Last night the College community gathered in a communal prayer and reflection service to prepare our hearts and mind for our Easter journey. Our community has experienced much pain, grief and loss, it was lovely to gather as a community to seek solace and hope. I thank the many families who attended and thanks to our Catholic culture team who prepared a beautiful service.

As the term concludes and we enter the Easter period, it is a wonderful opportunity to celebrate all that we have achieved and all that we hope to gain through our relationships with one another and the Holy Spirit. As people of faith, the Easter story reminds us that we are people of Hope. I encourage families to seek the time to reconnect and rebuild relationships as a family. Families play a pivotal role in developing resilience and strength. In fact, families are considered a protective factor for young people to grow as successful and happy people. The holidays are the perfect time to take stock, sit, and be still with one another. Holy Week provides the time to listen and 'be' with our families.

Each of Year 7 and 9 students have participated in the annual NAPLAN program l congratulate the many students who put their best foot forward. NAPLAN is a snapshot of our children’s skills and abilities. As parents we know what are our children can achieve, but it is unconditional positive regard and high expectations that young people shine. We need to always believe in our young people.

Our community participated in the Annual Athletics Carnival at Llanberis. This event can only happen with the leadership provided by our Leader of Sports – Gavin Webb and the many staff on the day. I thank our staff who worked with energy and enthusiasm on the day. I thoroughly enjoyed seeing our students compete, support and cajole all members of their House. Our Year 12 students certainly shone and wore their costumes with passion and joy.

The College hosted the Ballarat Association of Schools (BAS) Swimming carnival. Well done to our many students who competed. It is inspiring to see so many students participating and demonstrating such strong sportsmanship.

Thanks to Finnian Augustin and the Languages team for their great work in welcoming and supporting our French Exchange students. I want to acknowledge our families and students who hosted our guests from France. This experience can only provide a deep awareness of others and people from different cultures. I’d like to thank Margaret McIntyre for supporting the College in the teaching of French this term.

Term 1 has been littered with great joy and learning. I thank all members of our community who have worked so all can live in the Light of Christ.

Congratulations on reaching the last week of Term 1!