Last Thursday, the College celebrated our Father's Day Breakfast. This was the College's first major social event that could be held for nearly two years. It was so positive to welcome so many of our Dads and male mentors to the College, to celebrate the presence of positive role models in the lives of our young people. More than ever before, our young people need to be supported by strong men who are fair, reasonable and willing to share their love and advice.

At the heart of respectful relationships is unconditional positive regard where young people can express their individuality, fears and passions without judgement and ridicule. The best gift we can give our people is the 'presence' of ourselves. Our young people need to know and feel our care; they need our full and undivided attention. I know as a father, l have not always been present for my sons; my mind has been preoccupied, and my thoughts wander, but my sons let me know and quickly express their frustration. Young people can recognise a lack of authenticity and hollow words. Be real, be present!

I encourage you to make each day Father's Day – find a quiet moment to share your excitement, your fear and the challenges of your day. We need young people who can express their feelings, thoughts and emotions with a trusted male and female role model.

I found this week's reflection from Kirk Loadman,

Let us praise those fathers who have striven to balance the demands of work, marriage, and children with an honest awareness of both joy and sacrifice. Let us praise those fathers who, lacking a good model for a father, have worked to become a good father.

Let us praise those fathers who, by their own account, were not always there for their children but who continue to offer those children, now grown, their love and support. Let us pray for those fathers who have been wounded by the neglect and hostility of their children.

Let us praise those fathers who, despite divorce, have remained in their children's lives. Let us praise those fathers whose children are adopted and whose love and support has offered healing.

Let us praise those fathers who, as stepfathers, freely choose the obligation of fatherhood and earned their stepchildren's love and respect. Let us praise those fathers who have lost a child to death and continue to hold the child in their heart.

Let us praise those men who have no children but cherish the next generation as if they were their own.

Let us praise those men who have "fathered" us in their role as mentors and guides.

Let us praise those men who are about to become fathers; may they openly delight in their children.

And let us praise those fathers who have died but live on in our memory and whose love continues to nurture us.

On Monday, our Year 8 Esteem Program welcomed our grade four friends from Emmaus Primary School. The students participated in a Science investigation and had to solve a mystery using the tools of the Science. We thank our Year 8 students who led with respect and calmness. Thanks too, to our ESTEEM teachers.

Our student learning program continues at a rapid pace our students are engaged in their learning. Many students have a number of assessment tasks to complete or tests to sit. I encourage you to help your child become and be organised. Our students need conversations to help them become organised and better prepared. In the junior years, l encourage you to talk to your child about their homework and assessment tasks and look at their diary or electronic planner to see how your child is planning for assessment. This Thursday, our Year 9 students have a Mathematics examination.

Students completing Unit 4 subjects will require your support in completing School Assessed Coursework and to prepare for their upcoming trial exams. We are in the last stages of our senior school learning journey. Help your son or daughter to 'keep their eye on the prize.' Now is the time to ease the family pressure of chores and part-time working hours. Today is the beginning of the last 100 metres, so carefully support your child in the last phase of Unit 4. As a father, l made copious amounts of cups of tea and managed an anxious child who needed my support to get to the finish line.

Tonight, from 5.00pm, we commence the enrolment process for Year 7 students for the 2024 school year through our information evening. We are pleased to have mums, dads, and young people here at the College – meeting members of the Leadership Team and having the opportunity to participate in a range of Learning Area activities.

Our 2023 Year 12's are courageously putting themselves forward for student leadership roles at the moment. This is a time of growth and vulnerability for these young people. It is exciting that these genuine and caring senior students see that they have great things to offer the student leadership of this College, and I thank them for their preparation and courage.

Until next week