Dear Parents, Carers, Students, Staff and Friends of the College,

Hopefully the recent holidays were an opportunity for our students to recharge, spend some quality time with family and friends and set some personal goals for the term ahead. To get the most out of Term 2, all boys need to be organised well ahead of time, ensuring that they all have necessary equipment for each day and making proper use of the College Diary. The simple mantra that we reinforce with the students here at College on an almost daily basis is something that you may want to speak about at home;

Right Place, Right Time, Right Equipment, Right Attitude.

Winter Uniform

I wrote in the final Newsletter of Term 1 that the College winter uniform is to be worn by all boys in Terms 2 and 3. Blazers are to be worn by all students to and from school and are always to be worn as the outermost garment. I thank parents and carers for their support of our clear expectations around uniform and grooming by ensuring that your sons come to school each day well presented, reflecting their pride in themselves and their College.

Mental Health and Wellbeing

Being a teenage boy in 2025 is not easy and there are many factors that can contribute to feelings of stress and anxiety in a young man’s life. Causes of stress for our boys here at the College may include; academic stress, part-time jobs, sport, family, relationships, sickness, financial stress and the list goes on.

Stress is a natural response when we are placed under pressure or find ourselves in an unfamiliar situation. We all respond differently when placed in these situations and it is important that we recognise our feelings of stress and know that we can work through them. Learning how to cope with stress is an important skill for all teenagers to acquire.

Reachout.com tells us that: ‘Coping’ describes any behaviour that is designed to manage the stresses and overwhelming feelings that come with tough situations.

By learning positive coping strategies early in their teenage years, children develop lifelong skills, building up resilience and wellbeing that will stand them in good stead throughout their adult years.

Reachout.com suggest the following nine tips for coping when faced with tough times.

1)   Talk to Someone

2)   Journaling- writing down your feelings, what is troubling you and ways which you can deal with the situation.

3)   Be kind to yourself- eat well, exercise and try some meditation.

4)  Take a break- Give yourself permission to leave situations that make you stressed or angry. For example, leaving a stressful conversation and coming back to speak when you are calm and ready.

5)   Use positive self-talk.

6)   Take a step back- Prioritise and leave some time for leisure.

7)  Think about the big picture- When you’re going through a tough time, ask yourself. “How important is this, will it matter in 5 years time?”

8)   Focus on the positives

9)   Practise gratitude- each day write down three things you are grateful for.

Here at HCC we always encourage the boys to share their concerns and talk to someone they can trust. That person may be a parent, friend, teacher, counsellor, Priest or sports coach. We want the young men of the College to know that they are supported, they are not alone and we are here to help.

Grey for May

In the month of May,  the College will be remembering past staff member and much loved teacher, Mr Michael Byrne. Mr Byrne passed away on 8 May 2023 after a courageous battle against cancer.

Year 12 leaders will be selling grey ribbon pins for $5 to raise funds and create awareness for Brain Tumour research.

On Wednesday 7 May we will be holding our annual Staff vs Student Soccer match as we battle it out for the Michael Byrne perpetual trophy. 

Glass half full or half empty?

Do things actually turn out better for us when we think positively? Barbara Fredrickson’s research has informed us, it is the frequency of positive emotions, not their intensity, which builds our wellbeing. Looking at life optimistically and searching for what is good in things and right about what we are doing sees positive emotions bubbling away in us. When we educate our students about the amazing benefits of adopting an optimistic outlook in their lives and introduce them to the little positive actions they can do often, they shine. Happy people enjoy better health and are more likely to achieve what they set out to do. Let us all look for the positives every day and remember just how luck we are to belong to this very special community.

Mothers Day

Wishing all our Mums and mother figures a wonderful day this Sunday. 

Wishing you all the best for the weeks ahead.