MAKING LIFE-GIVING CHOICES

On 4 September staff gathered for a Retreat Day, reflecting on the Gospel Values of life of Justice and Service and how Sr Irene McCormack gave witness to these values in her life and death.  We explored Catholic Social Teachings and Pope Francis’ encyclical, Laudato Si’. (Praise Be To You). One of the questions Pope Francis poses in Laudato Si’ is What kind of world do we want to leave to those who come after us, to children who are now growing up?   This is a very pertinent question for us all to reflect on in the context of making life-giving choices and in thinking about how choices we make as individuals and communities will impact on generations to come.  During the staff Retreat we were privileged to meet Bernadette McCormack, Sr Irene’s sister.  It was a very humbling experience to hear Bernadette speak of her sister, a woman full of life who made a decision to leave the comfort of life in Western Australia to travel to Peru to work with the poor and marginalised.  Sr Irene spoke of choosing life in going to Peru.  It was powerful for staff to hear how Sr Irene made a decision to return to Huasahuasi, despite the danger, because she felt that she shouldn't abandon the people who lived there. Sr Irene was killed in Huasahuasi in May 1991.  Her crime, handing out Caritas food parcels. I don't think any of the staff will ever forget Bernadette telling us of the night her family learned of her sister, Irene’s, death.  It was a deeply moving moment for all of us and hopefully we can take the power of this emotion to inspire the choices we make in our own lives.

Some of the money raised during last week’s Feast Day Fair will support a project in Peru, assisting young people with special needs.  On Feast Day we give thanks for all the gifts that we have been given as a College and we look at how we can reach out to others.  Our Feast Day Fair raises money for projects linked to our Houses which promote the principle of Common Good, the idea of working together to improve the wellbeing of people in our society and the wider world.   Thanks to staff, students and parents who worked together to contribute the Feast Day as a day of celebration and giving.

ARTS SHOWCASE

Arts have been in the spotlight this week, starting with the Opening Night of our Arts Showcase on Monday.  The exhibition of Art Work is outstanding, with every student involved in Art programmes across the College exhibiting at least one piece of work.  It was truly a K - 12 community event.  Those who attended the Opening Night had the opportunity to view exhibits of Art, Media, Textiles, Woodwork and Jewellery.  They were also treated to a showcase of Music, Dance, Drama, Film and a Fashion Parade.  Catering was provided by our Hospitality students.  Thanks to Miss Sara O’Neil, Art Teacher and Showcase Coordinator.  Her huge commitment and creative talent resulted in a wonderful show.  Thanks to Mr Chris, McCrae, Mr Chris Gooch, Mrs Fiona DeCourcier, Mrs Sarah Brown, Mr Paul Murphy and all other staff who assisted.

YEAR 12 - THE JOURNEY FROM SCHOOL

Year 12 students have their last day of formal classes next Monday, before commencing their final school exams on Wednesday.  Please keep the Year 12 students in your prayers as they focus on achieving their best results and look toward life after school.  The Year 12 Graduation Mass will be celebrated on Thursday 22 October.  Students will receive their Graduation Certificates at the Annual Celebration Night on 29 October.