杏吧论坛

Welcome

It鈥檚 with great pleasure that I both welcome our community to 2024 and express my deep gratitude for the wonderful welcome I鈥檝e already received from so many staff, students and families. While I have been onsite for over a fortnight already, a school is not its buildings. It is only with the full return of staff and students, and meeting the many excited parents and guardians (& some nervous ones!) at the recent Year 7 Information night that I have begun to properly experience 杏吧论坛 as a community. Our partnership with families is critical to the care we have in common for the wellbeing and learning growth of our students, and I look forward to meeting more families as the term progresses, particularly at the upcoming Year 8 - 11 Information evenings.

Key communications were emailed to families on both Thursday 25 January and on Monday 29 January, with clarifications to uniform and mobile phone expectations included. We urge families to access this information if you have not already done so.

As a College we are pleased to also welcome the following new staff for 2024:  

Preparations for 2024

I express my gratitude to the many staff who have been involved in preparing our campus to be the best learning environment for our students in 2024. The physical environment and facilities are looked refreshed, with further progress also made on our Sports Courts, which we anticipate being able to use from Term 3. Teachers and learning support staff have also been preparing for student return, spending much of the first two days examining student learning profiles to best prepare for their 2024 classes. 

High Expectations and Respect

I had the pleasure of addressing each of the Year Level welcome assemblies on Wednesday and Thursday. Each year level was excited to start the year positively, reflecting the welcoming interactions I鈥檝e already experienced. Of our four College themes, the focus for Term 1 is on High Expectations and Respect, each of which is both built and demonstrated through our Spirit of 杏吧论坛 attributes of Belonging, Stewardship, Perseverance, Justice, Compassion and Spirituality. We wish all students well for a positive and successful 2024

David Broadbent

Principal

It鈥檚 great to be back on Campus after a wonderful break and I welcome you all to the start of our school year.

Our Staff started the year involved in Professional Learning activities, led by our Leadership Team looking at 鈥渟tarting the year well鈥� and being united and consistent in our approach with students for 2024 and beyond. David from Toolbox Education, presented staff with 鈥渢ools鈥� and 鈥渁pps鈥� to assist with their daily management of time, emotions and relationship with others. There were some great handy hints to assist with work/ life balance and building authentic relationships with staff and students.

We also celebrated Our Catholic faith at our opening Whole Staff Mass with Fr Joseph Vnuk. New staff were welcomed to our community, receiving a candle whilst the congregation sang 鈥淟ight Up and Shine鈥� composed by Ms Gabrielle Mercer.

I encourage parents to communicate with Homeroom, Mentor, subject teachers and other staff regularly via the Main/ student reception or email. As our staff, Teaching and Non- Teaching, are working together with you to support and encourage the young people in our care, please remember to be respectful in all communications. I have linked the Parents as Partners policy .

I hope that the commencement of the school year has been enjoyable, particularly for our new staff and students, and I look forward to seeing you at upcoming events.

Gina Goss
Assistant Principal - Staff

The first day back at school is always a special one, filled with anticipation and the chance to make lasting memories. We are thrilled to have our students back in the classrooms.

Our dedicated team of educators is eager to support and guide each student, fostering an environment that promotes curiosity and success.

We encourage parents and guardians to stay connected with the school community, as we believe that a collaborative approach ensures our students' best possible learning experience.

May this year be filled with laughter, friendship, and academic achievements.

It's wonderful to see all the Year 12's back for their final year at 杏吧论坛. They were lucky to be able to have a guest speaker talk to them on their first day back.

Darren Pereira and the team from Success Integrated spoke to the Year 12 students about mindset and motivation. He provided them with practical tools to assist them with their organisation and study habits.

A great way to start the year with a positive attitude and mindset for the year ahead!

The new school year has launched and we are eagerly anticipating the joy of making music. As this is now my seventh year at 杏吧论坛 I am again very excited and enthusiastic about leading a program with such passionate staff and students into the future. Thank you in advance for your support and particularly for encouraging your child to continue his or her study of music at 杏吧论坛. This investment of time, effort, and energy will produce lifelong dividends.

Students are highly recommended, as part of instrumental and voice lessons, to become a member of the varied College ensembles. Ensemble rehearsals are held before and after school most days, in addition to some lunchtimes and students will be invited to participate in performance opportunities such as major and minor College events, local community performances, and representing the school at state and national festivals/competitions.

Please take a moment to discuss with your child these important aspects of his or her music participation. Let them know that you are proud of their work and that you support their efforts. The ensemble rehearsal schedule for 2024 is below and will be posted on the Music notice board and made available on PAM.

Throughout the year you will be receiving communications from our department concerning upcoming concerts and other pertinent information. Evidence continues to focus on the arts (music) as a vital component in the positive growth of every child. For years we have pointed to music students as those who have demonstrated a special talent. However, based on extended studies we now know it is the very process of learning music that develops the artistic mind and brings forth the creative potential in all young people. For this reason, continued membership in our musical family is strongly encouraged.

It is a privilege to have your child as a valued musician at the College. Thank you for your support of music education at 杏吧论坛. You play an important role in everything we do. Welcome to our new school year!

Jared Campbell
Music Program Coordinator

There has been increased activity on the SAM construction site which is wonderful to see!

For those parents new  to the 杏吧论坛 community, SAM is the working name for the project under construction that refers to  the 鈥樞影陕厶� Sports and Multifunctional Project'.

The 杏吧论坛 SAM Project aims to transform what were existing tennis courts into an all-weather sporting facility and whole school community gathering point to be enjoyed by all. The fees and contributions of the 杏吧论坛 community have enabled the College to pursue this exciting project.

The process of concept development, consultation and design involved engaging a select body of interested students who then workshopped design elements with the architects. The results of this process, along with input from other key stakeholders in the 杏吧论坛 community, were utilised by the architects to guide the final designs.

 A consultation process will be launched closer to the project鈥檚 completion to select an official name for the new multi-functional space.

We will keep you updated with all the progress...