The famous English poet, Geoffrey Chaucer, used the phrase "time and tide wait for no man" in the Prologue to the Clerk's Tale published in 1387. While I struggle to remember the storyline from my years as an undergraduate student in Dublin, I can certainly relate to the sentiment. This week, I proudly watched my son's Book Week parade and wanted to freeze the moment forever. How do they turn from babies to boys to young men in what feels like a heartbeat? Where does the time go? 
Here at the College, time passes just as quickly. We are already at the end of Week 6, more than halfway through this Term and the academic year itself. Our Year 7 students have found their feet and seem to have been here much longer than seven months. Our Year 12 gentlemen are on the final leg of their CBC journey with just a few weeks before they leave us for exams, work or travel. Before we realise it, we will be at the Graduation Mass and Ceremony to celebrate them and their achievements and their final Rite of Passage.
Reflecting on the first half of this Term, I am struck by the number and quality of teaching and learning experiences that have been made available to our students. Through a wide variety of activities, environments and interactions, the boys have gained knowledge, skills and understanding in formal and informal situations. We began the term with NAIDOC Week and saw wonderful examples of students embracing the culture of our First Nations people. Last week, we celebrated Science Week with practical examples of science in action as we witnessed explosions and implosions and made friends with some reptiles. In between those events, we maintained a steady schedule of incursions, excursions, camps, musical performances and of course, the Year 8 Love of Learning Project. It is no wonder that time appears to have flown past!
One of the four touchstones of Edmund Rice is 'Liberating Education,' which refers to opening hearts and minds through quality learning experiences, so that through critical reflection and engagement each person is hope-filled and free to build a better world for all. Here at CBC Fremantle, we are proud of our efforts to connect with the touchstones on a daily basis. Schools are busy places, as they should be. It is in dynamic and flexible environments where real learning occurs, and that would not be possible without our highly skilled and committed teachers and allied staff. They are the backbone of effective education, possessing a unique blend of knowledge, creativity, empathy, and life experience. Their ability to inspire, engage and support students is central to fostering a positive and productive learning environment for all. While time changes many things, their care and concern for your sons remains consistent.
With four weeks of Term remaining, there is still so much for us to experience, such as Blessed Edmund Rice Day and the unveiling of our beautiful new building façade which will add so much to our campus in terms of functional spaces, aesthetics and accessibility. Tomorrow night, we will gather as a community at St Patrick's Basilica for Mass at 6pm. I would like to extend an invitation once again to you and your families to join us on this special occasion.
Best wishes,
Ms Georgina Bowler
Director of Staff