It certainly has been a rich and full term. And when one views the somnolent dawdle of our boys entering the gates this week (and some staff), it is fair to surmise that the upcoming break is welcome. However, when looking back on the term, there is undoubtedly a great deal to celebrate.

One of our recurring agenda items in the weekly Senior Campus Leadership Team meeting is Happy Gossip. While certainly a little cliché in title for my liking, the point of this item is to recognise the people and happenings of the Senior Campus. Essentially, it reminds us that our community is brilliant amidst the fog of operational matters. So, I close the term with some highlights:

• Our Year 7s have had the smoothest transition into High School in my time at CBC. From the get-go, they have engaged in classes, been respectful, accessed support, attended camp and genuinely lifted the mood with their cherubic enthusiasm. Congratulations to Mr Atkinson (Assistant Director of Students – Middle School) and the Heads of House for overseeing this crucial juncture of young people’s schooling.
• While I may not have the most musical of ears, the brilliant performances of all our bands, choirs, ensembles, and so forth may even entice me to download the Spotify app. In particular, their performances at the City of Sounds concert were exceptional. We are lucky to have Ms Khafagi (Director of Performing Arts) leading the program as it thrives and swells in participation.
• Our Student Leaders have equally had a stellar term. The Prefects set a new record for the World’s Greatest Shave, generating $20,000 for an important cause while orchestrating a fun-fuelled day that saw history as Mr Carr bid farewell to a 40-year-old beard. Their presence at many out-of-school events speaks to their passion for the school and ability to represent it.
• Our Heads of Learning, led by Mr Salamone (Director of Teaching and Learning), are busy case-managing our students and preparing them for the throes of Senior Schooling. The literacy and numeracy support programs, tutoring, and gifted and talented (to name a few) are underway. But most crucially, the staff are imbuing these programs into the boys’ learning routine rather than simply offering them. It is the personal touch!
• Ms Tia Milohis (Career and Flexible Pathways Counsellor) is in the final stages of finalising agreements with TAFE and Adelaide University to diversify and build on the opportunities we offer. Watch this space.

These are only some of the many examples. We are only one term down. Over the break, our Year 12s will be in and out of school attending Holiday Sessions led by their teachers – another example of how lucky we are to have the staff committed to the boys’ outcomes. And next term, we welcome Matthew Sharman from Tottenham Hotspur as he begins working with our boys in the classroom and on the soccer field. There is still a lot to achieve and be done. As for now, have a safe and well-earned break!

Dr Lee Del Col
Deputy Principal – Head of Senior Campus

CBC Long Lunch Tickets: events.humanitix.com/cbc-long-lunch