The Spirit of Excellence
At our Secondary Assembly on Tuesday morning, we gathered as a college community to acknowledge those students who achieved Academic Excellence in Semester 1, and those students who have consistently demonstrated high levels of application, effort and engagement in their studies. It was a wonderful celebration of student achievement with more than 200 students being recognised for their outstanding achievements and their demonstration of excellence.
Two important College Awards were presented at our assembly. Firstly, Academic Certificates of Excellence were presented to those students who have achieved Subject and Course Grades at a particularly high standard. For students in Years 7-10, the Grade Point Average (GPA) was used. The GPA attributes a set point score to particular grade levels across all subjects. Similarly, in Years 11 and 12, a commensurate calculation is derived based on grades achieved across respective courses of study in order to identify those students who have achieved an Academic Certificate of Excellence.
Secondly, the Crown Awards were presented to acknowledge those boys who achieve multiple Pinder Boor Certificates of Excellence throughout their academic journey from Years 7 to 12. A Blue Crown is awarded to a student who achieves three Pinder Boor Certificates of Excellence; a Green crown for six Certificates; and a Gold Crown for nine Certificates. It is important to note that throughout their academic journey in Secondary School, a student will receive 11 student reports, therefore meaning that students only have 11 opportunities to gain a Certificate of Excellence and the associated Crown Awards. It was wonderful to see the number of boys achieve such recognition.
The Pinder Boor Certificates of Excellence, that will be sent home have been introduced this year to recognise those students who have consistently demonstrated outstanding commitment in achieving their own personal excellence as indicated by their Attribute Point Average (APA). The APA is calculated on the average score achieved over all five areas of ‘Student Work Attributes’ across all areas of study on their Student Report.
The Certificate of Excellence is named in honour of CBC Perth student Alaric Pinder Boor, 1912 Head Prefect and Dux of the College. A recipient of a Rhodes Scholarship in 1913, Alaric was revered by staff and students alike and impressed all he met with his endeavour and dedication to excellence in all aspects of life. During his time at CBC Perth, Alaric Pinder Boor made the most of the opportunity to learn and make a difference to the full, claiming academic and sports’ honours in equal measure. Tragically, Alaric Pinder Boor’s life was cut short when he was killed in action during World War I. The legacy left by Alaric Pinder Boor is one of striving for personal excellence and always giving of one’s best in all circumstances and in the face of all challenges and adversity.
As I have said previously, and will continue to emphasise to illustrate our strength as a school community:
- When one person in our College achieves excellence - we all stand taller.
- When one person in our College strives for their best and shares their gifts with us – we all benefit.
- When one person models the important lesson that hard work brings reward – we are all a little wiser and, hopefully, all closer to following their example.
- When one person strives to reach their full potential, we can all reflect on them demonstrating a Spirit of Excellence.
In celebrating the talents and achievements of these boys being recognised for these awards, the challenge remains for each and every student to share their particular talents and to strive for excellence in what they do. Put simply, all students are challenged to give their best. To do anything less than their best will not be enough!
Whether a boy’s talents, ideas and pursuit of personal excellence is in the area of their Academic studies, the Arts, Sport, Christian Service or other areas of college life, the fact remains, that success will require a commitment to work hard, a clear desire to engage and learn and it will require genuine application to the task. All things that each and every student is capable of.
Finally, I would like to acknowledge and congratulate the students who have consistently applied themselves, willingly shared their gifts and achieved personal excellence. Let us celebrate those students who have demonstrated a Spirit of Excellence within our school with a hope that every student can personally commit themselves to achieving excellence in the future.
Live Jesus in our hearts
Mr Darren O’Neill
Principal