It has been wonderful to witness the animated greetings and reconnection within our community as our students and staff have returned after the September holidays.

Our College Captain, Lachlan Kelly, and College Vice-Captain, Chloe Ward presented their final Welcome Back Speech at our assembly on Tuesday, sharing an important message to our students and staff that I would like to share with our families.

As we welcomed back our staff and students to the college this week from the September holiday break, we were delighted to hear from our College Captains at our Welcome Back Assembly.

Make it Count

We would like to start this Term off by reflecting on how grateful we are for all we have experienced this year, and our excitement for what lies ahead. It is hard to believe how quickly the year has flown by, but each term has left us with valuable lessons to carry forward.

For the past three terms, Chloe and I have stood at this lectern on the first day of term to speak to you on 'Finding Your Why', learning to embrace our 2024 values of Connection, Compassion and Culture, and making the most of this school year. Now, as our fourth, and final time, welcoming you back to Term 4 – we would like to instead thank you, for all you have taught us, and remind you of your power to leave a legacy.

Term 4 is not merely the end of the school year, but the start of something much bigger. For our Year 12s, it is the culmination of years of hard work, resilience, and growth. It is a time to reflect on the impact you have had, not only on your own lives but the entire A.B. Paterson College community. Every conversation, every challenge you have faced, and every relationship you have built has been a part of this journey—and it's one that will be remembered long after you have graduated.

The idea of a leaving this legacy is not just isolated to our Year 12s; it is a message to each one of you. We want to remind you that your journey is still unfolding, and you all have the incredible opportunity to shape the future of our college. The energy, enthusiasm, and spirit you bring to everything you do contributes to the culture of our community. Whether you are just starting to find your footing or well into your high school years, the choices you make, the kindness you show, and the effort you put in will set the foundation for your legacy.

Learn from your past experiences, embrace the challenges ahead, and know that you are part of something bigger than yourself—your impact is already being felt, and there is so much more you can accomplish.

Before we get too far ahead of ourselves, let us take a moment to be present. To acknowledge the term we have ahead, the many goals we aspire to achieve, the laughter to share, and of course, the moments to treasure. Whether it is our Colour Run occurring in Week 7, Year 11s taking on their new leadership positions, the Christmas Carols, and finally, our Year 12s graduating in exactly 45 days - make it count. Use these last weeks not as a finish line but as an opportunity to continue writing your legacy.

As we go into this final term, let us stay grounded in our gratitude. We are grateful for the teachers who have guided us, the friends who have supported us, and the lessons—both in and out of the classroom—that have shaped us. We are excited for the term ahead, and we know you will continue to rise to the challenges, support one another, and finish this year stronger than you started.

Remember your ‘Why’, and the power you hold to leave a legacy.

College Captain, Lachlan Kelly, and College Vice-Captain, Chloe Ward

With the commencement of a new term, we welcomed new and returning staff to the college; Ms Rebecca Tonkin and Mrs Tennille Mitchell, who have returned from their well-deserved Long Service Leave and our new teachers, Ms Samantha Wheeler and Mr Jordan Dorbeaux, both joining our Science Faculty.

I wish everyone within our community all the best for an exceptional term ahead and look forward to the many opportunities to celebrate the exceptional achievements throughout Term 4.

Charlotte Brook | Deputy Principal