iServi News | 2 July 2021 | Term 2, Week 11
Hospitality
The world is a very different place from what it was a year ago, and it will be a very different place in future months and years. The global disruption has changed all of our lives. The Seven Holy Founders’ capacity to face adversity and their unconditional support of one another provides us with a great example. We are very fortunate to belong to a Servite community with charisms and College Values that inform our thinking and our actions.
This year we have been focusing on the Servite value of hospitality. At the mid-point of the school year, it’s worth just taking a step back and reflecting on ‘hospitality’. We recognise that the value of Hospitality is graciously accepting community members and providing for their needs. Hospitality calls us to be a warm, positive and welcoming school community which is open to others and embraces diversity. Our service to others is an expression of this hospitality.
What I take from living the value of hospitality is that hospitality creates space for others to be themselves. When you provide excellent hospitality for those in your life, you are giving them permission to bring whatever they carry with them into your space to be shared.
Hospitality matters because it deepens existing relationships and creates the space for new ones to flourish. Being hospitable has a deep and profound effect on the people we love and might just impact our own nature more than we think. It increases self esteem, decreases stress and depression, and even boosts our immune system.
When you find yourself in a mutually supportive community defined by hospitality, self esteem goes through the roof. When you feel loved and mutually cared for, it is going to reflect positively on how you view yourself. When you find yourself in this kind of relationship, you are less likely to feel stressed and depressed simply because you have someone lending a listening ear. Chemically speaking, endorphins are released, which helps to fight depression, infection and sickness, while keeping your blood pressure low and your heart healthy! How cool is that?
Hospitality, in its most basic form, can be simplified down to two main ideas; generosity and kindness. In this last week of school, but truly the whole term, our College has oozed generosity and kindness. It is visible and tangible in the works, words and actions of our students, parents and staff. And this was most evident in the manner in which our community has conducted itself during these last few days in lockdown.
Thank you to all of you for the pride that you have shown in being a Servite that has reflected courage, compassion, hospitality, respect, justice and mercy to the Servite Community and beyond.
My message this week is to continue to challenge ourselves to always be kind. It is in kindness that we our truly developing positive, enduring and confident attributes that will hold us in good stead for our future.
Staffing Update
The timeline for the process of appointing the next Principal of Servite College has been extended. We now expect to announce the appointment, aligned with the CEWA announcement, during Week 1 of Term 3.
This week we have farewelled members of the Servite team. It is always sad to say goodbye, especially to cherished colleagues.
Mr Dan Quartermaine has been enriching the Servite community for 12 years. Mr Quartermaine is a transformative teacher who has been recognised for his ability to engage students and shape the future of maths education.
Mr Simon Jones will be moving to Broome to take up the position of Deputy Principal at St Mary’s College. Mr Jones will be a great asset to St Mary’s College in developing and defining their Learning vision.
College Counsellor Mr Steve Morrison has made an indelible mark on the College. Mr Morrison has always shown care, compassion and kindness in his dealings with students and his presence will be missed by all.
Ms Larraine Reason has concluded her fixed-term contract. During her time at the College, Ms Reason has shared her great dedication to the English Learning Area.
Ms Amiee Ranson and Ms Nicole Stein have also completed their contracts. We are very grateful to both of these highly professional teachers who immersed themselves into our community.
We wish Ms Leonie Cameron and Mr Andrew Doyle safe travels during their long service leave.
We welcome the following new staff members to the College in Term 3:
- Ms Isabella Dudek, Humanities, Term 3.
- Ms Kes Hunter, Maths, Semester 2.
- Ms Karen McGrath, Maths, Term 3.
- Ms Trinh Roche, Science, Semester 2.
- Ms Caitlin Sinnott, English, Semester 2.
Other staffing updates include:
- Mr Chris Callus, Acting Head of Religious Education, Semester 2.
- Mr Scott Clayton, Acting Head of Humanities, Term 3.
- Ms Monica Maxwell, Acting Deputy Principal – Community, Semester 2.
- Ms Rachel Poga, Acting Head of Technologies, Term 3.
- Mr Ericius Tan, Acting Head of Science, Semester 2.
In Term 3 we also welcome back:
- Mr Nick Kommer, Teacher
- Ms Maria McGovern, Teacher
- Mr Sebastian Stasinski, Teacher
- Ms Nerida Williams, Head of Learning Area – VET
Finally, I would like to recognise and thank all our staff for their ongoing efforts and support in providing the best possible learning environment for our students in this ever-changing world.
Mrs Franca Coutts
(Acting) Principal