Easter blessings to you as we return after the miracle of Easter Sunday. I hope you had a wonderful break and that you took the opportunity to join some of the many services across the region during the Easter season.

Whilst the girls have returned after Easter feeling a little refreshed, it is evident they are ready for a more substantial break as we come to the end of term 1. The same can be said of the staff as they busily mark assessments and exams and provide feedback to students on the ways they could have improved. You will have received your daughter's mid semester report and I hope you have used this to generate a conversation with her about her progress and outlined some goals for next term.

Last weekend the leadership and management teams met with the Board Directors and committee members to work on the College’s Strategic Plan. It was a very fruitful working weekend and we will have a plan that will steer us for the next few years. Once this is finalised, I will share with you the final product.

You may recall the term has been one of upheaval as a few staff unexpectedly needed to take some time away. A number of staff stepped into the void so that the College could continue to provide an education that would not compromise the learning of the girls. I am very grateful to these staff for their generous support. Mrs Karen Wright who took on Assistant Principal Learning and Teaching as well as Curriculum Administrator, Mrs Katherine Power Assistant Principal Students, Ms Olivia Matti Year 10 Coordinator; all took added responsibilities in the changes. The following staff adjusted their teaching to accommodate the gaps: Mr Gattone, Mrs Foran, Mrs McDonald, Mrs Fetterplace and Mr East. Then we engaged three casual teachers who worked very well with staff and coordinators: Ms Lusby, Mrs Galal and Ms Buckler. I am very grateful to all of these people. Fortunately we will have Mrs McGeachie and Mrs Ibbett back next term as they join the other staff who also had some time away through term 1.

The ability of a person or organisation to be flexible and adaptive are important contributing factors to growth and success. A growth mindset is one that embraces challenges and learns from this. It believes and works at overcoming difficulties with hard work and perseverance. We are very much a community that has a growth mindset approach to learning and living.

The commemoration of the Appin Massacre is this Sunday 15 April at Cataract Dam from 11.00am. Any girls who attend are asked to wear their uniform as they participate in a Guard of Honour. There will be refreshments after the ceremony for those who are there. The College flags will be at half-mast in recognition of this tragic event over the weekend. A flyer for this event is included in this edition.

Finally, we finish the term with a number of very topical stories in our papers about high profile people cheating or behaving in such a way that is contrary to the expectations of the community at large. It is sometimes difficult to remember what is important when the trappings of million dollar salaries, high paid endorsements, fame and notoriety cloud one’s judgement. Sadly, if this has become part of the culture of an organisation, then some will have to be sacrificed to clean the organisation. Let’s hope that for all the young people who are watching this unfold, they see the need to remain honest as an important learning but also that no one is above temptation and that ignorance or avoidance is not a suitable disclaimer for innocence.

I wish all the girls and staff a restful break and look forward to seeing you all return in term 2. I will leave you with a reflection on peace and acceptance.

Blessings

Sue Lennox - Principal 

"To be at peace
we must first learn
to accept ourselves.
Coming to peace
with who we are,
what we have,
and what we do
is the spiritual basis
for the acceptance of others".
Joan Chittister