The commencement of the academic year at the College is always marked by a flurry of activity, and this year has been no exception, beginning with a series of special events. 

The Secondary School enjoyed ideal weather conditions for the recent swimming carnival, providing an excellent platform for our talented swimmers to showcase their abilities.  It was great to see staff and student involvement in the pool and the war cry. Many students successfully qualified for the NASSA Swimming Championships across multiple events and we had lots of students participate in support of their house. Big thanks to Amanda Houison and Ella McKinnon for their leadership of the swimming carnival and thank you to all staff that were involved in making this a successful event (particularly in the heat). 

On Thursday 13 February, our Secondary College Leaders attended the annual Archbishop’s Student Leadership Commissioning Service. This significant event brings together student leaders from Anglican schools across Sydney at the historic Cathedral at Town Hall. 

The Commissioning Service serves as a valuable opportunity for our student leaders to gain insight and inspiration from the Archbishop, The Most Reverend Kanishka Raffel, a distinguished Christian leader. Additionally, it fosters connections among students from various schools who share similar leadership experiences and challenges. 

Students from Year 7 and Year 11 participated in the CEP (Challenge, Explore, Prepare) camps during the opening weeks of the term. The Year 7 camp focuses on relationship-building and welcoming new students to the College, while the Year 11 camp is designed to equip students with essential study strategies as they prepare for their senior years. As a school we value learning both inside the classroom and in areas outside of the confines of school. CEP is a compulsory activity for all students but is based on a challenge by choice philosophy. Students are encouraged to take up the learning opportunities presented to on camp but are not forced into doing things they do not want to do. For some of our students, just coming on camp is the challenge, for others it is a giant swing, abseiling down a cliff or camping in a tent for the first time. All of these experiences are designed to equip our students to develop into confident and competent young men and women.  

The Alumni Thanksgiving Service was held on Monday 17 February, celebrating the achievements of the 2024 Year 12 cohort in the Higher School Certificate (HSC). This event provided an opportunity to recognise high achievers and hear from select students about how they effectively balanced their academic commitments with other aspects of their lives.  

Looking ahead, we are pleased to host the first John Lambert Assembly of the year next week. This occasion will celebrate the accomplishments of students who have earned this prestigious award and serve as encouragement for all students to continue striving for excellence. 

A few reminders:

Driving permissions: All year 12 students driving to school must have driving permissions. Passengers must also have permission to be in a vehicle with a specific driver. Students must sign in and sign out at students reception or in the study centre.