We are already half way through Term 1! There have been many opportunities across a range of areas for our students already this year. Being people that turn up and have a go is always my baseline that I want our students to work from. You cannot show up and just make up the numbers, you have to be engaging in and actively participating in order for us to grow as a community and for students to flourish. As ever, I ask your support in encouraging your children to do their best in all activities, whether it be their least or most preferred. This assists in developing the grit that is needed to be successful in any aspect of life. In line with this, I ask that you be active in your interest in your child’s school life. The influence of parents on your child’s attitude to education cannot be overstated. Asking, “What did you learn today?” at the dinner table may seem a bit daggy, like it comes from a US sitcom, but it is saying to your child that you are interested in them and that school is important. In today’s digital age, we are all receiving so much information, much of it misinformation or, worse, disinformation, that it is difficult to know what is right and wrong. We have a crucial role in arming them with the tools in finding their way through this overload of information. Schools work in a trust relationship with students and families and, for our students to thrive, we need them trusting that we are working in their best interests. You can assist this by speaking positively about education in general and St Aloysius Catholic College, in particular. I am not saying that you will be happy with every decision we make or that we won’t make mistakes. You can trust that all decisions we make are with the students' interest at the centre of what we do. If you do have an issue, please contact the relevant person at the College and we can work together to resolve it.

Often we focus on education for preparation for work and this is certainly a key part of what we do, but education for its own sake has been crucial to our development as a society. As a Catholic College, St Aloysius seeks to develop the whole person, character, spirituality and personal development. The moral basis of Jesus' teaching seeks us to be empathic and compassionate to those in need. To look beyond what is in it for me. Looking at the world today, we need people grounded in these values more than ever.

St Aloysius Catholic College has a terrific staff, teaching and support, and we have a fantastic cohort of students from a wide range of backgrounds. I ask that you trust us and support the expectations of the College. Of course, from time to time, there will be conversations that will be challenging. We will always aim to be consistent and treat people with dignity and respect.