Week Four, Winter Term

I was fortunate to spend the past five weeks travelling in Alaska and other parts of the United States.    I am grateful to Mr Jeff Allen, from Kolbe College,  for taking on the  Acting Principal role while I was on leave.  Staff and students enjoyed working with him during this time and it was a great opportunity to share ideas across schools.

FEAST OF THE ASSUMPTION
On Thursday we gathered as a College to celebrate Mass for the Feast of the Assumption.  This is an important Feast in the Church’s calendar, a time when we gather to give thanks and praise for Mary’s grace-filled and blessed life and to honour the crowning glory of her assumption into heaven.   Thanks to Mr Harry Muller for his work in preparing for this Mass.


LIFELINK SLEEP-OUT
There were a significant number of staff and students who were  particularly appreciative of their warm beds on Friday night.   Over 70 students and 13 staff slept out on Thursday night to raise money for the Archbishop’s LifeLink Appeal.  In true form, it was a cold and wet night and sleeping in the undercover area in cardboard shelters gave those who participated a small insight into the grim reality many face on the streets each night.  The Sleep Out has become an annual event which raises money for those in need and also raises awareness within the school community about social justice issues.  The evening started with a reflection on the Gospel message of  loving our neighbour and  highlighed the obligation we each have to give others the opportunity to live Life to the Full.   At the assembly on Friday morning some of the students who had participated in the Sleep-out shared their reflections about what they had learned from the experience.  Thanks to Mrs Walmsley for again taking on the enormous task of organsing the Sleep Out and to all staff who assisted, particularly those who ‘slept-out’.  Thanks also to Mr Michael Holden for his support  on the night and also to the Year 11 students who prepared soup and ran the soup kitchen.  Well done to all the students for their spirit of service in their participation in this event.

CURRICULUM ENRICHMENT WEEK
Curriculum Enrichment Week commences on Monday, 26 August.  All parents should have received letters regarding the activities specific to their child’s year level.  A variety of activities have been planned to enhance learning in a real life context in the Middle School years.  Senior School students will participate in Christian Service, Retreats, visits to Tertiary Institutions and Study Skills workshops.

ANGELICO EXHIBITION
The Anglelico Art Exhibition is held each year in conjunction with the Performing Arts Festival for Catholic Schools and Colleges.  The Opening Night for the Exhibition was held on Tuesday and it was terrific to have work from students at HCC included in this professional exhibition which showcases the best work form students in Catholic schools.  The following students had their work selected for the Angelico Exhibition:
Kamilla Kajcsa (Year 7) - Tie-dyed/lino printed cushion
Bianca Sumich (Year 8) - Landscape painting
Sally Reyes (Year 8) - Landscape painting
Jarryd Dalley (Year 9) - Personal identity bust
Clandy Dada (Year 9) - Personal identity bust
Casey van der Merwe (Year 9) - mixed media artwork
Caleb Portelli (Year 10) - Fantasy chair sculpture

Group entry ('anthropomorphic totem pole') all Year 8 students:
Alyssa Kinkaid
Keely Prasalowski
Nayan Kerai

The exhibition is open 9 to 5pm daily until 23 August and entry is free.   The venue is Central Park, 152 -158 St George’s Terrace Perth.   If you have the opportunity to attend, I know you will be most impressed with the standard of work produced by secondary school students form Catholic Schools around WA. 

PERFORMING ARTS FESTIVAL FOR CATHOLIC SCHOOLS AND COLLEGES
The HCC Contemporary Ensemble performed at Mercy College on Friday evening.  Well done to Caleb Portelli, Jacob Barone, Katelyn Verran, Aimee George, Max Hughes, James Evans and Laura Evans for their great effort.   This event is part of the Performing Arts Festival for Catholic schools which runs during August and involves thousands of students from Catholic schools throughout the state.  Abbey'Lee Quantock and Chardonnay Mitchell (Vocal Duet)  also performed on last week and were   awarded a Certificate of Merit.  Well done to Abbey'Lee and Chardonnay.  Anthony Menegola, Angela Gethin and Chardonnay Mitchell will perform on the piano later in August and the College Choir and Barbershop will also showcase their talents.

Ms Mandy Connor
Principal