From the Deputy Headmaster

Academic excellence

Many of our students are revising content, honing skills and preparing for some key assessments in the final weeks of Semester 1. As always, it’s not just about studying hard but also working in smart and well-informed ways according to key strategies found in the Churchie Study Skills curriculum on myChurchie.

While significant assessments certainly do concentrate the mind, it is always important to establish a wider perspective for developing good character as well.

National Reconciliation Week

This week is National Reconciliation Week, an opportunity for all Australians to reflect on our shared histories, cultures and achievements. We are encouraged to explore how we, as individuals and as a School community, can contribute to achieving reconciliation in Australia to both acknowledge and address the ongoing devastating impacts of colonisation on First Nations communities in Australia.

Churchie’s Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP) Committee of staff and students is leading a variety of initiatives across the week, a feature being addresses from Kingy Newman-Nona at Senior and Prep School assemblies. Some of the other Reconciliation Week initiatives are posters ‘Now more than ever’, library book displays, discussions at house meetings and traditional Aboriginal games for Churchie and St Margaret’s students on Wednesday. The ongoing development of our Reconciliation Action Plan provides valuable learning and cultural experiences across the School, engendering respect, awareness and intercultural opportunities. More information about Churchie’s RAP Committee and initiatives can be found on myChurchie.

Red Shield Appeal

A wonderful demonstration of the School’s service tenet was provided last Sunday when 390 students from Churchie and St Margaret’s committed to the Red Shield Appeal. They raised over $13,000 to support people who face homelessness, family and domestic violence, addiction, financial stress and a range of other hardships. Churchie’s commitment to the Salvation Army’s Red Shield Appeal continues to be a very important fixture in our yearly calendar. We commend our boys on their efforts and thank the many parents and staff who also played significant roles on the day.

We wish all young men a wonderful finale to Semester 1 over the next fortnight, committing themselves to all their endeavours with a genuine sense of purpose, gratitude and joy.

Richard Wheeldon
Deputy Headmaster