Principal's Update Term 1 Week 6

Thursday, 09 Mar 2023
Jesus looked at them and said, “With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.” 
— Matthew 19:26

Parent Participation Is Key

As the principal of our college, I am often asked about how parents can become more involved in the life of our college. There is no ideal answer to this question, but I can say that parent involvement is critical to the success of our students and that we welcome your contributions, where possible, in various areas.

One way you can get involved is by volunteering with the classroom teacher. Reading group support is always well received in Stage 1 classes. By volunteering, you can help students improve their reading skills, which is essential for their overall academic success. Volunteering in the college canteen and soon-to-be-opened cafe would also be welcomed, particularly serving during rush hour.

Another way to get involved is by joining one of our ‘Friends of’ groups. We have several ‘Friends of’ groups, including Friends of Performing Arts, Friends of Goori Group, The Fathering Project Group, and the Friends of BDC Barracudas. These groups are dedicated to supporting specific areas of the college and provide a platform for parents to connect and collaborate.

We also encourage parents to volunteer to coach or manage a school team or with the BDC Barracuda sporting club. This is a great way to support the college and foster team spirit and sportsmanship among our students. In 2022, the BDC Barracudas had 49 volunteer coaches and managers across the three sports.

Another way you can connect with the college is to attend Tuesday morning Chapels (8.00am), primary assemblies or services on alternate Thursdays (2.20pm) or secondary assemblies on Friday mornings (8.40am). 

Lastly, I invite you to join our Parent Ambassadors Program. This group of people welcomes new families to the school during school functions such as Sundowners, Open Days, and more formal events and serves as strong advocates for the college at a variety of events. By becoming a Parent Ambassador, you can help new families feel welcome and included in our college community.

In conclusion, I encourage you to get involved in the life of our college. If you are time-poor, then simply attending college gatherings such as our annual Mother’s Day or Father’s Day Breakfasts or watching your child perform or compete in events is strongly encouraged. Your contributions can significantly impact your student's academic and social growth. If you are interested in any of the opportunities mentioned above, please contact us, and we will be happy to provide you with more information.

Thank you for your ongoing support of our college.

Scholarships with a Special Focus

Applications for scholarships commencing in 2024 are now open and will close on 31 March 2023.

https://bdc-au-nsw-333.app.digistorm.com/forms/scholarship-application/start

There are a number of opportunities available in the following categories:

Future-minded Endeavour Scholarships for Years 5 and 6

Future-Minded Pursuit of Excellence Scholarships for Years 7, 8 and 9 

The Excelsior Pathway Scholarships for Years 10, 11 and 12

Adventure Playground Update

Thank you to all families for their patience on this project. Groundwork for the adventure playground starts on Margaret’s Field on 20 March, with installation to take two weeks. The company has had significant supply issues over the last 12 months, and the last issue was galvanising. We, however, have been assured that the project will be completed in time for the start of Term 2. I will share development photographs with the community throughout the installation phase. I know the kids are excited about this project and the staff are too.


Statement from the Bishop of Grafton concerning the Voice to Parliament


International Women’s Day #embraceequity

I believe that every individual deserves equal opportunities and rights regardless of their gender, race, or any other characteristic that may make them different from others. That's why International Women's Day is so important to me and should be to every parent and carer as well.

International Women's Day, celebrated annually on March 8th, is a global day celebrating women's social, economic, cultural, and political achievements. It also serves as a call to action for gender equality and the empowerment of women worldwide.

As parents and carers, we have a critical role in shaping our children's values and beliefs. Teaching them about the importance of International Women's Day is a great way to instil in them a sense of equality, respect, and empathy towards women.

One of the main reasons why International Women's Day is important is that it raises awareness about the ongoing struggle for gender equality. Despite significant progress, women still face various forms of discrimination and violence, including unequal pay in a variety of sectors, limited access to education and healthcare, and gender-based violence. By teaching our children about these issues, we can help them develop a deeper understanding of women's challenges and become agents of change in their lives and communities.

International Women's Day also celebrates the achievements of women in various fields, including science, politics, sports, and the arts. By highlighting the accomplishments of women, we can inspire our children to pursue their dreams, regardless of their gender. We can also help our children develop a more inclusive worldview where they recognise and appreciate the contributions of women to society. This week, I had the privilege of joining a group of BDC leaders at the International Women’s Day breakfast at the Coffs Racecourse. I was honoured to help BDC Alumni Mikal Tesfamariam (Class of 2022) speak about purpose and empowerment for her generation, and she has agreed to share her speech with the community in the near future. We also heard a story of resilience from Jas Rawlinson. 


Nick Johnstone

Principal