Principal

The principles of Catholic social teaching have never been more prominent in my mind than during this year. I have been shocked and disappointed at times that some people in our society have made selfish choices during COVID restrictions that speak to the “me first” or “it’s all about me” mentality. Those who have vociferously proclaimed their democratic rights and in turn, spouted forth as if it is legal amateur hour, have merely demonstrated that they are pitting their rights and choices ahead of everyone else’s. The scenes over toilet roll fights in supermarket aisles, the border jumpers, and the challenging of workers in retail stores who are just trying to do their job, all speak to a growing trend of rampant individualism.

In our Catholic world, we subscribe to the promotion of the common good and community. It is one of the foundations of our social teaching. As human people, we all deserve the right to dignity and respect because we are made in the image and likeness of God. We not only exist in community (society), but I think we also have the opportunity to flourish in and with others, and the mark of a civilized society and our political system is about what is good for the majority or the group. As inherently social beings we exercise our rights in relationship with others, not just on our own. We can only grow to be fully human and alive when we do so in the context of society – with others. The ways in which we live out our lives as neighbour to one another is part of our commitment to each other. We have a collective responsibility therefore not only to promote the dignity of the other, but to love our neighbour, and thereby contribute to the common good. As an additional overlay, and in particular, we find in favour of the poor and the vulnerable. This should be our priority. Those who are downtrodden and voiceless should hold our special attention and care. 

This year, our kindnesses to one another, and our considered actions that promote the health and wellbeing of the group should automatically override our own personal inconveniences. We have all had to compromise, make changes to our daily lives, and in many cases, take a financial hit. In so doing, we collectively improve our chances of coming through this with fewer deaths and serious illness. 

Catholic social teaching also specifically points to human rights, but these are coupled with our human responsibilities. We have a fundamental right to life, and a right to those things that are required for our decency: food, shelter, clothing, a right to meaningful work, education, and health care. Here is the rub though; we also have responsibilities and duties to our families, to the stranger as well as our loved ones, and to society at large. 

Rather than viewing the images I have of late, I dearly wish the media would balance this with some of the beautiful gestures of goodness, charity and justice that I know have been prevalent in our cities and towns. The generosity of so many people has been heart-warming to see. This year, we can all do with some good news stories! The very people who flout the rules and challenge the system are the ones who will also expect first-class health care and financial support if and when the need arises. I am trying therefore to ration my intake of news so that I remain positive, and remember that as people of faith, our task is to love our neighbour as we would ourselves. This needs to be demonstrated in practical ways. I am reminded of our College theme for this year from the first letter of John: “Let us love not in word and speech, but in truth and action”.  What we attempt to inculcate in our boys through our Serving Our Community (SOL) service program as well as our many social justice and charitable works programs, speaks to the notion of the common good and the principles of Catholic social teaching. 

By now you will have all been informed about the appointment of Dr Vicki Lavorato as the principal of our College for 2021. I commend Dr Lavorato to you as a tremendously experienced leader in Catholic education. When I spoke with her last week, she said to me that she felt that coming to this wonderful College will be like coming home! Vicki has a long-standing love of the Edmund Rice charism, having served as Deputy Principal at Waverley College some years ago. She also combines her significant previous principalship experience with overarching system experience, and she is passionate about returning to a boys’ school in the Edmund Rice tradition. I know that you will warmly welcome Dr Lavorato to our College in the same way that you welcomed me when I first arrived here. We will arrange for Dr Lavorato to visit the College next term so she can introduce herself to our boys, staff and community members. Please pray for Vicki as she prepares to take up her role here with us. 

Condolence

Please pray for Domenic Screnci (Year 11) and his family as they mourn the loss of his grandfather Domenico Screnci who passed away last Tuesday 18 August. Eternal rest grant unto him O Lord and let perpetual light shine upon him. May he rest in peace.

Craig Wattam

Principal