From Rach Chapman

Welcome to our 2025 School Year!

2025 is a special year for the Church as we celebrate our Holy Jubilee Year and our theme ‘Pilgrims of Hope’. We liken hope to a bright light that guides us, even when we experience challenging and difficult moments or days. We are invited to reflect on how we continue to bring hope to others; through acts of kindness, acts of service, beautiful words, helping hands and joyful hearts. 

Opening School Mass

Last Thursday, 6th February, we celebrated our Opening School Mass. It was a wonderful celebration of the beginning of our school year, focusing and highlighting our theme ‘Pilgrims of Hope’ and the significance of the Jubilee Year. Father Uday’s Homily encapsulated our hopes and our plans for the 2025 school year. 

Our students’ involvement and engagement in our Mass was heartwarming and inspiring. Our new College Principal, Mr Tim Campbell, was Commissioned, as were our staff, and new and returning staff were presented to the College community.

Our Student Leaders for 2025 were presented with their badges by Father Uday and Mr Campbell. 

Mr Campbell spoke of his gratitude for our students, staff, College Community and Parish. He spoke of the promise our 2025 year holds in our learning, our service to others and the opportunities and experiences we have.

It was a beautiful celebration and welcome to the school year!

Saint Brigid’s Feast Day - 1st February, 2025

We also reflected on and celebrated Saint Brigid in our Opening School Mass, as her Feast Day was Saturday 1st February. Saint Brigid’s life is a testament to the enduring power of love, compassion and reverence for the Earth. In our actions, no matter how small, we can find our own Lamp of Learning, our own cross to weave, our own sword to put down and our own apples to share. For we are all connected, and through compassion, we can light up the world. 

Year 12 Retreat

Our Year 12 students participated in their Year 12 Retreat at Pallotti College, Millgrove this week! 

Students undertook a range of activities and experiences to reflect on our theme of ‘Harvest’ and how it relates to our life journey. Students worked collaboratively as a cohort and in small groups to explore the themes, ideas and reflections presented. 

Pallotti College provided an exceptional environment for us to share our Retreat together, and the three days were invaluable for reflection, exploring our relationship with God and others and connection to who we are and what we want for this year and beyond. 

Thank you to our Year 12 students and families, and our staff; Mrs Downie, Mrs Shannon, Mr Dmtryiw, Peter Fawcett and Tess Brookman for their efforts to ensure our Retreat was an incredible faith filled and significant experience. 

The Jubilee Prayer

Father in heaven,

may the faith you have given us

in your son, Jesus Christ, our brother,

and the flame of charity enkindled

in our hearts by the Holy Spirit,

reawaken in us the blessed hope

for the coming of your Kingdom.

 

May your grace transform us

into tireless cultivators of the seeds of the Gospel.

May those seeds transform from within both 

humanity and the whole cosmos

in the sure expectation

of a new Heaven and a new Earth,

when, with the powers of Evil vanquished,

your glory will shine eternally.

 

May the grace of the Jubilee

reawaken in us, Pilgrims of Hope,

a yearning for the treasures of Heaven.

May that same grace spread

the joy and peace of our Redeemer

throughout the Earth.

 

To you our God, eternally blessed,

be glory and praise for ever.

Amen

Rach Chapman

Deputy Principal

Catholic Identity and Community