Dear Families
Our prayers are offered for all those people affected by the current bushfires, particularly for any families or staff who have been directly impacted. The staff and student College Leadership teams will meet this week to decide how best we can support, financially and otherwise, communities affected.
My other key message for this update is to communicate the significance of our first Speech Night (Years 6-12) and Speech Day (K-5) and to enlist your support in making them memorable. These two occasions are a ‘celebration of excellence’ across Academic, Pastoral and Co-Curricular domains. As a College, we are committed to fostering ‘discerning scholarship’ in our students. This idea of scholarship is not simply about results. It implies an attitude or approach to learning characterised by commitment, enthusiasm and persistence. Speech Night Awards reflect this idea of scholarship.
The formality and ritual of the occasions provide students with insight into scholarly traditions. Our guest speakers, Dr Catherine Foley at Speech Night, and Jo Garsia at Speech Day, are both inspiring and generous ex-students. Their involvement reminds us all of the strength of our Santa Sabina network. For our Year 12 students, Speech Night will be a very public farewell and celebration. Your invitations will be sent this week, together with a letter outlining the details of each event. I look forward to seeing you at either Speech Day on December 5, or Speech Night on December 9.
Lastly, I’ve included a link to an article in The Guardian http://www.theguardian.com/books/2013/oct/15/neil-gaiman-future-libraries-reading-daydreaming which explores the wonderful world of reading, and why it is such a crucial aspect of a child’s education. Read and enjoy!
Dr Maree Herrett
College Principal
