarders Week
National Boarders Week was a wonderful opportunity to celebrate the unique contributions, stories, and spirit of our boarding community. Throughout the week, a range of activities and events highlighted not only where our boarders come from, but also the resilience, determination, and care for others that they demonstrate every day while living away from home.
A particular highlight was hearing from Oliver Cumming, Jane Johnstone and Heidi Matthews as they shared stories about their families, hometowns, and boarding experiences. These presentations gave students and staff alike a greater appreciation of the diverse backgrounds and experiences that enrich our boarding community.
Throughout the week, we also took time to celebrate our students socially, with special events including the Girls’ and Boys’ Nights Out. The girls enjoyed pizza, karaoke, and a trip to the movies to see The Devil Wears Prada 2, while the boys gathered around the campfire for pizza before heading off for an evening of laser tag. These events provided a wonderful opportunity for students across both junior and senior houses to connect, relax, and enjoy time together.
Our Bake Sale in support of the Royal Flying Doctor Service was another highlight of the week, raising an impressive $439.60 for this very worthy organisation. A special mention must go to Olive Moppett and Heidi Matthews, who baked and iced the majority of the cakes for the girls’ houses. Thank you to all students and staff who contributed to the baking, donating, and selling on the day.
Most importantly, National Boarders Week reminded us of just how fortunate we are to have such an outstanding group of young people in our boarding community. We are incredibly proud of the way our boarders support one another, embrace opportunities, and contribute positively to boarding life each and every day.
I would like to extend a sincere thank you to our Residential Assistants and Heads of House, who work tirelessly to support and pastorally care for our students and who consistently go above and beyond to enrich the boarding experience. Their care, commitment, and willingness to invest in the lives of our young people is deeply appreciated. A special mention must go to Mr Anthony Head, Ms Ann Maree Adamson, Ms Amy Constant, and Mr Kieran Osborn for the significant contribution they make to the daily life of our boarding community.
Mrs Naomi Woodall
Head of Girls Boarding/ Head of Galloway House
State da Vinci Decathlon
Teams of students from Years 5-6, 7-8 and 9-10 represented the College at the State da Vinci Decathlon championships in Sydney last week. Students competed in tasks across 10 disciplines (engineering, mathematics, code breaking, art and poetry, science, English, ideation, creative producers, cartography and legacy), with the theme ‘Mechanics and Machines’. It was an exciting experience for all students.
