Perhaps time is flying by faster in our COVID-mixed up world, but we suddenly find ourselves at the end of Term 3.
I wish every student and family a safe, relaxing and refreshing break.
The Delany community
On Friday 4 September we celebrated our annual Multicultural Day (although delayed from Term 2). The day wasn’t the same scope as previous years - we were missing our international food stalls and our army of parents who would volunteer, participate and spectate for and with staff and students. A further challenge on the day was the mid-morning heavy showers that swept through the grounds and forced the planned performances under cover.
What we did have, and in abundance, was the generous and supportive spirit of our students. There was a proud display of national dress and costumes, culminating in the international fashion parade. The highlight is always the performances of national dances by students. There was the raucous dancing of the Lebanese locals, the graceful dances and songs of the Pacific Islands, and the skillfully choreographed Filipino bamboo dancing - just to name a few.
There was a committee of dedicated Year 12 students who did the bulk of the day’s organising. I won’t name individuals for fear of missing someone, but I extend the thanks of every member of the Delany community to these students who made the day a success. The countdown now begins for the 2021 Multicultural Day!
The academic community
The greatest challenge HSC students face each year is the time between the end of the Trial HSC exams and the beginning of the actual HSC. There is an understandable dip in urgency and energy. The time between these exams is, however, the time to find and fix errors made during the trials, and lock in additional marks for the HSC exams. On top of this, Year 12 students face the prospect of finishing school and moving beyond the gates of the College to the “real world”. COVID-19 has made this more complex for the 2020 graduating class.
Parents - whether your child is in Year 12 or 7, I urge you to keep talking about their learning and classes. Just as importantly, keep checking in regarding their welfare. Last week we acknowledged Year 12 students on R U OK day by providing lunch for them. Strong mental health is just as important and good physical health and will provide students with the resilience to get through, and succeed in, this stressful time of exams. It can also be a great help to us parents as well!
The Patrician community
Br Paul O’Keefe is the Provincial (the Boss) of the Patrician Brothers in Australian and PNG. Mr Easton and I invited Br Paul to visit last Wednesday and address our College assembly and Year 12 students. It was one of the few school visits Br Paul has managed during the past six months, and he was very pleased to be here amongst staff and students. We look forward to a time when our Patrician brothers can resume their close contact with their College.
Term 4
Classes resume for Term 4 on Monday 12 October at 8:45am. Students’ classes conclude for this term at 3:05pm on Wednesday 23 September.
When we return, students will wear the College summer uniform. The uniform shop is open on Tuesdays throughout the term.
St Patrick, pray for us.
Mr Anthony Blomfield
Assistant Principal