07 NOV 2024 From the Principal (Acting)

November as the penultimate month of the year brings so much joy and excitement as we near the end of the school year. Already this term we have marked a significant point in time as the College turned the first sod of the Mickleham Campus. The small ceremony held in late October marked the official of construction of the Campus that will be open in 2026 for Year 7 students.

Next week, our school will recognise Remembrance Day. Remembrance Day is the day Australians remember those who have died in war, in particular World War 1. Few Australian families were left untouched by the events of World War I – ‘the war to end all wars.” Most had lost a father, son, daughter, brother, sister or friend. At 11am on 11 November we pause to remember the sacrifice of those men and women who have died or suffered in wars and conflicts and all those who have served during the past 106 years. At this time, I also acknowledge those that are affected by several conflicts happening overseas in the Ukraine and also the Middle East. As carriers of peace, we hope that these conflicts end soon.

On Friday 18 October our Year 12 students formally ended their classes and graduated from the College taking part in the outstanding Graduation Mass and Ceremony. The students reflected on their time at Kolbe before they step onto various paths to lead them to different careers and opportunities for the future. There are so many currently planning to study at university and follow professional careers, while others are working on apprenticeships and trades, and the Kolbe College academic offering reflects these divergent futures. For those currently sitting exams, we wish you well. We hope our students leave our college with fond memories and will call on the belonging of our college in future years. At the ceremony I urged our students to share their own 'fragrance of Christ' with the world. I wanted them to embrace the joy and fruits of their labour as they Endeavor to make their mark upon society. This was a reference to Pope Francis’ visit to Timor Leste. To all the students we thank you for the outstanding sense of pride and dignity you displayed as you departed Kolbe Catholic College. Good luck Year 12s!

At the time of writing, I had just eaten at our Romero House Morning Tea. These morning teas have been a highlight for staff as each House has provided plates of delicious sweets, savouries, fruit and a range of other homemade goodies to share. The morning teas are an excellent example for all staff to come together to bond and share stories together about how their days and weeks have been at the College. I can’t wait to see what everyone brings in 2025.

Finally, I wanted to share how moved I was to attend the Northern Hospital’s Palliative Care unit with our 2025 Community Captains, Marketing Manager and Director of Faith and Community. Our purpose was to deliver a number of decorated and artistic bags for patient belongings as part of the Handover HeART Project. The College will continue to partner with Northern Health to deliver more bags in 2025.

Cameron Whitford
Acting Principal