Awards Night

As you read this newsletter, Awards Night for 2014 will be over and we will have celebrated another College year.  In the lead up to the Awards Night, I have the pleasure of doing many of the calculations to determine award recipients as well as meeting with prospective student leaders for next year.  It is at times like these you realise how talented our students are.

We have handed out academic awards, diligence awards as well as our GREAT values awards. Then there are the individual awards for Dux, Principal’s award and so on.  Whilst it is wonderful to recognise those who get awards, I feel for those who have just missed out of getting an award.

We have had many students that I reviewed who have performed well but unfortunately missed out.  I encourage them not to be disheartened but rather continue to strive to do their best.  The analogy of sporting teams always comes to mind in these situations.  Behind every winner there is a team of support that spurs them on and each team member benefits for being part of the team. This brings out the best in all members and when you speak to the individuals they often reflect on achieving their PB or Personal Best. They are a winner when they achieve their PB.

Red Cross Blood Donations

Last week many of our staff and students donated blood through the Red Cross.  Our Red Cross Ambassador, Courtney Sinclair worked hard to bring the blood donation van to the College by organising a combined community event with Beerwah State High School.  Well done Courtney!

The Dance Evening last Friday was another opportunity to see the hard work of our students and staff showcased.  The finale was anything but grand with some of our male staff doing a mix of rock and roll and Disney.  It was a lot of fun but please, do not necessarily think that the man on the end in the see-through shirt who was a total failure at dancing was yours truly.  Some things are better forgotten.

Verification submissions – As you are aware, we had a student-free day recently allowing staff from all over the region to meet in a moderation process, reviewing our students work and assessment procedures.  This is an extremely important process in Queensland school based assessment and it was great to read the positive comments from our District Panel Chairs on the work our staff and students are doing.

These next couple of weeks are going to be very busy with Year 12 exams starting next Thursday followed by their Formal and Graduation.  It is a wonderful time of year to celebrate all the achievements of our students.

Finally I want to take this this opportunity to thank the staff who have and are working exceptionally hard to bring out the best in our students. Please continue to uphold both them and our students in these final weeks.  Please remember to pray for our Year 12s as well; particularly for safety as they leave the College and celebrate their graduation

David Heyworth, Head of Senior School