After what I hope was a restful and enjoyable holiday, I extend to all members of the Salesian College community a very warm welcome back for the final term of the year.
A special welcome to our new students who commenced yesterday. It is certainly an unusual time to be commencing,especially as we remain in remote learning for now, but I am confident all will be made to feel welcome by their teachers and peers.
A highlight on the Term 4 calendar for a number of years now has been our Rupertswood Harvest. Unfortunately due to COVID restrictions we are unable to invite visitors into the school and to gather in large numbers.
This is such a disappointment as the farm, including the livestock and the horticultural enterprises, are looking spectacular at the moment due to the good rainfall we've received and the extra care afforded by our farm and property teams.
For those who have visited the College recently, you will see just how beautiful the place is looking, with the recently completed Chapel Walkway, Bell Tower and House Statues all obvious points of attention.
The lack of a formal 'Open Day' opportunity to visit the College has not slowed the interest in a Salesian education; at present we have over 1,400 students enrolled for 2021, including close to 270 in Year 7. We have over 250 applicants for Year 7 in 2022, with offers due to be made next month. If for any reason your family has missed putting in an application, I urge you to do so quickly.
Feedback from House Leaders indicates that students commenced well in classes yesterday, re-engaging positively with their teachers and expressing excitement about returning to onsite learning soon. The revised timeline for the return of students to the College is as follows:
Tomorrow our Year 12s return to the College in order to complete the General Achievement Test (GAT). This test of general knowledge and skills taken by all Victorian students is an important part of the moderation process for VCE scores and has extra significance in 2020 due to the interruptions to assessment caused by the pandemic. The GAT is scheduled for Wednesday 7 October, 10:00am–1:15pm at Lakeside Stadium.
After a few short weeks back at school, our Year 12’s will celebrate their final days in secondary schooling. Formal classes finish on Friday October 29 and the examination period commences shortly thereafter for some students. I ask all members of the Salesian College community to keep these young people in your prayers, that they may enjoy success in their endeavours.
Mr Mark Brockhus
