Dean of Students | Mr Damien Cuddihy
On Friday night, the College hosted the Year 12 Formal at the Convention Centre. It was an enjoyable night for the Year 12s and their partners. I thought it was fantastic to see the boys out having fun with each other at this point of the year. Our appreciation goes to Mrs Jo Tarlington for her organisation of the event. This followed a successful Inter-House Track and Field carnival earlier in the day at Tennyson. Again, the excitement on the boys' faces throughout the day was a sight to see. Congratulations to Xavier House for being the overall winners on the day. Many thanks to all the helpers in the canteen as well. Your support of the College never goes unnoticed.
In a normal year, Dr Paul Gibney makes a presentation to our Year 9 parents on the topic Adolescent Boys, Parents and Families: Towards a Mature Masculinity at this time. Unfortunately, Paul is unable to present this year due to COVID restrictions in schools. However, one aspect of his presentation that always resonates with me is the need to embrace your son’s “second family”, his friendship group. This could include the boys in his House group, Rowing crew, Debating team or handball group. In taking a keen interest in this group and the way they interact with your son some insight into what is influencing his decision making becomes a little more predictable. Paul believes that keeping across this group is very important for parents who want to keep close to adolescents at a time when they traditionally push parents away. It is a tricky one. Further to this, the following reflection from Jordan Peterson (2018) is particularly insightful.
The infant is dependent on his parents for almost everything he needs. The child – the successful child – can leave his parents, at least temporarily, and make friends. He gives up a little of himself to do that but gains much in return. The successful adolescent must take that process to its logical conclusion. He has to leave his parents and become like everyone else. He has to integrate with the group so he can transcend his childhood dependency. Once integrated, the successful adult then must learn how to be just the right amount different from everyone else.
On Wednesday, we welcomed our 2021 Year 5 cohort to the College for an Orientation Evening to meet their buddies for next year. In addition to this, we announced the Senior leaders for 2021 in the Year 11 area at lunchtime. Change is in the air.
Reminder
The Track and Field Junior and Senior photos and make-up co-curricular photos will be taken from 1pm on Tuesday 20 October in College Hall. Please make sure your son has the correct uniform on the day and his ID card.
Please see schedule below.