PRINCIPAL'S UPDATE
One of the many good things about being married to my wife Linda is that she forgets our wedding anniversary pretty much every year. Why is this good? It means that I am not in strife when I forget our wedding anniversary nearly every year!
While my ability to remember important dates is clearly not very good, one date I do remember most years is 31st May. 31st May was my last day working for a Chartered Accounting firm in Sydney. This year’s date takes on a particular resonance as it will be exactly 30 years since I permanently left that world. We need people with strong business acumen and the ability to balance the books. My interests were elsewhere. I now admire the courage of that slightly confused young man who walked out the door for the last time on 31st May with a dream of going in a completely different direction. It took me about 7 years from leaving the business world to start teaching my first classes. Fortunately, I loved teaching from day one.
I know that my story is not all that unusual; maybe half of us change career direction within 10 years or so after leaving school. While I did a lot of research into the various options available after leaving school, I know now that, to some degree, I was looking in the wrong places. I would say now to teenagers to look within and be aware of their strengths and interests. You are far more likely to enjoy your work and succeed if you follow what you are good at and interested in.
Staffing News
Mrs Nickie Birchall, who is one of our Learning Support Coordinators, has accepted a position at the Tasmanian Catholic Education Office as Education Officer: Secondary/Senior Secondary. Nickie initially applied for the role of Maths/Science teacher at SACC but previous Co-Principals Brendan Gill and Joe Sandric saw her potential to move into the Learning Support space. Her ability to adjust to the role and then ultimately lead the department through a time of significant growth has ensured that the many students in her care have been provided with the resources and support they need to flourish. Nickie has been a dedicated advocate for each one of the students and staff in her care. She has routinely worked long hours to achieve high standards in all aspects of her roles at SACC. Nickie will be missed at St Aloysius but we look forward to continuing to work with her in her new role at the TCEO, particularly as SACC moves into Years 11 and 12.
Mr Harrison Loveless has recently resigned, having accepted a position as an electrical apprentice. Harri commenced at St Aloysius College when he undertook a Sports Traineeship from the start of 2019. He worked across the college from Kinder to Grade 10. His efficiency in completing the Traineeship requirements made him available to pick up some additional work in the classrooms on the Junior Campus in the latter part of 2019. At the conclusion of Harri's Sports Traineeship, he applied for and won a Teacher Assistant position on the Junior Campus. This saw Harri work in Grade 3 for the most part and when additional hours arose to work 1:1 with a student with additional needs, Harri took this challenge on also. The students across the College have thrived under Harri's calm and approachable manner and have loved someone to kick the footy with during recess times.
We thank Nickie and Harri sincerely for their many and varied contributions to our College community and wish them all the best for the next chapter in their lives.
Coming to school and leaving school
As we all know, the traffic congestion at our Junior and Middle campuses is significant before and after school. While we want to move quickly, our number one concern is safety. If you are driving, I urge patience and that the regular road rules are followed. Please ensure that speed limits are adhered to. I have had the complaint from neighbours about cars being parked across driveways and litter being left on front lawns. If your child walks or bikes home, please emphasise the usual safe practices about looking both ways twice before crossing a road.