New Beginnings or a New Ending
It was wonderful to welcome the new students to the College last week, as well as those who were here last year. As I spoke to each Year Level we celebrated the fact that each person starts afresh in their educational journey. There is that wonderful feeling when you open your notebook and for the first time, put pen to paper and set the tone for the year ahead.
But should the focus be on the beginning? I recently read this quote “No one can go back and start a new beginning, but anyone can start today and make a new ending” (Unknown)
It reminded me that what we do now shapes the future. Its not really about a new beginning but more about shaping the ending. Last year we celebrated the graduation of our 2013 Seniors and saw how well they ended the year. Now we look forward to the end of 2014 and this final year for our Year 12s. This is the last cohort with two classes. From next year onwards we will have 3 classes of Year 12s and we want this year to be very special one for these students.
Last week we took the College student leaders away for an overnight camp to plan the goals and vision the students want. We did not focus on a new beginning but rather the ending and we discussed the type of legacy they will leave behind for other students to follow. They had some great ideas and the camp was a wonderful time for the student leaders to bond together and talk about what they want to achieve this year.
Our theme for 2013 was our GREAT values. This year we are focussing on “How GREAT is our God!” We want to continue promoting our core values of Godliness, Respect, Excellence, Attitude and Teachability, but we also want to focus on how epic our God is. (Epic was the word the students came up with!)
Communication: Please contact the College anytime should you have any queries or wish further clarification on any matter. Staff emails are available on our website under the “Contact Us” menu.
Happenings in Senior School:
Swimming Carnival: Friday, 7 February. Please ensure your child attends and competes to the best of their ability. There will be fierce house battle this year and as much student participation as possible is necessary to be the winning house. Parents are welcome to attend. Students are encouraged to support their house and dress in their house colours. Go Ararat!!
Senior School Leaders Induction: Tuesday, 11 February, 8:30am. Join us to celebrate the induction of our Student Leaders.
Senior School Information Night: Tuesday, 11 February, 6:30pm. Attending will be Mr Rob Steffler, our new Dean of Studies, Mr Paul Nash, our new Future Pathways Coordinator and myself. We will take you through some of the changes in 2014 and try to answer any queries you may have.
P and F Family Fun Day: Join our community on Saturday, 15 February from 10:45 to 1:45pm. This will be a really fun time.