Dear parents

Since the beginning of term, many students have been fully engaged in a large number of learning experiences in a variety of fields:  Year 11 students were on Retreat, some experiencing a Camino (walking part of Salvado’s journey from Subiaco to New Norcia), a wellbeing themed Retreat, whilst others participated in the Mulan Immersion program.

The College hosted the Catholic Performing Arts Festival Contemporary Bands which performed in our Auditorium last week. This event was facilitated by Messrs Jim Elliott and David Harries, our Music staff, Arts Captains and senior music students, all who had an extraordinarily busy week assisting in the organisation.

Year 9 students sat the Year 9 Bishops’ Literacy Test recently and are currently finalising their Personal Projects, whilst Year 8 students will be working on their STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) projects this week, organised by the AvÐÔ°® STEM Committee: Ms Sally Farrington, Mrs Rhonda Armenti, Miss Daisy Coma and Mr Mark Stephens.

Year 10 students have finalised their subject selections, so we have commenced timetabling for 2018 in readiness for their move into Year 11. I thank parents for your support in working with a group of specialised staff who have been assisting your sons and daughters in this next chapter of their secondary schooling.

Year 7 students participated in the second part of their pastoral program examining Mental Health and Wellbeing, the focus on developing a Growth Mindset.

The highlight last week was the Inter-House Athletics Carnival held on Friday, and for the first time, many track events were live-streamed, enabling parents to view their child’s performances whilst at work or home. The weather held out which made the day quite pleasant for all concerned. Merici won the carnival, but I was more proud of the manner in which our students participated on the day, the spirit shown by all who supported one another in the track and field events.

I know I have missed a number of events held in the past month, but for all parents, this provides a window into the busyness of the College and the opportunities afforded our students, who so willingly participated in these learning activities.

Feast of the Assumption

Tuesday 15 August is the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary, a holy day of obligation for Catholics. We will be commencing the day with Mass in the AvÐÔ°® Christi College Community Centre at 8.45am, with all staff and students participating, and parents most welcome to attend.

This day celebrates the belief the Blessed Virgin Mary, at the close of her earthly life was taken up, body and soul, into the glory of heaven. In death, she joyfully meets her own son in heaven.

The Assumption is the oldest feast day of Our Lady, however, we don't know how it first came to be celebrated. In an age of sensuality and materialism, the Assumption points out the dignity and destiny of our human body, extols the dignity of womanhood and turns our eyes to the true life beyond the grave. At Mass on Tuesday, we ask Mary for the grace to keep our minds fixed on things above, and to aspire continually to be united with her and to be brought to the glory of the Resurrection.

We honour Mary, Mater Christi or Mother of Christ at AvÐÔ°® Christi College, who intercedes on our behalf.

Rosary – a student ministry initiative

The Ministry team led by Rachael Dellaca and Madison Wilde, have invited the community to pray the Rosary at recess on Tuesdays and Thursdays this term. All are welcome to join us in the Chapel. Well done to our students who have led the way!
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Leading Lights: a CEWA initiative

Leading Lights, Catholic Education WA’s landmark digital transformation initiative, is taking us to the future of education and helping school communities to come together under one identity allowing the system to share, communicate and collaborate in ways we haven’t experienced before. This will see CEWA create a personalised digital learning ecosystem for every single Catholic school in the State, an initiative which will be world class. According to Executive Director Dr Tim McDonald: ‘this will help ensure every student achieves their full potential, every teacher delivers inspiring learning and every school becomes a flourishing, successful school’.

One of the first steps in this process will be for staff and students to have a new email address and password. These credentials will give students and staff easy access to a suite of high standard tools and resources, whilst providing new levels of security and privacy. At AvÐÔ°® Christi College, our IT staff led by Director of Learning Technologies Mr Daniel Budd and Technical Manager Mr Daniel Chapman, will be conducting this exercise over the August ‘long weekend’, an enormous undertaking. Services will be limited over this weekend. Students have been informed of this information at the College whole school assembly held last week.

Best wishes and God bless

Caroline Payne

Principal