Respectful relationships
Following my comments in the last E-newsletter, the working party led by Deputy Headmaster/Head of Secondary School Greg Atterton is progressing its work in reviewing our respectful relationships education program and planning for further developments.
This group has assembled a number of resources on this topic from different organisations including the International Boys’ Schools Coalition, of which we are an active member. Once the materials have been properly reviewed, we will incorporate them into our programs, and make the appropriate resources available to parents.
In addition, we have had preliminary discussions with a couple of the girls’ schools about shared programs in this area. We will continue providing regular updates to parents about the progress of this most important project.
Summer Intercol Fixtures
The Summer Intercol sporting fixtures with St Peter's College, which provide the culmination to our summer sports season, will take place over the next fortnight. This week the Captains of the various sports, together with College Prefects and key staff, enjoyed a luncheon with their opposite numbers at St Peter’s College. The Secondary School Assembly on Thursday provided a fitting send-off for our first teams and particularly those Year 12 students, who will be playing their final summer fixtures for the College.
This is one of our great and unique traditions, enjoyed by generations of our community for 150 years. Whilst we still have some COVID-related restrictions, we are looking forward to this round of fixtures in which the vast majority of our teams will be able to participate. I wish players, coaches and supporters well for the round of fixtures ahead.
Jake Bilsborow
I was able to visit Old Scholar Jake Bilsborow in Hampstead Rehabilitation Centre earlier this week. I was pleased to find Jake in very good spirits and focused on learning the new set of skills that he will need moving forward. Jake has a steady stream of visitors, including PAC staff and current and former students, and is kept well informed about events at the College, including the progress of our 1st
XI, of which he had been a prominent member.
Jake is about to get his new wheelchair and is looking forward to the increased mobility that this will offer. He is hoping to attend this week's AFL game at the Adelaide Oval to see his beloved Geelong in action.
Jake wanted me to pass on to the PAC community his appreciation for the many messages of support he has received, as well as the donations that have been made to assist with the expenses that he will have moving forward. Whilst Jake will encounter challenges along the way, his positive attitude and genuine interest in hearing about others have been inspiring. He is another Princes Man of whom we can be very proud.
Voluntary Donations
I would like to thank all those parents who have supported our building program through making voluntary donations to our Building Fund at the time of paying school fees. For those who donated last year, I am pleased to confirm that the funds were put towards the development of our Art Centres in both Preparatory and Secondary Schools.
We have been very pleased with the outcomes of both these major refurbishment projects, from which all our students benefit. Thank you sincerely to everyone who has supported us in this way.
Staffing
Pam Oliver has resigned from her position as Houseparent in our Boarding House, with effect forthwith. Pam has served PAC in a number of roles over many years and we are very grateful for her contribution and particularly most recently in her key role in our boarding program.
Matthew Ahearn will join us as a Resident Assistant in our Boarding House, with effect from the beginning of next month. A former student of Westminster School, Matthew has a Certificate IV in Community Services (Student Residential Care). He has recently been working as a Boarding Supervisor at Westminster, following work in a number of other areas.
Bradley Fenner
Headmaster