Dear Families,
Welcome to winter! I wonder if all members of your family have been healthy? Covid cases seem to have spiked in recent times. I know there have been cases amongst some of our staff and students. Fr John has cancelled Masses for the second week in a row. If your child is unwell, please keep them at home, as there have been some nasty viruses and colds spreading. Mrs Jan Scott, our WHS Manager, will provide us with community advice where necessary. I write this newsletter piece from my office after having three days at home recovering from illness! I am so pleased to be feeling better and back at the College.
Senior College Examination
Upon my return to school, I noticed the Senior College exam timetable. Exams commence in early July, before the end of Term. No doubt our students are aware of what is ahead in the coming weeks and are hopefully investing their time to adequately prepare.
Future Appointment: Director of Middle Years
On Monday, I announced to staff that we are appointing an Acting Director of Middle Years for Years 7 and 8. This role will primarily have a pastoral focus providing support to students, staff, and Year Level Coordinators, in their well-being and learning. Our current enrolment sits at around 825 students. In the Middle Years, we have around 320 students. This is nearly 40% of our cohort. The current modelling does not reflect an adequate resource allocation.
One of our core focuses in Year 7 is to help our students build a Marist identity as quickly as possible, as students transition from a variety of schools outside our Catholic “feeders”. This appointment will help enhance the enculturation of our students.
In 2023, there are far more societal challenges than there were in 2013 for young people. The deliberate planning and delivery of relevant pastoral care and social-emotional learning has never more been important in all year levels. The Director of Middle Years will work closely with Mr Sam Johnstone and all Year Level Coordinators, along with all staff in our Well-Being team, to enhance our offerings.
The Director of Middle Years will have a place on the Senior Leadership team of the College. There is a physical barrier between the Middle Years and the Senior School. This has its benefits but there are some cultural drawbacks. This new role will help provide a conduit, however, does not excuse key staff from not having a presence in this space.
Capital Improvements
Yesterday, Mr Andrew Leary, our Business Manager, submitted applications to Catholic Education Tasmania for two significant projects, one being for a refurbished Materials, Design and Technology Centre, and the second for a new lift enabling access for all to both the Library and Senior Science block. Final approval for both projects will be confirmed in Term 3. Please see the pictures below.
Enrolment Interviews for 2024
These commenced last night for 2024. Thanks to all of our new and current families for attending. If you are a current family, with a child in Year 7 next year, please make immediate contact with the office to avoid disappointment. Our enrolment applications are well over double compared to this time last year.
In partnership,
Mr Gregg Sharman
Principal
