In the course of this year we farewelled our Business Manager, Mrs Tessa Gooch. Mrs Gooch had been at the College for 22 years. She began as a part time temporary bookkeeper and retired as our Business Manager having held the role for 16 years.  Whilst she was excellent in her role of managing the finances and the economic sustainability of the College, I believe one of her greatest contributions could be seen in her role in the building and development across the College over the years. Her work in this area of her responsibility has secured for us an up-to-date, modern educational environment that is recognised by all as one of our greatest asset. Under her watch, the College built the COLA, refurbished the science labs, refurbished the library, created the Benedict centre, College Gym and relocation of the Canteen. She oversaw the demolition of the convent in the centre of the College, refurbishment of the drama space, Year Coordinators' offices, all of H Block and refurbishment of Westview. Our environment is certainly enhanced thanks to her work and the collaboration between builders, architects, Board Directors and Principals at the time. Mrs Gooch also managed the Duke of Edinburgh program and was a valuable member of the leadership team. We wish her the very best in her retirement.

We were very fortunate to secure the services of Mrs Kristy Dennis as the new Business Manager. Being an ex-student and still living in the area, Mrs Dennis is very aware of the charism and mission of the College and the challenges and difficulties our families experience over time. She has had extensive experience as a Business Manager prior to this position and currently holds the position of president of ASBA, which is the National Body of School Business Managers, in addition to positions on various boards of peak bodies in New South Wales. She has settled in very well and we are delighted to welcome her to the College community.

After extensive advertising and a rigorous application process, I am thrilled to inform you that Dr Debra Bourne will be our Assistant Principal Learning and Teaching from 2021. She has been instrumental in the model of remote learning engaged by the College earlier in the year and has navigated our management of this throughout the pandemic. I welcome her to her new role. We are currently in the process of securing the now vacant eLearning position at the College for 2021.

Last weekend, the Board Directors, committee members and staff from the leadership and management teams participated in a Strategic Planning day in the new Design Centre at the College. It was a very productive day as we reviewed the plan we currently have and took stock of the areas still to be addressed over the coming 12 months.  I am very grateful to all these people for giving up their Saturday to contribute to this important work. It was a great opportunity to showcase the new spaces to those volunteers who have contributed so much to the governance of the College.

The Year 12 girls will finish their HSC exams next week. It is hard to believe it will then be over for them. They remain constantly in our prayers as we hope they are feeling confident and assured whilst they answer the questions and complete their responses in each of their exams. In the coming weeks, we will finish their graduation ceremony with their parents and then they will have their formal. It has been an extraordinary year for them and we wish them the best as they make their way into the world post school.

In this edition you will see a note from the Chair of the Board of Directors referring to my recent appraisal. I  would like to extend my thanks to all who contributed to this process. I found it to be very affirming and rewarding and feel very privileged to be the Principal of this College community.

In the coming days, you will receive a letter outlying the changes to the entrance of the College due to the start of the building project. The project is expected to be finish early term 1 2021, however, there will be a significant impact on the movement entering the College for the rest of this term.  Please read the information carefully so you are familiar with the changes.

I will leave you with a short prayer on accepting an outcome from The Rule of St Benedict. It provides some food for thought as we witnessed two big contests this week, the NRL State of Origin 1 and the presidential election in the USA.

Blessings

Sue Lennox - Principal 

'Let them strive to be the first to honor one another.'
They should bear each other's
weaknesses of both body and character
with the utmost patience.
(The Rule of St Benedict 72.4-5)