Principal's Message
Dear Parents/Guardians/Staff and Students,I know it has been a couple of weeks since the last College Newsletter but there has been so little to report on, and our letters and messages through Compass have met our needs. But I hope that you are all well and coping with remote learning.
I am a fan of the TV show called The Voice. It started when a friend of my daughter was on a few years ago, and a Mount Carmel Ex-student (Alfie Acuri) made the finals. I love seeing people perform and excel in an area that I am so bad at. But in particular for people breaking the norm - the typical good looking, tall or sexy performer. Brilliant performers like "Tones and I" come to mind.
Sunday’s show had the bald, red bearded lawn mowing man singing with an angel's voice. He is not supposed to be able to do that. He is a mowing man. He has his life type cast. BUT HE DOES. AND HE DOES IT SO WELL WITH HIS GIFT OF A VOICE.
And that relates in part to my passion for educating students, particularly those who feel they are not as good as others – because of postcode or income or numerous other reasons. This man is seen as not ‘right’ to be able to sing. Rubbish. Hair or no hair, red beard or not, he has a wonderful voice and a significant future with it.
I have spent my career in schools encouraging students to believe that they are as good as any. For those who listen and back themselves the road is not any easier but it is achievable. For me, John Therry students ARE as good as any others in the state – they just don’t believe that and back themselves to prove it. Hard work and belief defeats all sorts of self-doubt.
At this time of remote learning I encourage all to do their best – for you never know how much your best will achieve.
Below is a short letter that was posted on Compass earlier this week.
Stay safe and God bless,
Sincerely, Wayne
An earlier note from Wayne posted on Compass:
Well hello,
It seems so long ago that we last had a College Assembly and I could talk to you all. A lot has happened with my Long Service Leave and then the remote learning and lockdown.
I know that the focus in the media has been on our HSC students, their Trial HSC exams and their safety and vaccination. And that is so important. But I would like all to know that we, the Staff, have not forgotten you. Those in Years 7 - 11, students who are engaging in their learning and staying on task. It is not easy. As a school we are managing this time as best we can and we know that you are also.
From our data we can see that most students are completing work and continuing their progress. (Letters were sent out to communicate this to parents last week). For some students there are difficulties and disengagement that makes the learning harder. For those students I ask that you contact your class teacher and explain the situation so we can work together.
I also remind you that there is a fitness class on zoom each Tuesday at 1.00pm and Year Meetings on Thursdays from 9.10am. These can be times to connect with your friends.
I urge all to engage with the class zoom lessons so content can be explained to you from your class teacher. We know that people learn in different ways and this direct instruction might help you. You may already have seen the video below. If you have it is better the second time. Have a look, please - it is not a prayer but it is powerful.
I am at the College on most days, and check emails regularly. Please feel free to contact me if we can help with anything during these difficult times. marshallw01@dow.catholic.edu.au