The year has come to an end and the holidays are upon us. I thank all my staff, students and family for their support throughout 2019. I have enjoyed the challenge of the role as Assistant Principal Middle Years. We look forward to the leadership in the Middle Years of Mr Cullen; he brings a wealth of experience to the position. 2020 will be a great year as we build on the work of the past.

We wish Ms O’Reilly all the best as she moves to teach with Ms Carroll at Mary Mac in Highfields. Ms O’Reilly has been a long-term advocate for the Middle Years at the College. Her input over this time will leave a mark for years to come.

The Year 8 Poverty Prayer Gathering this morning was a wonderful experience. The class showed the close connection of our Christian values and those less fortunate in our world. The class’ efforts were on show for family and peers. It brought into focus the ongoing support of Kelvin and Baraka as they continue their education in Tanzania through the work of YES Arusha. Congratulations to these young people as they truly live their faith at OLSCC

Year 10 Praxis, not technically the Middle Years but another wonderful group of young people that I have been involved with this year. We have worked through a programme with the outcome being the making of wooden trucks for St Vinnies to give to children at Christmas time. Along the way we have developed and modified our plan, enhanced our skills of formal letter writing, entertained guest speakers, made mistakes and come up with solutions. The most valuable lesson was that without the full team working as one an ambitious plan will not come to fruition. We are proud of our efforts and even more proud of our learning.

Melrose putting the finishing touches on one of our wooden trucks. We have been lucky that a few of the Year 10’s have come in on their holidays to lend a hand.

Have a wonderful Christmas and I look forward to seeing many of you in the New Year.

Steve Gillespie

(Acting) Assistant Principal Middle Years