Dear Members of the St Gregory’s College family,
With the Boarders' Weekend upon us, I always find the middle of each term a great time to reflect on the first half, and a time to look forward to what is still yet to come. As the students pause for a short mid-term break, the staff will spend Friday at their Spirituality Day, followed by a Staff Professional Learning Day on Monday.
Student Leaders Assembly
One of the new changes we have made this year is to provide our Student Leaders with some autonomy over some of the assemblies, by showcasing what is happening within their leadership portfolios. This week, our seven leaders planned and executed a brilliant assembly by sharing with the community segments on Boarding, The Rite Journey programme, an Extension Maths and Wordle Challenge with Mrs Hackett and Ms Tansey, Junior Leaders Interviews, as well as a Marist and Co-curricular snapshot.
This group of leaders are set to make a real difference in their time at the College and to see the camaraderie, vision and leadership in these fine young men is an asset to them. As John Maxwell says, ‘a leader is the one who knows the way, shows the way, and goes the way’.
The Gordon Fetterplace Public Speaking Evening
Last Friday, I had the pleasure of being witness to another wonderful evening of Public Speaking. As a K-12 College event, the students were able to stand alongside their peers and present their speeches in front of their parents and staff. Congratulations to all students who participated in this event, I loved being able to share in your celebrations of the evening. A huge thanks to Mr Bestulic and Mrs Limbrey for your organisation and leadership of the evening.
One of the highlights as always is our Year 12 students' Impromptu speeches to finish off the evening. Congratulations to Joseph Limbrey for his successful ‘sell this pen’ speech. I must say that I will never look at the multi-colour pen the same again!
A few facts about Gordon Fetterplace, whom the Public Speaking Competition is named after:
- Gordon was the local member and Mayor of the Campbelltown Council from 1968 – 1992 (that is 7 terms as Mayor).
- Of his 10 children. . . all 7 boys went through St Greg's and were full-time Boarders.
- That means the Fetterplace family had a child here at St Greg's for 22 consecutive years.
- Gerard, Gordon’s youngest son, currently leads our Facilities, Maintenance and Property Team here at St Greg's.
- Gordon loved Public Speaking, but also had a real passion for Rugby League and served on the Wests League Club Board from 1994-1999.
- Gordon became a well-known personality in Campbelltown, volunteering his services in a variety of ways including to the local fire brigade and the Campbelltown Catholic Club.
- The local Campbelltown Pools are named the Gordon Fetterplace Aquatic Centre.
- In 1994 Gordon was awarded the Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) for his services to Campbelltown.
- In 2000 he was awarded the National Medal.
- The Wests Leagues Club Rugby Association awards a Gordon Fetterplace Medal.
- Unfortunately, Gordon passed away in 2007 at the age of 74.
A Sign of Positive Culture
I believe that a sign of a positive culture with staff is the ‘lunchroom presence and laughter’. Now, I am sure that these staff are absolutely delighted that I took a photo of them during their lunch break, but as I entered the staff room this week, the laughter and presence of so many staff members was great to see. For me, it is important our community sees this happening.
The second important sign for me is the dialogue that is happening at these tables. As you sit and listen, there is engagement and discussion around all things learning, and I am so grateful that we have a staff that is so engaged and connected to their vital roles in this community. Our College is in a great space with these staff at the helm and our students are all the better for it.
Celebrating Student Success
As I did last year, through the newsletter I will draw your attention to some of the outstanding efforts, successes and ventures that our students achieve that we love to celebrate. Please email any success to me so we can continue to celebrate with your son or daughter to jweekes@stgregs.nsw.edu.au
Events on the Horizon
Week 6
- Monday 4 March
- Pupil Free Day (Boarders' Free Weekend) / Staff PL Day
- Tuesday 5 March
- Junior School Book Fair commences.
- Wednesday 6 March
- Opening and Blessing of The Gregorian Centre
- Year 7 Study Skills Evening with Pru Salter 6:30pm
- Friday 8 March
- PDS Swimming
- International Women’s Day
- CSDA Public Speaking Zone Final
- Saturday 9 March
- ISA Finals
- Show Team Castle Hill and Moss Vale
- Sunday 10 March
- College Open Day
Week 7
- Tuesday 12 March
- Junior School Lunch on the Lawn
- Wednesday 13 March
- ISA Swimming Carnival
- NAPLAN Starts
- Thursday 14 March
- Senior School Cross Country
- Friday 15 March
- Year 7-9 Dance
- Show Team – Camden
- K-6 Assembly 2pm
- Saturday 16 March
- ISA Finals Back Up
- Sunday 17 March
- Musical Rehearsal
Have a lovely weekend and we look forward to seeing you all back for Week 6!
As our St Gregory’s College motto states, ‘You will reap what you sow’.
Mr Joel Weekes
Assistant Principal/Head of Senior School