Dear Parents, Staff and Students

The welcome rain this week has hopefully accompanied our Year 9 students who headed west on Monday morning to Mitchell and Charleville as part of their Service Week activities. Two buses full of students and books made their way to the drought stricken areas of Western Queensland. We were delighted to take almost $8,500 raised in the recent fundraising to ease some of the burden in the local communities. While there have been a number of general drought appeals raising funds for farmers, we wanted to assist these two towns where we have a direct connection. The local Anglican Parish will distribute the money to those families in need. We are hoping to raise a little more at the Dad’s day BBQ breakfast tomorrow morning. So do not forget to bring some coins or notes to assist our rural friends. Thanks Dads! Our musicians on tour will entertain the aged and others will work alongside the students in State Schools in Mitchell and Charleville. Our presence will also boost the economy of these small towns as we purchase food for our students and refuel buses.  As we near the end of our 30 Days of Gratitude, it is most appropriate to let these communities know how much we appreciate them and their plight. We are indeed fortunate to live where we do, and to have access to so much. I am sure the students and staff who are currently in Mitchell and Charleville will be gaining first hand experience of life on the land and the impact drought can have on the surrounding communities. I am most grateful to Mr Ristic and Mrs Materne who have worked hard to bring this initiative to fruition, and to the staff who are accompanying them. We know our students will gain a great deal from this opportunity.

With the rest of Year 9 serving others in the local Gold Coast Community and Years 8, 10 and 11 on camp, the Year 12s have enjoyed a quiet environment in which to complete their Queensland Core Skills Tests this week. Like many things in life, the anticipation of something is usually worse than the event itself, and the Year 12 students have certainly taken these important tests in their stride. They have been well prepared and have completed many practice tests, so the real thing holds no fear. Congratulations to Year 12 students for the way they have embraced this challenge. We are very proud of them and their focus throughout the two days of testing. They will be relieved that this is now over and they can focus on the final stages of their schooling over the next seven school weeks.

Years 4 and 5 were on camp last week and Year 6 will be away next week, so at this time of year there is a lot of coming and going. The College outdoor education programme is extremely important for providing controlled, staged challenges and developing resilience in the students as they move throughout the College. These opportunities are perfect for students to enjoy ‘loving life together’. I am always grateful to the staff who give up their beds and spend time away from their own families to provide these experiences for students. The education of our students involves far more than just the knowledge they acquire in the classroom. There is much for which to be grateful about belonging to our community.

Finally, following the gratitude theme, I am delighted to announce the early arrival of Max Oliver Williams on Fathers' Day. Congratulations to Secondary Teacher Lucy Williams and husband Sam. 
My wife Chris and I, are as equally thrilled with Max's safe arrival, and we are extremely proud grandparents.    

Thank you for your continued support.

Yours sincerely

Mark Sly - Principal