Building Futures - Merici College

Working togetherOn 6 June 2011, the Board hosted itsfirst social evening with parents, givingparents the opportunity to meet theBoard and to discuss our plans andstrategic vision for the future of theCollege. The function was held in thenew Flexible Learning Centre and Iwould like to thank all of the Year 11students for the delicious food thatthey provided on the evening. Theobjective of the evening was to opencommunication channels, introducefellow Board members to parents,and enlist the assistance from parentsin varying projects. On behalf of theBoard, I would like to pass on oursincere thanks to all parents who wereable to attend.We spoke of things that are happeningin the College. The building projectis progressing well, the new facilitiesCommunity ForumWider Communitycoming on line in a timely manner,and the students are alreadyexperiencing the advantages of thenew improved facilities.In particular, we gave someinformation on the new process inplace for internal cyclical review ofschools in the ACT Catholic system.The process is one of self-assessmentand continuous improvement,gathering evidence both qualitative andquantitative to make the assessment,and then planning for further action.The input of all members of thecommunity is sought in this. In all,27 areas of the school’s operation willbe examined over the next five-yearperiod. These areas are broken downinto a number of areas to be addressedeach year, and these will feed into theRegistration process for the school.First on the agenda is a re-visioning ofthe school’s basic purpose. To do thiswe are meeting as a whole community– students, parents and staff – on 25July, the first day of Term 3, from 3.45pm to 5.00pm. Please come along andcontribute to the discussion!We are also seeking volunteers in alarge number of areas. Assistanceis needed in the Canteen, throughguidance in recruitment, systems andoperational aspects. The Board wouldlike to draw on expertise from Parentsin assisting with other individual areasof the College.I was personally delighted with theattendance on the evening andthe support offered. We willcontinue to seek your support,input and suggestions.2011 has been a year of change withdistressing and heart wrenchingnatural disasters. Here in the Nation’sCapital we very fortunate to have beensaved direct impact from many of thehardships associated with the disastersthat have affected other parts of ourcountry and that of our neighbours inNew Zealand and Asia. As we celebratethe development of our facilities,the successes that our students areexperiencing in academia and the arts,let us spare a thought and prayer forthose less fortunate.We would love to see you for thecommunity forum on 25 July. Pleasecome along and introduce yourself tothe Board and Staff. Enjoy having yoursay and meeting and interacting withother like-minded parents.The Board would like to remind allparents that the best way to contactus is through email onboard@merici.act.edu.auBoard ChairGraeme Plenderleithhowever, after a few games of cannonball, bocce and hot potato, we hadwon them over. The girls could notwait to see the ladies again, so weinvited them along to the Collegefor more games led by the Sportand Recreation students. The ladiescompeted in a series of activitiesresulting in the Skylarks taking outthe competition. This was followed byscones and tea whilst the ladies sharedstories with the students about theirglory days playing sport, and pastexperiences at school.The initiatives we have developed atthe community level and within thecontext of ‘community’ have given thestudents the greatest opportunity to:• Establish collaboration amongstpeers based on a culture of a caringand supportive environment• Share a commitment to achievingpositive outcomes• Promote health and well-being tovarious population groups within thecommunity through encouragementin inclusive and fun activities• Develop innovative programs andsessions to children and the elderly• Build authentic relationships withindividuals in the community.Brooke DeaneSport and Recreation Teacher15