These exams have progressed well throughout the last two weeks. I thank the Year 12 students for being prompt and following the instructions and guidelines of both NESA and the school. It is an important part of preparation for the final HSC Exams in learning the operational side and rules around these exams. 

We come to the end of Week 4 and near the midpoint of Term 3. We recognise that our Year 12 students have six weeks of normal school before the holidays and the HSC Exams that follow. We wish them well and walk with them in celebrating their time at Corpus Christi.

I look forward to the graduation events and celebrations at the end of the Term and urge all to work hard in these final weeks. There will be 70,000 students in NSW sitting the 2025 HSC exams and graduating, with our Year 12 students among them. 

Do We Notice?

A few weeks ago I went out for a meal at a Lebanese restaurant with some friends and their wives. As happens at these places the dancing commenced after a wonderful meal and I naturally stood back (have you seen me dance!)

On our table another girl was also watching the dancing and cheering others on as they danced and I went over to say hello. She was a relatively short lady and so happy for the happiness of those dancing. We had a chat and I realised that I knew her parents and she was so pleased to be there.

As we talked, she revealed her disability about her capacity to move freely and her love of others being able to dance. Her joy in watching others enjoy themselves was truly uplifting. After a time, she had other friends come over and I moved off. As I said to her how much I enjoyed our chat she said to me – ‘thank you for noticing me, most people don’t’. 

Most people don’t.           I was a bit stunned and taken aback and the reason it comes back to me now is that it reminded me of the Covid lockdown, where I read of the isolation that so many Australians were feeling in the lockdown period. Unable to visit sick relatives in hospital or homes. Unable to cross into GLA’s of concern and visit family (like me). A forced separation of loved ones, sometimes overseas and unable to come ‘home’. 

But Covid is over, and I still feel a sense that many are still in lockdown mode, making choices to remain insular or singular. 

I ask that we all look to our neighbour, friends, classmates or whomever that may be in a position of loneliness. YOU can make a huge difference to someone by reaching out to them, offering a conversation, or a smile, or a chance to be listened to. Make it a goal that before the end of this Term, there is a someone that has been uplifted because of your actions. They are worth it, but more importantly – YOU ARE WORTH IT.