This week commenced with the Year 10 Retreat and Wellbeing days. This was a great opportunity for the students to pause and reflect on what they value and appreciate before they begin to make pathway choices for their final years at secondary school.

Students had the opportunity to listen to a presentation from Xavier Chalkley, co-founder of Control Your Scroll. Xavier is a past NDC student, who after finishing his university degree, formed Control Your Scroll after seeing the effects of misuse of digital devices on student wellbeing and engagement. Xavier and his colleague present across the country to students, sporting groups and others about taking control of their screen time and reducing digital distractions – something all of us could benefit from, I am sure. His work is very interesting and relevant, and I encourage you to visit his website and read what the research is saying about the effects of mismanaged screen time.

CONTROL YOUR SCROLL

Another alumni of Notre Dame, Alana Kilmartin, was also a guest at the College this week. Alana, a published author of the book "Unserious Careers" shared a bold and brutally honest session about career planning and future goals. It was a refreshing, entertaining and inspiring presentation that I hope our students took something out of – choose a career that will bring you joy and achievement.

You can read more about Alana’s work HERE.

On Sunday, I attended the Furphy Literary Awards. I would like to congratulate the students who received commendations, high commendations or a place for their entries. These students were Lillian Phillip, Elliana Gray, Batul Mgoter, Noor Mgoter, Malavika Shibu, Sean Kelly and Kate Edmunds. It was wonderful to see some very proud English teachers, families and students there.

With our year level subject information sessions completed this week, students are now well into the planning stage of their 2026 courses. I encourage all students to consider their selections carefully and base their decisions on sound advice.

Please reach out to Careers staff, Learning Area Leaders and others at the College should you need any assistance or have any questions about subject choices.

Enjoy the week ahead.

Emma Reynoldson,

Acting Principal