Message from the acting Head of School
As we bid farewell to another enriching term, I am proud to reflect on the incredible journey we have embarked upon together. Term 3 has been brimming with accomplishments, as our co-curricular, extra curricular and sports activities draw to a close and our Year 12 students stand poised for their impending HSC exams. It is vital to remember however, that this is not the moment to ease up; rather, the upcoming Term holds the promise of fresh challenges and further accomplishments.
Newly Refurbished Food Technology Room
A significant milestone was achieved at the Secondary campus this term with the unveiling of our state of the art Food Technology Room. This modern facility will provide the opportunity to, in time, expand our school’s course offerings to include courses related to the Hospitality industry, and nurture the culinary talents of our students. The new space has received a warm reception from both students and teachers, all of whom are enthusiastic about the exciting opportunities it offers.
IPSHA Performing Arts Festival
What an incredible night it was at the IPSHA Performing Arts Festival as our Year 5 and 6 students took the stage by storm at the prestigious Town Hall. Our talented students wowed the audience with their creative and energetic prowess, and expressive singing. I would like to thank our CAPA team, in particular Mr Carroll for nurturing their musical talents and unwavering support and dedication during rehearsals. We are very proud of you all.
Online Safety
I would like to remind families about online safety. It is of paramount importance for students in today’s digital age. With the internet being such an integral part of their education and social lives, it is crucial to equip children with the knowledge and skills required to navigate the online world in a safe manner. Families can play a vital role in this area by utilising the online resource provided by the eSafety Commission available at https://www.esafety.gov.au/. It offers a wealth of information and tools to help students and their families understand the risks associated with the internet and how to protect themselves. By staying informed and taking proactive measures, students can enjoy the benefits of the online world while minimising potential dangers, ensuring a safer and more secure digital experience.
Year 10 Work Experience
Our Year 10 students had an opportunity to experience the ‘workforce’ during the last week of the Term. For a significant number of them, this was probably the first time they could experience a taste of their future career path. I’d like to thank Mr Barra for organising Work Experience for our Year 10 students. I also thank the many teachers who assisted in visiting our student at their workplace to ensure their wellbeing. Please refer to Mr Barra’s Secondary Campus Co-curricular Update to read more about our students’ achievements.
Year 12 Farewell Message
Delivered at the Valedictory Doxology and Awards Ceremony celebrated on Wednesday 13 September.
Students of Year 12, you are at a point in your life where you have reached your next starting line. So far, you have learned the basics of social interactions. So far, you have gained the basic knowledge to have some understanding of the world and how it works. So far, you have built relationships and networks that have provided you with the support in times of need and that sustain you through difficult moments. So far, you have been encouraged to gain an appreciation for the richness of your Hellenic heritage, and the values of your Orthodox Faith.
But this is only the beginning. Life is a journey of experiences that shape us for who we are and for who we are likely to become. The values and character traits that inform our responses to life experiences are what makes the difference for better or worse.
As the great Bible writer puts it:
There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens:
2 a time to be born and a time to die,
a time to plant and a time to uproot,
3 a time to hurt and a time to heal,
a time to tear down and a time to build,
4 a time to weep and a time to laugh, a time to mourn and a time to dance.
Your life will have a time for all those experiences. Embrace the learning that comes from each of those moments that life will grant you. Cherish them as pearls with which to adorn your life. Use the new learning to enrich the person you can become. Be a better person and a better learner throughout your life. Learn to love and learn to live a life that seeks to be more. Be guided by a spirit of love, for yourself, and love for others. You may recognise these words: I quote St Paul, “If I have the gift of prophecy and can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have a faith that can move mountains, but do not have love, I am nothing. If I give all I possess to the poor and give over my body to hardship that I may boast, but do not have love, I gain nothing.”
So, yes, be people of love. Individuals who are grateful, caring, compassionate and who take responsibility for your place in the world. This is the point in your life when these qualities need to become evident. So, begin by thanking your parents and your extended family, who, I’m sure, have made numerous sacrifices to give you the life you enjoy today. Be thankful for your teachers; for the support they have given you over the years. Be thankful for your friends, some of whom are likely to be with you for the rest of your life. Be thankful for this community that has seen you grow into the person you are today.
I would like to express my sincere thanks to you, parents of our Year 12 students. Thank you for trusting us with the education of your children. The partnership you and the school have forged over the years, have borne great fruits in your children.
I also thank the teachers at our school, Primary teachers, and our Secondary teachers. Your contribution to the growth and education of our students has an incommensurable value. Your value-add sometimes goes unnoticed, so I acknowledge your commitment and thank you for your care for our students.
Father Dimitrios and Father Chris, your continuous presence in the life of our students across all campuses is much appreciated, as it keeps the flame of the Orthodox Faith alive in our community. We thank you.
My final words to our Year 12 cohort will include a statement from one of the great leaders of our time, Nelson Mandela, He said, “What counts in life is not the mere fact that we have lived; It is what difference we have made to the lives of others that will determine the significance of the life we lead.”
Beloved students of Year 12, live your lives making a positive difference in the life of those around you, and your society. Be a light in the darkness. Live a life where every day you strive to be a better person, that can have a positive impact in the world. May God bless you.
Year 12 Valedictory, Doxology, and Awards Ceremony were presided over by His Eminence, Archbishop Makarios of Australia. Congratulations Year 12.
As we head into a well deserved break, let’s carry the spirit of these accomplishments with us, inspiring us to continue reaching for new heights in Term 4 and beyond. School resumes on Monday 9 October.
