QUOTE: “You can map out a fight plan or a life plan, but when the action starts, it may not go the way you planned, and your down to your reflexes – which means your training. That’s where your roadwork shows. If you cheated on that in the dark of the morning, well, you’re going to get found out now under the bright lights.” Joe Frazier.

 The above quote has been chosen as it is very pertinent at this time of the term. The gloss of the New Year has worn off, tiredness has crept in due to classroom and co-curricular commitments, yet the boys have been steadily working each day and they have been impressively consistent in their approach to all which has been asked of them.

On Thursday night I met with all of the new boys for a debriefing after their first four weeks at Joeys. They spoke about their first night being in a different bed, sounds of other boys snoring, jet planes above and bumping in the night. Many spoke of home sicknesses which became worst or better when speaking to family. All of them can’t believe how much Study they are now doing but know it will be good for them in the long run. They even declared that the food isn’t as bad as they thought it would be, but still missed Mum and/or Dad’s cooking.  It was great to hear our young men speak so frankly and honestly and listen to each other so attentively. One very pleasing aspect of the talk was how they all remarked on the friendliness, and openly welcoming and helpful demeanor attributed to them by the other boys in the Year group.  

At our Headmaster’s Assembly yesterday Fr Andrew spoke to the boys about the Christchurch Earthquake, with his own personal reflections as his family being from the Christchurch area.  The boys were obviously greatly touched and moved by Father’s words.  Ross Tarlinton spoke quite bluntly to all the boys regarding Cyber-Bullying, and while he pointed out that social networking sites can be used most positively and productively, and how he wanted the boys to have access to them to do this, he also issued numerous wise and blunt warnings on the use of these sites. The attitude of, “I’m not affecting anyone by what I send”, is totally false. Not only is it gutless, but transmitting images, without the full approval of who is portrayed in the image can be very damaging and once sent, you have no control over bringing it back. Ross pointed out to the boys that such misuse of these sites can be illegal, it cannot be denied, once there, it is a permanent record which you cannot claim, “I didn’t do it”, also, in the workplace it can be career ending and you may run the risk of prosecution. So where does the College stand? Access to these sites is productive if they are used positively which is what we want the boys to have the privilege of, not a right, to be used in such a way. However as Ross bluntly concluded, if your activity on any Social Networking site has a negative impact on another boy, or brings the college into disrepute, whether you sent the material from home or school, we will act in very strong and quick manner. The boys were told not to simply put up with any negative use, report it and simply remember, “What would you like done to you?”, when looking for an answer on what is and what is not acceptable in using such means of technology.

Declan Carroll then gave a report about the Marist Children Holiday Camp held in December last year for 40 very special children with either physical or mental disabilities such as Down Syndrome, Autism, etc who spent four days under the care of 50 of our present Year 12 boys; 25 girls and 35 Staff and Parents, to give their primary carers a break. The video certainly demonstrated a very special experience for all who were part of this wonderful initiative. The boys involved were then presented to the College assembly and warmly acclaimed. This unbelievable experience will be available to and in fact targeting our boys to volunteer at the end of this year. Something for all to consider.

We had some of our boys recognised for exceptional efforts in sport. Seth Turnbull in the 2^nd X1 took 5 wickets for 33 runs and 6 for 35 runs against Kings and Max Westacott, in the 3^rd X1 took 5 wickets for 10 runs. Our lifesavers turned in some solid performances last weekend at the Manly Warringah Branch Championships. Amongst them was Curtis Witt gaining a Bronze Medal in the Surf Swim and James Harrison, Daniel Hughes and Tiger Parker taking part in the Beach Relay which gained a Bronze Medal. Whilst on matters of sport, next Monday is the annual College Athletics Carnival. All boys are to wear their PDHPE uniform with their House T-Shirt to school for the first two periods. Day boys need to wear their white PDHPE shirt under their Blazers or College Track suit top whilst travelling to the College just for Monday. The carnival will commence at 11.00am and be finished by 4.45pm. Recess and lunch will be provided for the boys as usual, and all boys are to run in at least a 100m and 400m event. That night there will be no study, so for the parents of the Day students you may wish to take this into account when finalising your son’s departure time with him for that day only. It is always an enjoyable day, and you are most welcome to come and have a look if you can spare the time.

Tonight sees the 1^st Round of the ISDA Debating Competition and we wish Max Hall, Harry Maher, Hamish Elliot, Tim Litherland, Joe Coorey and Daniel Harrington well in their quest at Wenona.

Finally, next Friday night’s Dinner is another terrific opportunity for the Yr. 11 family to come together and enjoy each other’s company, once more. If you have not RSVP’d to Rose Unwin, please do so, as final catering needs to be accounted for on Monday. We look forward to seeing you all there and I hope you enjoy the upcoming weekend with your families.

Take care

Regards

Jeremy Ticehurst