Happy Mother’s Day to all of our mothers and those in mothering roles in their family or community. Last Saturday, we hosted the Mother Daughter High Tea and again it was a wonderful event. Over 300 girls and their mums, grandmothers, aunties and special women in their lives attended and enjoyed the beautiful food and the opportunity to talk and enjoy each other’s company. I would like to express my appreciation to the new P&F committee, under the leadership of Mrs Erin de Rooy as President, who worked to ensure we all had a lovely afternoon. Thank you also to Mr Julian Nash who once again took photos of everyone across the afternoon so that we have a lasting memory and to Mrs Susan Sciffer who did much of the work behind the scenes.

Throughout this edition, you will read about the many activities that girls participated in last week which offered them opportunities to grow and experience excellence. Many of these activities and opportunities require significant planning and preparation weeks in advance. In fact, preparation for some of the activities begins 12 months in advance with the evaluations from the previous year group’s experience.

Unless you live with a teacher or have a teacher in your family, you may not be fully aware of the time and energy that is invested in planning, reflecting and preparing. Whilst most of the role is in face-to-face lessons, a significant amount of teaching time is working with colleagues in the planning and review. Colleagues create a shared vision for the activity, they gather the evidence and data that will assist in making informed decisions, establish the program and the resources that will need to be acquired, they decide on the roles of the staff attending the activities and then imagine the experience of the students so that they are confident they will achieve the outcomes that form the goals of the activities. Further to this, a risk assessment is created with action identified that will mitigate any risk of injury or harm. When staff collaborate together, we know the outcomes for the girls will be optimised. The planning will occur in school time or non-term time when there is often more space and time for good discussion. I am grateful for the work our staff invest in the many activities we give the girls so that they will be the beneficiaries. So as you read of the great things that happened over last week, the weeks ahead and all the weeks in every term, please consider the passion and care that went into the event by staff.

Last week, we sent best wishes to Mrs Claudine Bella who began her parental leave as she awaits the birth of her first baby. We wish her the very best as she begins this new journey in her life. With that, we welcome Mrs Natalie Guelfo who will be the replacement teacher for the new 12 months. Mrs Guelfo is a very experienced English teacher who will bring a lot of wisdom and support to the team. I am sure your daughters will find her to be very capable. We wish her a warm welcome to our community.

Finally, I will leave you with a reflection on Mary as the ultimate model of mother.

Blessings

Sue Lennox - College Principal

Holy Mother,

You have been blessed and favoured by God.

You became not only the Mother of the Redeemer

but the Mother of the redeemed as well.

We come to you today as your loving children,

watch over us and take care of us.

As you held the child Jesus in your loving arms, so take us in your arms.

Be a mother ready at every moment to help us.

Help those in need, give strength to the weak and comfort the sorrowful.

Mary, may all who seek your help experience your unfailing protection.

Amen.