Term 1, Week 7

Acting Principal

For the next six weeks, I am extremely honoured and humbled to be acting for Mr Lowrie as he takes some well-deserved, and long planned, professional renewal leave. My aim is to ensure that the College maintains a steady course towards achieving Mr Lowrie’s vision. Knowing I have big shoes to fill, particularly as both Mr Lowrie and Mr Leadbetter have been exceptional Principals, I know that I have a great team around me, and the full support of staff and students. 

International Women’s Day (IWD)

Recently, we held two events for IWD. One was a community event where our guest speaker, Carolyn Robinson (Founder of Beyond DV) gave a wonderful insight into the power of transforming a negative personal occurrence into a purpose to create positive change in society. We were very grateful to receive her insights. Last Friday we also hosted a morning tea for staff. I gave a small reflection, on the wonderful women who have influenced my life, from my paternal Grandmother who served in WWII, to my maternal Grandmother who still managed to feed her family, with three meals a day, even though they were considered working poor in housing commission at the time. I reflected on my wonderful wife Anna, who has stood by me for over 25 years and through her wisdom and influence, I continually try to be a better person. I also spoke about my amazing mother who rose to the top tiers of Wattyl Paints but still managed to raise three boys. I finished with a reflection of my daughters, whom I love very much, and have a cherished hope that we can all make a difference so that they can live in a better world, one that ensures that women are protected and encouraged.

I thank all our wonderful female staff, particularly Ms Rebcca Dwyer and Nagle House, and pay particular tribute to our Laurie’s mums. Your work is critical to enabling us as a College to form our students as young Gentlemen.

Gentle Reminders

Just sending some gentle reminders to parents to perhaps help us to reinforce community’s expectations with our students. We have received a small number of complaints around students misusing eScooters, and students being disruptive/disrespectful on public transport. While this is a very small number, it does influence community/public perceptions of our wonderful institution. Your help in having a conversation with your son would be appreciated.

Connection and Community Engagement 

Recently there has been two wonderful community events that were great for our connecting families. The Year 7 Parent and Son night was an opportunity for families to participate in activities with their son. I thank Ms Vanessa Bell, the Events Team, and the Humanities team for their efforts. We also welcomed those in the Music community for the annual Music Trivia night. Thank you to all staff for your assistance with this fantastic event.

AIC Swimming

Congratulations to our Swim team for coming 3rd in Primary, and 5th overall. A fantastic effort for a school without a pool on site. I thank our swim coaches and our Head of swimming – Ms Meg Jacobs for their efforts, which started in Term 4 2025.

Thankyou

I thank all in our community for their support and well wishes, for what has been a challenging few weeks. I take comfort in our faith in God, knowing that we as a community will stand in solidarity with each other. 

Live Jesus in our Hearts…….Forever.