Welcome to the final Leaders Lounge of 2023! As the new Rice captains, we're proud of your efforts and excited for 2024. Thank you to everyone who represented Rice this year.

Last week we participated in the Young Cherry Festival. Much work went into transforming the St Mary’s bus into “The Big Red Bus”. Students dressed as the Wiggles to parade down the street with St Mary’s who were fruit salad. The dedication and creativity paid off as we were crowned as the best float (for the second year running). Thanks to everyone who went out of their way to participate or stay after school to decorate the bus.

In our end-of-year assembly, it was great to see so many Silver awards handed out. Not-so-great news for the majority of the school was Nagle winning the house cup for 2023. Congratulations Nagle. The rest of us have our work cut out to beat you next year!

On Wednesday, we had our presentation night. Although it was stinking hot, the night was a success.We would like to congratulate all of those who received awards and thank the special guests who came along to present the awards. We would also like to commemorate other talented students within our school who have demonstrated a vast range of talents, many of which have been commemorated through awards and scholarships. A shout out to Sarah McDonald, Sophia Hacket, Ethan Light, Sarah Miller, Lachie Li, and Azalea Sullivan all of whom received a music scholarship from the Young Conservatorium of music and/or presented a fantastic performance.

Also on the weekend, the Hilltops Community put on a wonderful performance (Alice in Wonderland) which left lots of laughs and great feedback to the crowd. Well done to Azalea Sullivan, Lily Boda, Sam Boda, Camden Cummins, George Boda, James Payne, and Zac Long - it was a fun and engaging performance, which was loved by everyone who watched! Finally, a huge shout out to Cooper Dabin who is now declared the best Hammer throwing under 15’s in Australia, and the many talented individuals on their way to success or have received greatness in sport, you must be commemorated.

To celebrate the end of the year and Christmas nearing, Year 12 wore Christmas-themed clothing on Thursday and conducted a Christmas liturgy for the school and held the presentation of our vinnies Christmas appeal.

This past Tuesday, Hennessy hosted the heartwarming Rice Dine and Donate event. Students gathered to decorate Christmas Cookies, spreading joy by sharing them with nursing home residents. A total of 280 cookies were baked, resulting in 56 hampers with 5 cookies each. Rice had 18 students, 7 teachers and 2 parents, representing the house. This resulted in the 2nd highest students representing the college in the dine and donate event. Shout out to Rice 2 for having the highest attendance—. Cheers to all for creating these special cookies and spreading holiday cheer!

We are looking forward to coming back next term. It will be a jam packed first week. Years 7, 11 and 12 will start on Friday the 2nd. The swimming carnival and school photos are all in week one.

There will be many new students joining us in year 7 and 11, and other years.
We ask that you all PLEASE be welcoming and kind to all new students. It is not easy starting at a new school and even small acts of kindness and inclusivity make a big difference.

Thank you for reading this week's edition of “The Leaders Lounge!”
We hope everyone has a happy holidays, stay safe!!!!!

Merry Christmas,
Amelia Rowan & Caitlin Drum
Rice House Captains