Message from Assistant Principal of Wellbeing
Prayer to the Blessed Trinity
O Blessed Trinity,
I thank You for having graced the Church with Saint John Paul II and for allowing the tenderness of Your Fatherly care, the glory of the cross of Christ, and the splendour of the Holy Spirit, to shine through him.
Trusting fully in Your infinite mercy and the maternal intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary, he gave us a living image of Jesus the Good Shepherd and has shown us that holiness is the necessary measure of ordinary Christian life and is the way of achieving eternal communion with You.
Grant us by his intercession, and according to Your Holy Will, the graces we implore, hoping that we, too, will be numbered among your saints.
Amen.
Let us remember the past with gratitude,
live the present with enthusiasm, and look
forward to the future with confidence.
Saint John Paul II
FEAST DAY
In an exciting week, the College celebrated the Feast Day of St John Paul II on Friday. During his homily, Archbishop Prowse spoke about the many qualities of John Paul and specifically referenced the attempted assassination of the Pope in 1981. The incredible forgiveness the pontiff showed in meeting, talking to and ultimately forgiving Mehmet Ali Agca highlighted to students and staff the importance that
forgiveness and reconciliation play in our lives. The meeting between John Paul and Agca and what was discussed was largely not reported, but the image that was captured speaks volumes to our College themes of Justice, Peace and Courage. For John Paul to meet his attacker in prison, talk and accept his attacker's apology and even shake his hand and hug him exemplifies how we can live our lives.
During the Mass Archbishop Prowse also blessed a new Altar, designed and made by our talented Technology & Design assistant Mr Andrew Rose. The Altar is hand-crafted in Tasmanian oak and also features an inlay of a first-class relic of John Paul. The altar will primarily be housed in the College Chapel but has been designed to be transported for use at significant whole of school celebrations.
Following the Mass students participated in market day stalls, these stalls were designed, prepared and run by Year 12 students. This change was led by our 2024 student leaders who were keen to leave a legacy of service back to the school community. The day culminated in some amazing inter-house activities.
On behalf of the College, we thank the Student leadership team led by Captains Lauren M (DR) and Tiago H (KE) for the organisation, energy and vision in making our 2024 feast day so special.
Finally, I would like to express my thanks to all students who attended and participated in our Feast Day celebrations, in the coming days we will be able to announce our donation to Catholic Mission which our Feast Day events were raising funds for. The way students engaged so reverently in Mass was commented upon by many of our guests and the spirit and sense of community throughout the market stalls and inter-house activities made for an enjoyable day for the entire school body.
UNIFORM
The College is currently in discussions with Lowes regarding our school uniform. This process will take place in stages and will involve consultations with students, parents, and our Community Council. Rest assured, any updates to the uniform will be introduced gradually to accommodate families with existing uniform collections.
As we head into the warmer months we remind families to encourage students to stay sun smart. Students should wear the College bucket hat while outside, keep hydrated throughout the day, and make use of the sunscreen available from their House Leaders and the front office.
Wishing everyone a productive and enjoyable Term Four! In my house, the annual debate over when to put up the Christmas tree has already begun— a sure sign that the end of the year is fast approaching!
Tom van de Waterbeemd
Assistant Principal Wellbeing