Last week, I had the pleasure of spending time in a Year 10 Visual Arts lesson. The students were using black pen to interpret and recreate famous works of art. The unit encourages students to explore, experiment with, and evaluate artworks while developing their technical skills through a range of techniques, mediums, and materials.

As I walked around the room, I was able to recognise many of the famous artworks the students were recreating. From Girl with a Pearl Earring by Johannes Vermeer (1665) to The Scream by Edvard Munch (1893) Speaking with each student, I was impressed by the level of detail, creativity, and skill on display. While each student was quick to point out what they saw as flaws in their own work, I found their pieces to be outstanding. It was a reminder that we are often our own harshest critics. I left the classroom inspired to be a little more creative myself.

Semester 2 brings new electives, new classes, and change of teachers. In chatting with one of our Year 12 students, they commented that they are now at the "business end" of their VCE and are focused and working hard to achieve their goals. Their determination was inspiring. I encourage all our students to set achievable goals for the term and to work consistently towards them. As Lionel Messi once said, "You have to fight to reach your dream. You have to sacrifice and work hard for it."

It has also been pleasing to see that the majority of our students are embracing the College's mobile phone and wearable device policy and guidelines. Perhaps this is one small sacrifice that allows them to be more present with one another, engaging with open minds, open hearts, and stronger connections.

It has been a wonderful start to the term, and I look forward to seeing our students participate in the Athletics Carnival this week.

Statement of Commitment to Child Safety

St Mary's College is committed to providing a safe and child-friendly environment, where children and young people are safe and feel safe, and can actively participate in decisions that affect their lives.

At St Mary's College, we have zero tolerance for child abuse and are committed to acting in our students’ best interests and keeping them safe from harm.

St Mary's College regards its child, safety, wellbeing and protection responsibilities with the utmost importance and as such, is committed to providing the necessary resources to ensure compliance with all relevant child safety, wellbeing and protection laws and regulations and maintain a child-safe culture.

A reminder policies and procedures are located on the college website

https://www.stmaryscollege.vic.edu.au/about/child-safeguarding

Fiona Mulhall 
Deputy Principal