Term 4 has presented the Salesian College community with many new beginnings and an opportunity to emerge from recent suffering and challenges in our society.
Mark’s Gospel presented a vision of the establishing the Kingdom and the coming of Christ as proof of God’s victory. Mark writes at a time when early Christian communities endured much distress through persecution and suffering. The risen Jesus and his teachings together with the gathering of his people from all the earth, reassured the tired and scared community of believers.
They have followed the way of discipleship, sharing in Jesus’ suffering, some to the point of death.
The final victory will be God and the believers entering with Jesus into the fullness of the Kingdom.
We each can find strength and support in the Word of God. Prayer, service and kindness can support new beginnings and provide us with hope as we each embrace a renewed start in Jesus Christ.
“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come.” 2 Corinthians 5:17
New Principal
The first six weeks as Principal has allowed me to listen and understand the Salesian community. In working closely with the Leadership Team it has afforded me the opportunity to discuss our vision, mission and values and align these with College initiatives. Likewise, exciting conversations have begun in relation to developing a College Strategic Plan, Master Plan and process for school improvement as we prepare for a School Review in Term 2 2022.
Importantly, it has been time spent with students and staff in conversations in the classrooms and yard that have brought me much joy. I have been made to feel very welcome and all stakeholders have been open in sharing their love of the College.
Return to School
It was uplifting to welcome students back onto our Bosco campus in recent weeks. The new beginning with routines such as waking earlier to attend school, socialising and concentrating in the classroom are relatively new experiences.
As a whole, students have responded positively and are attending to their studies diligently in order to use their God given talents. I encouraged those students to seek assistance from Subject Teachers, Oratory Teacher, Year Level Coordinators and the Wellbeing Team if the transition to school continues to be challenging so that improvements can be achieved.
Headstart
Year 10 and Year 11 students began their three-week Headstart program positively. Students experienced transition assemblies, examination feedback sessions and have started 2022 classes. Time invested in the Headstart subjects during the next two weeks and over the holidays will enable a comprehensive and committed beginning to studies in 2022.
Student Leadership
Finally, our student leaders have began their roles in earnest during the past two weeks. After an extensive application and interview process, Daniel Amendola (College Captain), Jake Johnston (College Vice-Captain) and Mitchell Wain (College-Vice Captain) have accepted their roles and are already serving the community. Each have been active in the yard talking to all students and they have partaken in events including the Year 12 Headstart Assembly, Prospective Parents Information Evening, Remembrance Day and our White Ribbon Day video. I look forward to collaborating with our student leaders as they serve our community in 2022.
With today, Friday 19 November being White Ribbon Day, I shared with the boys my own experience as an adolescence and why this day holds significance.
Mark Ashmore
Principal