Acting Dean of Waterford | Mr Luke Gribble

Welcome back to the final term of the year and your son’s last term at Waterford Place. At our first gathering on Tuesday morning I highlighted to the boys that it had been approximately six weeks since they were sitting in normal classes with the exam block, Immersion experiences and holidays all rolling out consecutively. I went on to emphasise that it is crucial that the boys reset their mindset and work hard to meet our high expectations in the classroom in what will be a short, fast-paced term. Collectively we will continue to work hard and focus on the small things around the place to ensure the boys finish the year with the necessary momentum to start Year 11 well prepared and in the correct frame of mind.

Unfortunately a decision has been made to cancel the Inter-House Track and Field carnival tomorrow. There is a predicted 90% chance of rain and Tennyson is not a venue to keep 1700 people safe and dry. 

The extended break from normal classes experienced by the Year 10 students throughout the Immersion period is a significant time of change for the boys on many levels. I am very pleased to write that the feedback across all Immersions from our staff, our external providers and the many others that encountered our emerging Terrace Gentlemen was very positive. I was fortunate to help facilitate the reflections by the students on the Cape York and Arnhem Land Immersions and was really pleased and impressed with how the boys were able to articulate how the Immersion impacted on them. Many parents have also expressed their gratitude after witnessing the growth and positive changes in their son on their return from these wonderful experiences.

Our Formation program outside the normal curriculum continues next week with a full day program on Friday 18 October. The ‘Your Choices’ program delivered by David and Katie Kobler is aimed at preparing and educating young people to make healthy choices around the topics of sex, dating and relationships. This program has been well received in previous years.

Next Tuesday night, we host the Year 9 community for a presentation by Dr Paul Gibney. I look forward to meeting the parents of the 2020 Waterford cohort.