Weekly Wrap
Week 1 – Term 4
Welcome back to week 1 of Term 4.
The week was very busy, with several events taking place. The first was our Leadership Assembly, where we elect our Prime Minister and Opposition Leader to Student Parliament. Student Parliament is a very important element of our student voice. They meet fortnightly and report directly to the Principal Team and College Council. Some achievements they have made in the last two years include
- The introduction of a buddy system for new international students,
- The removal of gender references in the College uniform.
- The development of a constitution and Bill of Rights.
- The addition of the College rugby jumper as a mainstream uniform item.
- The hosting of a regional schools leadership forum.
Candidates and their parties delivered campaign speeches to the College community. Each party presented their policies and attempted to appeal to the voters the reasons they should be elected. The students presented well and some common themes within the policies were a focus on warm garments within the College uniform, climate change and reducing the carbon footprint of the College and indoor spaces for students to access at recess and lunch. Other notable policies were focussed around learning, and a review of assessment practices. All candidates spoke very well and the outcome of the election will be made public soon.
On Thursday evening the College Grad Show was held. This event showcases the outstanding work of our VCE Art students.
The folio work that was displayed reflected the incredible effort made by students across the year. Folio based VCE subjects are very demanding and require enormous personal investment from both student and staff and often families and friends as well. The personal pride our students showed in revealing and celebrating their work was wonderful to see and a credit to both the students and Mr Andonovski, who has inspired many of these students for two years. Congratulations to all involved.
This week we also held an Assembly where Ben O’Toole, from The Pat Cronin Foundation, himself the victim of a coward punch, presented to the Years 8-11 students.
Pat was punched from behind whilst assisting a mate. Quietly spoken and gentle natured but with a fierce determination, Pat was enormously popular and had a deep love for his family and friends. Pat died as a result of the coward punch and his death left a gaping hole in the lives of his family and friends. It caused devastation amongst his family and friends and the broader communities in which he was involved.
Ben’s session was titled, “Be Wise” and aimed to educate our students on the dangers of violence and the potential outcomes associated with it. He also aimed to give students the opportunity to make good choices if ever caught up in a situation that has the potential to lead to violence. A community forum for parents, led by Pat’s parents will be held in Term 1 2020, where all parents will get the opportunity to hear from his parents and participate in a Q and A session with them. To support the foundation, or to gain further insight, please access the link provided.