On Tuesday night last week our College celebrated the 2009 Graduation Mass. It was a fabulous celebration and a very moving experience for the class of 2009, their parents, families and many staff members. During the Mass each Graduand received a mission cross after they were blessed by Monsignor Marriott. The Year 12 students chose a play on words for their theme and adapted the annual theme to read "Let our stories change their hearts". This was a fitting choice and called us all to appreciate how these students have changed our lives through being privileged to journey with them over the last six years. Congratulations to all involved in creating and celebrating this beautiful Eucharist.
Occupational Health & Safety Launch
At the Full Staff meeting on Wednesday night we launched the new Catholic College Bendigo Occupational Health and Safety Policy Manual. This is the result of many months of work whereby all our policies relating to OH&S have been reviewed and collated into one manual. The manual will be an online document which will be regularly reviewed. At the launch we reminded staff that each individual is responsible for OH&S at our College. Amongst the many policies are some relating to student safety during school time, excursions, camps and bus travel. Thank you to Mr Trevor Giles, Facilities & Resources Manager and the OH&S team for their work throughout 2009 to make this important manual a reality.
Examinations
Our Year 12 students are well into their final examinations. This can be a difficult time for students and families and I congratulate the way our senior students have conducted themselves throughout this time. I am often asked by parents, who feel helpless at this time, how they can help their son or daughter. I suggest you spoil them with a favourite meal, an extra supply of chocolate or simply letting them know how proud you are of their work habits and achievements over recent weeks. Next week our Year 10 and 11 students will commence their exams and we wish them well. A reminder that between 24–27 November, all students studying a VCE 3 / 4 subject will have four days of Headstart lessons. These days are normal compulsory school days.
La Valla Assembly
On Wednesday morning the La Valla students gathered for an assembly which celebrated the achievements of our students. Excellence was recognised in Mathematics, Science, English, Public Speaking, Debating, Dance and Sport. It also provided us with the opportunity to acknowledge the Energy Breakthrough Teams and the outstanding approach shown by our Year 9 students during Outward Bound and The Wiz. Students were also encouraged to each bring one item of non perishable food for our Community Hampers. These items need to be handed to Housegroup Teachers by 17 November
Giving
This Sunday we shall hear a short but profound Gospel. Jesus watches people paying taxes and sees, amongst the rich paying large sums, a very poor widow paying a small amount (the equivalent of a penny). Jesus reflects on this with his disciples and shows his admiration of her for giving all that she had as opposed to those who give out of their abundance. In this situation Jesus took time to fully appreciate the person’s unique situation. This enables him to have a greater appreciation for the gift the person shares. It is an example of our theme at work. In this Gospel, Jesus "listens deeply" to the person’s story and thus his heart is changed. Are we deeply respectful of the stories of those we meet?
Let us live the Good News Mr Darren McGregor Principal
Dear parents, students & staff