The last fortnight has proven to be a real settling period for the Year 9’s at Resurrection House. The students have completed their NAPLAN testing, and the second round of offsite programs have concluded.

NAPLAN offered the students an opportunity to practice sitting assessments under exam conditions, something that will hold them in good stead for future assessments this year and in the senior school. I was impressed by the effort and dedication placed on these tests by the Year 9’s. A big thank you to Mr Paul Menta for organising and running NAPLAN for us. Your care and support for the students and staff alike is very much appreciated, so thank you.

Last week, Mr Smith and some student helpers organised and cooked another BBQ, raising funds for Closing The Gap, which was a highlight for the boys.

We have also furnished front reception with St Bernard’s artifacts, which has continued to make this new site feel like home for both the staff and students.

A few special mentions need to go to some individual students who have excelled greatly in their chosen fields. Ethan Gissara came 11^th in the WHOLE WORLD in the Education Perfect Global Languages Championship. That is such an amazing effort Ethan, well done. Another couple of stellar achievements to highlight include Zachary Zanella and Harrison Andrews’ artwork, which was selected for the MACS Creative Arts Exhibition 2023. This work will then be displayed in the front reception of Resurrection House for everyone to see.

Looking forward to the next two weeks, this will see out for the rest of Term One and on to the Easter Break. This is an amazing achievement for everyone involved, including all staff and student, who are jointly contributing to the establishment of this brand-new campus. I am very proud of the way that everyone has approached the start of the year, and this new venture. We are really building something great here at Resurrection house.

We will also have a visit from former Head of Santa Monica Campus, now Young Adult author, Mark Smith. Mark is coming in to speak to the whole year level about his Road to Winter series, as well as offering a creative writing workshop for students to attend. It will be great to hear from Mark.