Leaders of Student Wellbeing
Year 8
Year 8 has had a positive and productive start to Term 3, with students showing great enthusiasm and commitment to their learning and school life. A highlight of our start to the term has been recognising students who consistently uphold our College standards with pride through our Fit Check Awards. These awards celebrate those who take care in presenting themselves in line with our College expectations and serve as role models to their peers. Congratulations to the following recipients for this term:
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Our school Pastoral Theme for Term 3 is Leadership. This week, Year 8 participated in the first of three pastoral lessons for the term, focusing on discovering and developing leadership qualities. Leadership is the ability to guide, inspire, or influence others in a positive way—through your actions, choices, and example.
Students were challenged to reflect on the leadership qualities they already have and consider how they could use these throughout the term—in their friendships, classrooms, sporting teams, and family life. We explored the idea that a leader is not always the one in charge or the person wearing a badge, but someone who leads through service and example. Year 8 reflected on Jesus as a servant leader and discussed how we could embody His leadership qualities of love, humility, courage, and kindness in our own lives.
We look forward to seeing how Year 8 students will rise to the challenge of living out these qualities as the term progresses.
Alana Johnson & Matt Currie
Year 9
We would like to take a moment to celebrate the outstanding efforts of a group of Year 9 students who have demonstrated excellence in their learning and contributions to our school community.
Congratulations to the following students who have each received a College Commendation Award: Dilshaan Chahal, James Ward, Ava Nolan, Rune Fowler, Parker Swan and Olive Plunket. These students have shown dedication, a positive attitude, and consistent effort across a range of learning areas. Whether it be through academic success, leadership in the classroom, or modelling our school values, they have each set a wonderful example for others.
Congratulations also to Tiegan Forrester who received the “Best All ‘Rounder” award for week 3; she now has a voucher to spend at the school canteen.
Well done to all. We are proud of you! Keep up the great work as we continue to strive for excellence together this term.
Also in Week 3, our Year 9 students took part in a dedicated Pastoral Day designed to encourage personal growth and self-reflection. We were fortunate to welcome guest presenter Michael Fitzpatrick, who delivered an engaging and thought-provoking presentation.
Michael’s session focused on the importance of self-awareness, respectful interactions, and developing positive relationships with both peers and teachers. Through real-life stories, humour, and interactive moments, students were invited to reflect on their own behaviours, communication styles, and the impact they have on those around them.
The day created space for meaningful conversations and helped reinforce the values of empathy, kindness, and personal responsibility. Many students walked away feeling more connected to their peers and inspired to make positive contributions to their school community.
Thank you to Michael Fitzpatrick for his engaging presentation and to our Year 9 cohort for their thoughtful participation throughout the day.
Year 10
Reflecting on the Year 10 Retreat – Stewardship in Action
The recent Year 10 retreat was a meaningful and rewarding experience for both students and staff, centred around the theme of stewardship — our care for self, others, and our relationship with God. The retreat invited students to step away from their usual routines for a few days and take time to reflect, grow, and connect on a deeper level.
Day One focused on self, through guided reflections and personal challenges, encouraging students to pause and consider their own well-being, identity, and purpose.
Day Two shifted the focus to others, exploring how we interact with and care for the people in our lives — our friends, families, and the wider community.
Day Three turned our hearts and minds toward our relationship with God. It was a time of spiritual reflection, prayer, and a reminder of our place within things bigger than ourselves. Students were invited to contemplate how they can respond to God’s call in their daily lives through compassion, gratitude, and responsibility.
We want to take a moment to acknowledge the students who made the retreat such a memorable time; not only by participating fully in the scheduled activities, many of which were designed to stretch comfort zones, but by simply being present in community. Whether it was cleaning up without being asked, offering quiet support to others, or listening with respect and attentiveness, your contributions helped shape a retreat culture grounded in respect, maturity, and care. Thank you for embracing the spirit of the retreat.
A heartfelt thank you also to the staff who volunteered their time and energy to attend the retreat, many of whom made the personal sacrifice of being away from their own families and young children, to be there for your children. Leanne Gennat, Anneliese Mills, Danni Stephenson, Cory Blight, Lex Carruthers, Paul Hewitt, Brendan Chorazy, Oliver Dwyer, Michael Stubbs, Tahlia Quin, Josh Moore, and Sky Birkett. Your commitment to walking alongside the students, watching over them, and sharing in this journey of faith and formation does not go unnoticed or unappreciated.
We also extend a very special thank you to Mrs Sarah de Byl, whose organisation, planning, and commitment made this retreat not only possible but truly exceptional. Her efforts behind the scenes ensured everything ran smoothly, and the time away was as enriching and enjoyable. Finally, to the parents and caregivers, thank you for your support. Getting your child to the bus in the early hours of Wednesday morning, and being there to welcome them home at the end of a big week. Your partnership is a vital part of making retreats like this possible.
Looking Ahead – What's Next for Term 3
As the school year continues to move full steam ahead, here are a few important things to keep in mind:
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Leadership Nominations for 2025–2026 SRC and House Captains are due Monday, Week 5 — a great opportunity for students to step into service and make a difference. Please encourage your child to take the time to nominate for these leadership roles.
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Term 3 assessments will be upon us quicker than we think. Now is the time to get organised and stay on top of workloads.
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Parent-Student-Staff Round Table Meetings will take place in Week 8, providing a valuable chance to reflect on learning progress and set goals together.
We look forward to a strong second half of Term 3, continuing the journey of learning, growth, and stewardship together.
Richard O'Connor & Anneliese Mills
Year 10 Leaders of Student Wellbeing