This is the final Newsletter for the term and so it is fitting to celebrate all that has been achieved so far this year.
We always hold so many events in Term 1 to celebrate and welcome our community to the new year and for many the start of a new journey. Some have started Year 7 and the beginning of secondary school, some Year 9 students have started in the Horizon program, VCE has begun for some Year 10 and all Year 11 students and the final stages of secondary school have begun for Year 12 students. Many of the milestones for students are as important for parents and guardians. They mark transition from one stage of life to the next. They also signal the new challenges and opportunities for growth and development in learning.
In partnership with the Parents’ Association, this year we included a social opportunity into some of our functions, particularly for Year 7 families. Research suggests that when families are connected to school in a variety of ways, including in the development of learning opportunities, student learning is improved. Building connections within our community is a priority for the College and the Parents’ Association leads many events to support this. We will continue to work with our community over the coming years to ensure that we learn and find new ways to connect.
Staff and students have also experienced successes in the academic program as they embraced new challenges in learning. This week was the first of the Horizon presentation evenings for Year 9. Thank you to the many parents who attended to support not only your own child but all presenting. It takes a great deal of courage to present your ideas and research to an audience of adults who you may or may not know. The program also supports the building of skills that the OECD Future 2030 Report outlines are the skills of the future: critical and creative thinking, collaboration, communication and problem solving. It is heartening to see how much our students have developed in one term.
Last week all students involved in the Instrumental Music program, Choir and Ensembles performed, for a full house, songs from the musical Hairspray. The evening was so much fun and all present were impressed with the growth and development of students in just one term. We are blessed to have such talented students who have a willingness to share and perform. They have truly demonstrated courage and resilience.
I hope that in the next few weeks families have a chance for a well-deserved rest. We are in the season of Lent, a time for renewal and hope in The Resurrection. As we approach this Easter we pray for the renewal of peace, health and safety for all in our world. May all who live in fear or poverty enjoy the hope of The Resurrection. May leaders in our world find wisdom to end conflict and suffering and may we all find hope in our hearts in order that we experience compassion, justice, courage and joy; the OLMC values that we hold so dear.
I would like to congratulate and thank our students and families for a great term and wish all a wonderful Easter. I hope that you find this is a time of renewal as you come together with family and friends. We look forward to a successful Term 2.
A reminder that Term 2 will commence for students on Monday 28 April.