Newsletter Term 3 Week 1 2020

Welcome back to Term 3
While much of our world is in turmoil, we are privileged to be able to return to lessons and many other onsite activities this week.

We extend a special welcome to the following boys who have joined our community this week.  We hope they quickly find new friends and settle into the routines of a new school or, for our Reception boys, their first school.

Vincent BRAILE
Harry OSBORN
Noah OZGA
Tanek OZGA
Matteo SPADAVECCHIA
Zach WESTWOOD
Yongde WU

Likewise, we offer a warm welcome back to our interstate boarders who have returned after a term away.  It is great to have you back!

Regardless of whether you are starting a new school or just a new term, the holiday breaks in our calendar, and the semester structure of our courses, provide everyone with a fresh start; a chance to reset and strive for higher goals based on our previous learning.  This is something that teachers, Heads of House and Directors of Student Wellbeing will be emphasising over the first two weeks of Term 3.

Congratulations to our First XI Soccer Team
on their victory in the opening round of competition against St Ignatius.

Rostrevor  3 - 1  Saint Ignatius

Prefects Netball
With glorious weather on Thursday, it was a pleasure to be the lone supporter of our Prefects netball team when they took on the mighty Loreto College in our annual invitational match.

After a shaky start while our boys got used to the rules, the team grew in confidence in each quarter discovering new skills and how best to use their height and speed to counteract the skill and determination of the Loreto team. While fiercely competitive, everyone seemed to revel in this chance to live normally once again and enjoy this social match.

Our thanks go to the Loreto Community for their welcome and hospitality and to the large crowd of Loreto spectators for their spirited support.

Our last Newsletter brings a new format for sharing College news
As many will remember, we have been working in the background to update our communication platforms to provide you with more regular updates in a format that is more readily accessible and readable on mobile devices.

While the change in format of our news bulletins brings many opportunities, it got me thinking about the 'old days' when the weekly Newsletter was published in hardcopy and distributed to students to take home to their parents.  In my case, I remember a small yellow newsletter clipping from my own student days that Mum had stuck on the fridge, a good place for reflection for hungry boys.  The clipping was the first time I came across the now familiar following story, 'Footprints'.

Last night I had a dream.
I dreamed I was walking along the beach with the Lord and across the sky flashed scenes from my life.
For each scene, I noticed two sets of footprints in the sand; one belonged to me, the other to the Lord.
When the last scene of my life flashed before us, I looked back at the footprints in the sand.
I noticed that, at many times along the path of life, there was only one set of footprints.
I also noticed that it happened at the very lowest and saddest times of my life.
This really bothered me, so I questioned the Lord about it.
"Lord, you said that, once I decided to follow you, you would walk with me all the way.  But I have noticed that, during the most troublesome times in my life, there was only one set of footprints.  I don't understand why, in times when I needed you most, you would leave me."
The Lord replied, "My precious child, I love you and I would never, never leave you during times of trial and suffering.  When you see only one set of footprints, it was then that I carried you."

I'm sure many of us will look back on 2020 as a time in our lives when there was only one set of footprints.  The good news is that we don't have to wait until the end of our lives to realise that our creator God is with us every day, ready to lighten the load.  In my experience this often comes in the generosity, support, and kindness of those I encounter each day.  Negotiating the uncertainty of a prolonged pandemic is tough going.  Being forced to work together to prevent further outbreaks does bring new opportunities for change, some of which can make the world a better place for everyone.  In the meantime, small acts of kindness and encouragement are helping millions of people through the many burdens associated with COVID-19.

Year 11 Semi-Formal - cancelled
Sadly, this is one of the events that we need to let go in 2020.  Thank you to our Year 11 lads who have been understanding and accepting of the change.  We look forward to making the 2021 Principal's Ball an even more special occasion early in the new year.

SACE - COVID-19 Update
In the second You Can Ask That! (Episode 2) video to come out of SACE, they revisit previous questions and provide updates on the ATAR, end of year exams, special provisions and VET.

Winter Sport has commenced at long last. Please help us to stay open and playing sport by doing your bit to stay socially distant if you are visiting the College over the weekend.  Coaches and Team Managers have been briefed on the requirements and how to support teams and families.

Best wishes for the week ahead.

Brian Schumacher
Principal