Awards Ceremony 

On Wednesday, we celebrated a wide array of student success at the 2021 Excellence Awards Ceremony.  I would like to offer a heart-felt thanks to everyone who attended and all of those who assisted in the running of such a wonderful celebration. Mrs Brennan co-ordinated an amazing ceremony where we could collectively celebrate an entire year of hard work and dedication that has led the award recipients to this pivotal moment.  

Congratulations to each and every recipient of excellence, honour, distinction, icon and special significant awards.  Everyone has honestly earnt their award and I encourage them to reflect and cherish the moment as a great success.  This is certainly the highlight of our year and the pride I felt of our community simply cannot be expressed in words.

And… if you want to watch Mr Hodge’s speech all over again – you can! Simply locate the excellence awards on our college Facebook page, cast to your large screen, sit back, relax and enjoy! (please also see the photo gallery in this newsletter to get a glimpse into the amazing achievements of our students throughout 2021.)

Year 12 Graduates

Today we graduate and farewell our cohort of 2021.  This group has astounded me with their leadership and dedication as they have progressed through the past few years, and I look forward to their continued success.  This morning’s Graduation Mass was a humble, scared morning where students and families took time to reflect on the journey in faith and knowledge that they have endured.  Tonight, the class of 2021 will conclude their time at OLSCC at the Valedictory Dinner.  We wish them all the best as they venture into a world unknown, toward their inspired future.

2022 Student Leaders

Over the past term, students have engaged in the student leadership process in order to determine our student leadership group for 2022. At Wednesday's Excellence Awards Ceremony, we announced and congratulated our 2022 student leaders. Our 2022 Student Leaders have been listed in the article at the top of this Newsletter along with photos from Wednesday.

Congratulations to all our student leaders for 2022.  The standard of leadership skills continue to increase every year and you should all be very proud of yourself.

Weeks 8 & 9 2021 + Family Calendar 2022

The last 2 weeks will be a wonderful time of transition for our students as we both finish 2021, and ensure we are best prepared for 2022.  Please be sure to read through all events listed in this newsletter, and keep on top of communication from the college via email.  By doing so, you will receive any updates to events and timings, as well as some friendly reminder of what is coming up.  Please also refer to the 2022 Family Calendar so you are aware of all key dates, also attached to this newsletter.

Extra-Curricular Participation in 2022

Our College relies on timely fee payment to ensure that we can continue to provide the level of curriculum expertise and extra-curricular opportunities that our student deserve.  In order for students to make the most of this opportunity, I also expect that students attend the College consistently.  Accordingly, in 2022, there will be some significant changes across all areas of the College regarding payment of college fees, student attendance, and the ability of students to participate in additional activities that are provided by the College in order to provide an outstanding education to our students. 

College fees: From the start of 2022, all payments made by parents will be credited to the oldest outstanding invoice.  This means that if a family is behind on fees, any payments that are made to the College will be credited to the oldest outstanding debt.  If a family is behind on fees, they will be unable to pay for camps, extra-curricular activities or additional items until their pre-existing debts are paid for first. Parent who have accounts that are over 90 days in arrears will also be contacted in coming weeks in order to create a plan to have their debts finalised over the next 6 months.  I am sure everyone agrees that this is only fair to the vast majority of our community who pays their fees, so that I can deliver all of the amazing opportunities that we offer at OLSCC.  Of course, and as always, if you are experiencing difficult times, and wish to be considered for a concession on your fees, please contact the Business Manager via the College Office to discuss your situation so we may support your family. 

Student Attendance: Students must maintain attendance of over 93% in order for their learning to continue without disruption.  From the start of 2022, only students with attendance over   85% (for at least 1 term prior) will be permitted to represent the College in extra-curricular pursuits.  This includes Instrumental Music programs, cultural performances, sport and any other additional commitments.  It’s important to note that these activities are "Extra- Curricular" and accordingly the curriculum comes first.

Behaviour Standards: Students that intend to represent the College must be worthy of representing the values and ethos of the College.  Students with significant non-compliance, refusal to follow instructions, refusal to wear the correct College uniform or refusal to follow the College expectations (Learn and allow others to learn, be safe, be responsible, be respectful), will not be a worthy representative of the College and will not be nominated to do so in any format.  

While I understand that some parent, carers and students may find these restrictions difficult, we are a school first, so schooling comes first.  We expect everyone to make a fair contribution, show up on a daily basis, and behave in an appropriate manner.

Peter Cuskelly

Principal