From the Executive Principal

From the Executive Principal The Reverend Peter Laurence OAM Dear St George’s the reveille as bugles called across our city community and traffic stopped for a minute’s silence.

What a busy two What makes this Act of Remembrance even weeks it has been more significant is the way our students since the last honoured the Newsletter. occasion with Every school is a respectful mix of the observance ordinary and every and behaviour. day, interspersed It would be with special so easy to be occasions and ‘bored’ by the events. St George’s Anglican Grammar School event, after is no exception. The stability of the everyday all, we are should never be overlooked as it provides us so removed with a platform from which we can venture. from wars and We celebrate, create, and extend our turmoil. However, their regard was noted by horizons with exhibitions, music concerts, many of those in attendance. Teachers dances, balls, carnivals, productions, and House expressed their pride in our students for their days. However, there are some events that empathy with the fallen, as well as their bring with them great solemnity and time for exceptional behaviour at all times through the reflection. Such was the Act of Remembrance service. This is something I have observed so at St George’s Cathedral last week, at the many times since St George’s opened almost 11th hour on the 11th day of the 11th month. six years ago.

The School community filled the Cathedral, joined by members of the Cathedral parish Thanks to our Chaplain, The Reverend Sarah and public to Stapleton, for her organisation of the Act of commemorate and Remembrance, and to the Guild for their help remember the on their designated study day. We wish fallen. Five students Chaplain Sarah God’s richest blessing as she carried the original prepares for ordination to the priesthood in Villers-Bretonneux the Anglican Church on Monday 30 Cross carved by November. soldiers in the their aftermath of that Last week we welcomed the 2021 Year 7 battle. A treasure students for their two days of orientation. and privilege The School was abuzz with excited chatter as indeed. Students they made new friends, attending mini-classes and teachers then and challenges across all subjects. Again, the moved outside the cooperation and collaboration of teachers and Cathedral to hear the ode, the last post and support staff, especially Mrs Gaile Racey, 1 St George’s Anglican Grammar School Newsletter

Mr Hilton Hardman, Ms Vickie Kelleher and the three Heads of House created a successful way for the next generation of St Georgians to feel part of the School. We look forward to welcoming them back on the first day of Term 1 2021.

On a musical note, the Performing Arts Department’s 2021 production of The School of Rock is set to play in the State Theatre. Auditions have taken place, the cast has been selected and we congratulate those who were successful. We look forward to this production next year with great anticipation.

The Year 11s are still writing their examinations in the peace of the fifth floor of CQU. The English Department held an abridged Book Week from 26 – 29 October. The Children’s Book Council of Australia chose the theme of ‘Curious Creatures, Wild Minds’. The highlight was the dress up day when students from Years 7 to 9 appeared as a book character who was either a curious creature or a wild mind. The costumes had to be sustainable, made from found pieces or purchased from Op Shops, repurposed, recycled or reused. What an inventive and creative group of students we have: Nancy Drew, the Mad Hatter, Alice in Wonderland, Willie Wonka, a bear with a magnificent home-made head, a dragon, and many other cleverly costumed characters paraded for a prize. In my first two weeks as Executive Principal, it is evident that our School is a busy place in so many ways. Yet at the heart of all School activity must be great teaching, good learning and a real attitude of care for one another. If we don’t aspire to excellence in everything we do, then we fail ourselves. Words are meaningless if they are not backed up with action, effort and good intent.

As I lead the St George’s community over the coming months, my time will be focused on guiding, directing and empowering our staff to a renewed commitment to excellence in all things, that they may continue to give of their best that every St George’s student may excel in their learning and in their life. It is then that we can say, as a School, that we are achieving our core purpose and mission.

The Reverend Peter Laurence Executive Principal

Every blessing.