Brotherhood and our Welcoming Community
We often hear the term "brotherhood" used by the boys in the Senior School and there are many instances of this. This was personified by an interaction I witnessed between a Year 11 student and a new Year 7 on Wednesday of the first week. From a distance I saw the Year 7 boy confused and trying to make sense of his map and timetable in his diary. The Year 11 student, without being asked, helped the younger student identify his classroom and walked him to the room. This natural and simple moment is what builds welcoming communities and is an example of the St Greg’s "brotherhood".
On Monday I also experienced this community as we welcomed the Kindergarten young people for their first full day at the Junior School. Having a few moments to chat with parents and staff at the morning tea and witness the excitement and positivity of all involved was wonderful.
Our Welcoming Assembly was held on Tuesday of Week 1. The first assembly is always a great way to demonstrate our family spirit, and as with any family, we warmly welcome newcomers. For many years I have watched the new members of our community embraced in this special way. Our Marist theme for 2023 is Created and Called – a revolution of love and tenderness. What better way to express love and tenderness than in the authentic welcome we witnessed at this assembly. Click on the link below to watch the Welcome Assembly.
Welcome Assembly
Opening Mass
It was again another occasion where the College came together and celebrated, not only the beginning of our academic year, but the chance to gather as an extended community in Eucharist. The singing of the community, coupled with their responses and reverence, ensured that all present felt uplifted and positive about the year ahead and of the Greg’s family. Particular congratulations to Angus Limbrey for his outstanding address as College Captain. A link to the mass can be found below:
Opening Mass 2023
Staff Hopes for 2023
The staff gathered as a community in the days before your children returned to prepare for the positive year ahead. Staff were asked to think of three things that, as a community, we wished to achieve this year. The findings are interesting. The bigger the word, the more people chose it. My hope is our community, as we reset after three challenging years, is one full of happiness, positivity and balance – just like the wonderful staff.
Growth in the Junior School in 2024 and beyond
The College is very excited to be growing in 2024 with Kindergarten – Year 3 increasing to a third stream in next year. This is due to the large number of the local Gregory Hills community seeking an education at St Gregory’s. Exciting times ahead.
ChatGPT
There has been much written and spoken over the last few months regarding in the Artificial Intelligence chatbot, ChatGPT. The College has engaged a Project Officer to explore this new technology and the possible benefits and uses for both our staff and students, through the lens of improving Teaching and Learning, as well as from a Staff Wellbeing perspective. Regular updates to the community will be provided throughout Term 1, with a timeline of looking at a St Gregory’s college-wide approach to embracing this new and exciting technology.
May St Marcellin, St Gregory and Mary Our Good Mother continue to watch over the St Greg’s Family.
Matthew Brennan
College Principal
