Welcome to the start of a new school year.  It promises to be a memorable one!

For the first five weeks, we have reviewed our usual activities and adapted them to minimise the risks of unnecessary gatherings.

In place of our usual opening day assembly, students had an extended Homeroom.  In what is a record-breaking event, my welcome address went for just 1 minute 13 seconds.  I share it with parents and friends, here.

Welcome to our new staff, Joshua Mackie and Alicia Walker.  Joshua is local and will be known to many OLOL families where he was on contract, while Alicia returns home to Devonport from Queensland after a career in Health Services before completing her teaching qualification.  We welcome back from leave Robyn Arthur, and Renee Sushames.  We also welcome back Graeme Brooks who has accepted a contract to teach senior English classes in 2022.

Mr Anton Bezemer is taking a year leave of absence, while Lucy Withers took up a teaching post elsewhere. 

Similarly, our Dux Ceremony that usually takes place at this time has been postponed.  We will be publishing a full list of those who achieved an award in our local media shortly and award certificates will be provided to these students.

We finished last year with the tragedy that unfolded with Hillcrest Primary School.  Many in our region were impacted by this event, and one of the children who died was in the care of one of our College families.  Our sense of wanting to support the Hillcrest community has not waned over the summer break and, together with other Catholic schools in Devonport, Latrobe, and Ulverstone, we have reached out to the staff with a gesture of solidarity.  We keep them in our prayers as they and their community begin school this week.

All families will have received their Covid safety packs.  We are following our Covid Safety Plan (which is up to version 11!).  There are many variables at play, and I thank parents for their cooperation and patience as we navigate this ever-changing landscape.

Applications are open for interested young people (10 - 18 years of age) to apply for the Commissioner for Children and Young People (CCYP) Ambassador Program.  Ambassadors "help me to understand what is important for children and young people and are provided with opportunities to come together to discuss key issues and influence decision-makers".  Applications close on 18 February.  Parents and young people can find more detail, and make an application, here.

Many of us will remember (fondly) Les Ennis, a stalwart of our parish who faithfully served the clergy and parishioners.  Dear Les died earlier last week, just short of his 101st birthday.  I was pleased to represent our College at his funeral.

Eternal rest grant unto him, O Lord,

and let perpetual light shine upon him.

May his soul rest in peace.

Stay safe, keep happy, and keep each other in our prayers.

Frank Pisano

Parents/Carers are encouraged to move around to the western side of the pickup/drop off point when dropping off/picking up students. This allows other vehicles to also access the drop off zone and reduces backup and congestion on James St. 

It is critical that everyone using the drop off zone obey the speed limits and drive carefully and safely at all times. 

Staff are on duty to ensure that traffic flows smoothly and we appreciate everyone's cooperation with following their instructions.

Thank you in advance for your considerate and safe use of our College roads. 

Steve Powell
Health, Safety and Culture Officer. 

School Photos will be taken on Tuesday 15 February.

Leading Image School Photos have made the decision at a national level, to transition their services over to a fully online-only ordering system. The change means that parents/carers have full access to a greater range of products to order from while cutting out a lot of admin work for our school. 

Parents/Carers will receive further instructions on how to order including the access key in the coming days. 

Please visit Leading Image's website for more information.

After some feedback, the College has decided to introduce tailored shorts as an option for all students. There are various sizes currently available and in stock at the Uniform Shop. 

The Uniform price list has also been updated accordingly and can be found here.

AN EXCITING OPPORTUNITY HAS PRESENTED ITSELF!

Devonport Junior Soccer Association are looking for expressions of Interest for a committed/reliable Canteen Manager at Meercroft Park. 

For more information, please contact: devonportjuniorsoccer@gmail.com