With a new year comes new opportunities

I am delighted to welcome all families and staff to our 2018 school year.

This year we welcome 207 new students to our College community. It was terrific today, Monday 29 Jan 2018 with the new Year 8 students and Year 12 students beginning and the remainder of the school beginning tomorrow.

There was a touch of nervousness amongst students, parents and definitely with yours truly. Each year brings new challenges and we are grateful for this wonderful endeavour of educating young people.

Each year I make a New Years’ resolution and this year is no different. I try again to eat healthy foods and do more exercise, to make quality time to be with family and friends, to not be consumed by the use of technology and to ensure that all important balance in life.

From a school perspective it is no different, get around more to see students in class, be around to speak to parents and staff, take time to listen to the stories of people and to be present and not be too busy for the things that matter.

Another way to look at a New Years’ resolution is to consider this. What can work much better as a New Years’ resolution is having a guiding word for the year. I suggest OPTIMISM.

In a world with all kinds of worries, it can be hard to feel optimistic. But, while it might be the harder way, it is the better one. Pessimism is lazy, it’s taking the easy way out. If you only expect the worst, then that is probably what you’ll get.

What do we mean by optimism? It means being brave even when things look too hard. It means taking care of yourself, because your future depends on good health. It means making the most of your intelligence and talents. It means trying out new things because there is always the chance of a great discovery. It means always thinking you can do better and things will get better. It means straightening up, throwing back your shoulders, and looking life in the eye.

I became a teacher many years ago because I believe education makes life better, makes people better, and makes the world better. That’s optimism!

Staff matters

I am delighted to welcome new staff to Cardijn/Marcellin.
Kate Thompson (Year 7 Coordinator – Cardijn)
Caitlin Batty (Special Education/ English at Cardijn/Marcellin)
Huw Channing (PE/HaSS – Cardijn)
Katrina Holmes (STEM/Science – Cardijn/Marcellin)
Joel Olsder (HaSS – Cardijn)
David Smith (SACE subjects – Marcellin)
Emma-May Palmer (Alumni Officer)
Chad Baker (Maintenance)
Dave Mercer (WHS Officer)

Welcome back to staff returning from leave.
Tess Snape
Marianna Mastrapasqua
Melissa Alexander

Congratulations also to staff who begin new leadership roles.
Cardijn
Ryan Brown – Director of Teaching and Learning

Marcellin Technical
Gianni Petrucci – Director of Students
Tash Trenorden – Curriculum Leader
Todd Micke – Admin Coordinator
Amelia Cooper – REC

I extend my best wishes to all families and look forward to meeting you at the information evenings in the next couple of weeks.