From the Principal

This newsletter was due to be published earlier this week, summarising weeks 4 and 5 of this term; however, last week we had to pivot quickly and prepare for the effects of Tropical Cyclone Alfred. An important aspect of the decision to close was safety - keeping our families and staff off the road as the cyclone approached. TC Alfred was at times a little unpredictable, and fortunately, he did not cause the damage expected. However, that said, TC Alfred did impact communities in northern NSW and southern Queensland. The rain we experienced here in Grafton and the catchment area of the Clarence River resulted in a major flood and consequently flooding on the Big River Way. Unfortunately, this meant we could not access the College for the last 4 days. I thank our community for their patience and understanding while we navigated this issue. I have included some photos of the flood in Grafton and near the College in this newsletter. 

As we return to school, we will keep in our thoughts and prayers the communities and individuals impacted by the extreme weather event. I ask that students return to school ready to resume their studies with the correct equipment, uniform, and attitude. Year coordinators, homeroom teachers, and classroom teachers will check in with students regarding their well-being, as we understand some students have found it challenging to cope with the change of routine. 

Thank you to all the parents and carers for your understanding and support in a situation beyond our control. The safety of our students, families and staff was paramount throughout this event. 

NAPLAN and Assessments

Due to our unplanned absence in weeks 5 and 6, some changes have had to be made to assessments, NAPLAN, excursions, and events. 

NAPLAN was due to start on Wednesday 12th March. Students are to bring their charged computer, earphones and a positive attitude. The new timetable for our Year 7 & 9 students is:

Monday 17th March - Writing

Tuesday 18th - Reading

Wednesday 19th March - Conventions of Grammar

Monday 24th March - Numeracy 

Catch-up testing will occur on Thursday, Friday, and Tuesday.

NAPLAN provides us with important data that helps us target interventions and determine funding to support them. It is also used to determine whether our teaching strategies are effective in the classroom. We ask that all students complete these tasks to the best of their ability over the four days.

Assessment calendars for students in years 7 - 12 have been adjusted. The curriculum team will communicate these changes, and the calendars will be adjusted to show them.

 GRG Foundation Scholarship launch

At the end of week 4, I had the privilege of attending the Grafton Regional Gallery for the launch of the Gallery Foundation Emerging Artist Scholarship. In November 2025, $5000 will be awarded to a Year 12 student from the Clarence Valley. This is a wonderful initiative of the Gallery Foundation and the GRG, and I thank them for their generosity and support of the creative arts among our aspiring students. 

Parent Forum Gathering

Due to the impact of the recent weather event on our College calendar, this term’s Parent Forum will be postponed to Week 4 of Term 2 - Tuesday 20th May. The following parent events are scheduled for the next few weeks: 

Week 9, Tuesday 1st April - Parent teacher interviews for Years 7 - 11

Week 10, Tuesday 8th April - Open Night 2025

Week 2, Term 2 Tuesday 6th May - Year 12 Parent, Teacher, Student interviews

Sam Dougherty Memorial Indigenous Scholarships

Each year we receive a generous donation from the family of Sam Doughtery to support our Indigenous students in years 10,  11 & 12. Application forms have been sent home and are to be returned as soon as possible. 

Swimming Carnival results:

We have been waiting to announce the results of our recent carnival, which took place on Thursday, March 27th. We took the opportunity to do this today in our special assembly, and we congratulate McCarthy House on their excellent win and the Age Champions—well done!

Ash Wednesday

Ash Wednesday was celebrated last week on the 5th of March. We gathered as a united college community to participate in our Ash Wednesday liturgy and embark on our faith journey toward Easter and new life. 

Lent is the season for prayer, almsgiving - doing things for others, fasting and reconciliation. Often, Lent is associated with what we choose to give up. But it is also a time to consider what we can give. Pope Francis reminds us that almsgiving—donating money, goods, or time to those in need—"sets us free from greed and helps us to regard our neighbour as a brother or sister. What I possess is never mine alone." Once again in 2025, we are supporting Caritas through Project Compassion to “Unite Against Poverty” this Lent.