Academic Awards Assembly
One of the highlights of Term 1 is our Academic Awards Assembly. This is an opportunity to gather as a community to recognise the achievements of students who excelled academically in 2024. Awards are offered to those who have excelled in a subject area and the Pat Browne Award is bestowed upon those who have excelled across all subjects. Pat Browne was a long serving staff member remembered for outstanding service to CBC. In addressing the students, I reflected on the perseverance and determination that often goes unseen but characterises those who are successful. Special thanks to Adam Tran, Dux of the College in 2024, who offered great insight in his address as to the formation that he received during his time at St Mary’s and his gratitude for the breadth of opportunity. Congratulations to Zoe Taylor (PY 2024) on receiving our Edmund Rice Social Justice Award and Li Baxter who received the Year 12 Vocational Major Award. Congratulations to all our young people who were acknowledged this week for their achievements in 2024 and I hope it has inspired our student to strive to be their best.
Ash Wednesday Liturgy
This week we gathered as a community in Logue Hall for our Ash Wednesday Liturgy. Ash Wednesday marks the beginning of Lent, a significant period of reflection and preparation for Easter. The liturgy includes the distribution of ashes, an ancient tradition dating back to 8th century Christians who wanted to offer a visible sign that they were sorry for their sins and wanted to repent. Our students were encouraged to start their Lenten journey with renewed purpose that we will articulate through Project Compassion in aid of Caritas. We extend our heartfelt thanks to Fr. Jerome for leading the service and inspiring our community with his homily.
International Women’s Day
To celebrate International Women’s Day, Ms Howard invited Ms Lynda Chalmers to join us for lunch this week and speak to a group of students and staff about her life and work as CEO of Care Connect, an aged care provider. Thank you to Lynda for accepting the invitation and her willingness to share her story and offer insights into her success. Happy International Women’s Day.
EREA National Principals Conference
Principals of the 55 Edmund Rice Education Schools from across Australia gathered in Brisbane this week to discuss the new charter for our schools. What was apparent when we gathered is that Edmund Rice Schools are both very diverse and can be found in every jurisdiction across the country. There are large and smaller secondary schools, both co-educational and single-sex, flexi schools, early learning centres and schools that cater predominantly for indigenous young people. We should feel proud of our place in a network of schools that continues to respond to the needs of the community. This is very much in the spirit of the founder, Blessed Edmund Rice. One of the presenters was the inspirational Fr Greg Boyle SJ who spoke of his work in Los Angeles where he has become known for his efforts to engage with gang members and draw them towards further education and training. He is the founder of “Homeboy Industries” and is a published author including the New York Times best seller: Tattoos of the Heart: The Power of Boundless Compassion.
Darren Atkinson
Principal
2024 College Dux
Adam Tran
ATAR: 96.55