Quote: “The difference between one person and another, between the weak and the powerful, the great and the insignificant, is energy – invisible determination. This quality will do anything that has to be done in the world, and no talents, no circumstances; no opportunities will make you a great person without it”.

The above quote is once again, most applicable at this time of the term. There are plenty of tired boys, but by and large they are all coping well with the workload they have, both in and out of the classrooms. As Darren and I pointed out to the boys, the more you get up and get into your commitments, providing you are getting adequate rest and food, the more energy you acquire. I related to the boys a brief meeting I had with one of our Dads, whilst grabbing a quick coffee on Wednesday morning. He had worked until 5.00am, went home, slept for two hours and was back on deck to go again. Although obviously tired, there were no complaints, just got on with it. I told the boys that there would be any number of examples such as this coming from many of you parents, and, that I had sincerely hoped that the effort put in by you all to give these boys the opportunity of a good education was reciprocated by the boys in the classroom and in evening study. I asked them to reflect sincerely on their efforts in all subjects, their study periods – are they productive or do they take the soft option and put their head on the desk for a sleep? Evening study – in the new dormitory set up, which is extremely comfortable for them, do they work hard when no one is looking over their shoulder, or do they simply waste time. This is the “work in the dark” which is where our boys should be at in this point in their development and, which is what the Father I bumped into on Wednesday morning deserves from our boys. Character is developed in these times.

A FEW TOUGH CALLS.
Whilst the boys efforts often deserve praise, I am not going to sugar-coat things all the time to give off a persona all is wonderful. Sometimes the choices our boys make are not always the right ones. Last weekend I was very disappointed at the immature decision of numerous boys in being up and disturbing others in the Dorms at 1.00am, Saturday morning. The boys were back here on Sunday for a few hours but I have put all on notice that any repeat by anyone will see them back here on Friday and Saturday of the holidays. With exams fast approaching, assessment tasks due and important sporting fixtures to compete in; such behaviour is unacceptable and won’t be tolerated.

Another issue which is creeping up is Saturday night parties, and “Everyone is doing it”. I can assure you that is not the case, and I told the boys having taxing weekends will cost them in their performance on the following Monday and often Tuesday here in class and study time. If they want to set themselves up on solid foundations for good results next year they need to be doing this right now. “Big weekends” now will not do this. I know I am not telling you anything new here but if we work together on this we can help the boys make better decisions on this matter.

Darren and I spoke to the boys about the need to talk to their teachers and /or ourselves if they are struggling with any aspects of their work. Some are absolute experts at this, but others attempt to try and silently soldier on for numerous reasons. They must understand, everyone is here to assist them and make use of this. The attitude of “Us v the Staff” should never be an issue here, please encourage your son to learn to ask for help with the various challenges he has before him. The odd short cut, that some have tried, obviously does not acquire some of our boys the desired result but gain time to reflect early on Friday morning or on Sunday morning to ensure a return to the right way. Once again, working together from home and school we will be better placed in helping the boys get to where they are aiming.

Our commitment to serving the guest at the Matthew Talbot Hostel has continued over the last couple of weeks with Tom Cleary, Josh Wilde, Ned Tipping and Sam Barclay going on today.

Our debaters have been going exceptionally well, last week gaining the decision in two debates against Monte and Sydney High. Well done to Harry Maher, Tim Litherland, Max Hall, Hamish Elliot, Oliver Coorey, Daniel Harrington, Dom Price and Ben Chaplin.

Next Monday, the 21st March is our day where we celebrate St Joseph’s Feast Day. We will do so with a round of outings that see our boys off to Queenscliff Beach, a round of golf or ice skating and movies at Macquarie. If your son wishes to take his surfboard to the Beach, could you please email a letter of approval for him son to partake in this specific activity. Our boys work hard in their studies, sport and other co-curricular activities and it is equally important for them to enjoy each other’s company in a more relaxed and fun day. Also day boys do not have to be at the College until 8.45am.

A reminder that next weekend marks the conclusion of the regular Summer Sport Season with the exception of our Senior Rowers with the Head of the River being held on Saturday, 2nd April. Next Saturday evening, 26th March, will be the Summer Sports Rally to be held in the Brother Emilian Hall commencing at 6.30pm. It will conclude by 7.30pm. All boys must be in attendance dressed in their Blues. The night has been shortened with the usual Mass transferred to the Sunday night, 27th March at 8.15pm. Therefore, all Boarders and Weekly Boarders, returning Sunday night, will need to return by 8pm Sunday week.

Take care and enjoy the weekend with your families.

Regards
Jeremy