As we break for our first term holidays, we do so on the eve of the Easter weekend. At our whole College Chapel on Wednesday morning, the hope of the Easter message was shared with us as we come to experience darkness and light in our lives.

The Easter message with the resurrection of Jesus is central to our Christian faith and community. Through this time, we are reminded of Christ’s love for us. We are guided to place our hope, faith and trust in Him which renews and restores us each day.

Your family may have some annual rituals at this time of year – perhaps a Church service on Good Friday, Hot Cross Buns being eaten or Easter Eggs being shared. Through each of these rituals there is a direct correlation to the Easter story. I encourage you to celebrate these rituals in your family and make them a legacy for your children as they too come to learn and hear more about the love of Christ for each one of us.
 

Community Thanks

Term 1 is always a significant time of community connection for our community. If we cast our minds back to the start of the year, we can recall Information Nights and gathering opportunities with staff and parents. We celebrated major sporting carnivals, most recently with Sports Day and then gathered for another successful Twilight Food Affair.

All these events are enriched and enhanced by the attendance and support of not only parents but wider extended family such as grandparents and special friends. I thank you for your support of the many community events held in Term 1 and the encouragement of student learning in the many and various dimensions of College life.
 

Staff Changes

As we come to the end of Term 1 we thank the following staff who conclude their formal association with the College:

• Ms Linda Sloan who has taught JS PE and been replacing Ms Gore while she has been on Long Service Leave
• Ms Minka Lock who has taught in the Middle and Senior Schools for Mr Robusti as he has been on Long Service Leave
• Miss Karla Presser who is returning to her hometown of Melbourne. Karla joined us in 2016 in the Middle and Senior Schools. We welcome more fully into our community Ms Sam Shores and Ms Laura Simmons who will be permanently teaching additional classes as a result of Karla’s resignation.

We thank each staff member for their contributions and wish them every blessing for their future pathways. In addition, Pastor Jon Goessling will be on Long Service Leave for all of Term 2. We hope this is a wonderful period of refreshment for him.
 

Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious!

When we return from our holiday break, our performances of Mary Poppins will be launching, being held at Hopgood Theatre from 4 to 6 May. I have been blessed to see the rehearsals in action and each time I see another aspect of the show I get goosebumps at the amazing talents and transformations of our students.

The cast and crew of the show will be continuing rehearsals and preparations throughout the holidays and will be in the theatre from the start of Week 1 next term. I commend the commitment and energy of all students, staff, parents and Old Scholars involved in preparing for one of the most challenging productions ever to be staged by Tatatchilla.

I would strongly encourage and invite all families to attend this production. Mary Poppins is a musical for all ages and one that will delight and uplift your spirits. The energy, the songs, the creativity, the humour, the colour, the lights and sets will all amaze you – not to mention the brilliant acting, singing and dancing. Students from across the whole College, from Junior School through to Year 12 are involved in this amazing, world renowned, international, best seller musical that is, Mary Poppins!

As you celebrate the life-giving Easter message this weekend, may you also find space and rest in the coming weeks, before coming along to an enjoyable evening at the theatre!

Blessings and hope to all our community!
 

Mr Cain McDonald
PRINCIPAL