End-of-term 3 message from principal david ruggiero

In an extraordinary time in history, we’ve never been more thankful for normal.

Speaking at today’s end-of-term assembly, Principal David Ruggiero said, with the winding back of covid restrictions, Term 3 had finally marked a return to “normal”.

“I was reflecting, this is the most normal term we have had since Term 4, 2019, in terms of interruptions and events. That’s quite astonishing,” Mr Ruggiero said.

_{Mr Ruggiero addresses the end-of-term assembly.}

“So, when you think about your mental health, when you think about how you’re travelling in life, when you think about change and managing change, you’ve done really well.

“You have been through an unprecedented time in our history and, here we are, we’ve finally completed a normal term of school.

“Let’s hope and pray that continues. And hopefully during that period, you’ve also learnt the importance of letting go. Of not being in control. That some things are beyond us. And the importance of finding God in that.”

He also used his address to announce the 2023 student leaders – and pay tribute to all the boys who had put themselves forward for leadership positions.

“Being Dominican is being unique and using your gifts to the best of your ability. And people come from a variety of different backgrounds and different abilities and skills,” he told the assembly.

“And we had a wonderful opportunity to talk to students and work out who our student leaders will be for next year.

“It’s a very difficult process, because every student who applies is worthy of being a student leader.

“And when we filter down to the remaining 10 Prefects, and House Captains, Vice House Captains, it’s a tough call. There is always someone who misses out. There’s always a number 11 Prefect, of the 10.

“For those people, please don’t be discouraged. You are still a leader. You don’t need a tie to be a leader. Stand up and use your skills to contribute to the school community.”

Congratulations to our 2023 Prefects. Our 2023 Head Prefect and Deputy Head Prefect will be announced in Term 3.