Published on: 9 February 2023

  • New Rowing boats
  • ChatGPT parent presentation
  • COVID-19 guidelines for students
  • Principal’s Bike Ride

I am looking forward to this weekend at Champion Lakes and recognising the families who are having rowing boats, a four and an eight, named in their honour. The boats will be named “Sam Marsh” and “The Wellborn Family”. Sam Marsh is an old boy who has represented Australia in rowing internationally on several occasions, and the Wellborn family have been avid supporters of the rowing program through time served volunteering with the Don Fraser Rowing Club. These new boats will ensure our rowers continue to train and race in state of the art boats, developing their skills and confidence in a sport which is enjoyed by many of our students.

Tonight we are hosting a parent forum on ChatGPT in the Chapel. This latest AI chatbot has generated quite a bit of conversation and we are keen to present how the School is embracing this opportunity and how students will benefit from new technologies. We are looking forward to welcoming around 300 parents. If you plan to attend, please allow time to park off campus and walk to the Chapel as we will not have sufficient parking on campus for attendees.

COVID-19 is still in our community and we have guidelines for staff and students. Please continue to remind your son to maintain hygienic habits and keep him at home if he is unwell. If your son tests positive for COVID-19 he should remain at home for five days and if your son is asymptomatic he can return to school but wear a mask for five days as per the current Health Department guidelines. You can find this, and more information, in the Year Group Notices.

Yesterday our Year 11 students spent a day off campus at St George’s College participating in a day specifically designed to assist then in understanding how they can get the best results this year. They had the opportunity to gain inspiration and guidance from a panel of speakers, discuss their chosen subjects at length and also learn from sessions on technology and stress management. Similarly, our non-ATAR pathway students have enjoyed time gaining an understanding of what the next two years will involve. This year is an important foundation year for these students – they will encounter different subjects, more content, leadership opportunities and start to formulate a routine that allows them to balance academics with activities and social life.

In just over a month I will be hosting the Principal’s Bike Ride for 2023 and extend an invitation to members of the Christ Church community to join me on Sunday 12 March. The ride, for proficient peloton rides only, begins and concludes at the Christ Church campus on Queenslea Drive. Commencing at 6.00am for a 6.30am departure, riders can choose from two cycling routes – the Canning Bridge ride or Mount Henry Bridge ride. Please go here to join me on the day.

Alan Jones
Principal