Year 9 News

A very warm welcome back to all Year 9 families and students to what I am sure will be a year full of opportunities both in and out of the classroom. Our community is on the precipice of great change, which has already seen our name officially become San Clemente Catholic College (SCCC).

As we begin this new school year, we do so with much anticipation and a shared commitment to our four Dominican Pillars – Prayer, Service, Study and Community. This year is particularly special as we recognize it as a Jubilee Year – a time to celebrate that only happens once every 25 years – and a time of renewal, reflection, and hope. We are encouraged this year to be 'Pilgrims of Hope', which invites us to embark on a journey filled with faith, perseverance, and optimism for the year ahead.

A pilgrimage is more than just a journey; it is an opportunity for transformation. As Year 9 students, this is a pivotal time of development—academically, socially, and emotionally. We encourage our students to embrace the school year as pilgrims, seeking knowledge, building relationships, and striving to make positive contributions to our school community.

Our school's values of Respect, Responsibility, and being Ready to Learn align perfectly with the 'Pilgrims of Hope' theme of before mentioned celebration.

These values will serve as our goal posts throughout the year:

• Respect: Just as pilgrims respect the cultures and traditions of the places they visit, we encourage students to demonstrate respect for themselves, their peers, and their teachers. This includes valuing diverse perspectives, fostering an inclusive environment, and treating all members of our community and our environment with kindness and dignity.
• Responsibility: Pilgrims take ownership of their journey, making thoughtful decisions along the way. Similarly, our students are called to take responsibility for their actions, their learning, and their role in the school community. This means being accountable for their studies, their behaviour, and the way they contribute to a positive college culture.
• Ready to Learn: Every journey requires preparation and an open mind. A pilgrim steps forward with curiosity and a willingness to grow. We encourage all Year 9 students to approach their studies with enthusiasm, to set goals for their personal and academic development, and to embrace challenges as opportunities to learn.

This school year will be filled with opportunities to live out these values through engaging learning experiences, extracurricular activities, and meaningful service initiatives. We invite our Year 9 students and their families to actively participate in the life of the school, fostering a sense of belonging and shared purpose.

As we run headfirst into another year, let us work together with hope in our hearts and a commitment to making the next 12 months ones of growth, achievement, positive connections and respectful relationships. May we all be pilgrims of hope, ready to embrace the challenges and joys that lie ahead.

Before wrapping up, I would like to take this opportunity to introduce the wonderful team of Year 9 mentors that will be working closely with your children – Monday to Friday - as they navigate their Stage 5 studies;

• Rachel Noonan – Aquino 1
• Rachel Buteaux – Aquino 2
• Emma McCarthy and Mr. Simon Watt (Fridays) – Calaroga 1
• Tim Braunton – Calaroga 2
• Julie Webber – Castile 1
• Corrina Oszko – Castile 2
• Michael Doyle – Sienna 1
• Katie De Bock – Sienna 2

A final thought on the importance of hope;

“Hope is important because it can make the present moment less difficult to bear. If we believe that tomorrow will be better, we can bear the hardships of today.”

Families, as always, should you wish to discuss an issue concerning your child please do not hesitate to call The Office on 40147300 or email me directly - mitch.allan@mn.catholic.edu.au

Warm Regards,

Mitch Allan – Leader of Wellbeing and Engagement Year 9