Deputy Principal
Identity & Religious Life of the College - Richard Rogusz
Prayer Read as a College during this week's Assembly
Prayer Read as a College during this week's Assembly
Anniversary of the National Apology
Yesterday on Assembly, the College recognised the 17th Anniversary of the National Apology to the Stolen Generations. The Apology to Australia's Indigenous Peoples was delivered by Prime Minister Kevin Rudd on 13 February 2008. It recognised the impact of Government policies on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples, in particular, the children who were forcibly removed from their families. They are known as the Stolen Generations.
For Australia's Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples, this date holds deep meaning. Each year all Australians are invited to remember this important event in Australia's history.
As a College community, we stand strong in our call for truth telling about our nation’s history. We continue to support the Uluru Statement from the Heart and the empowerment of Australia’s First Nations Peoples. Let us listen, learn and pray for reconciliation.
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Families
If your daughter identifies as an Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander student, please contact me at the College by phone or email, rogur@staff.mta.qld.edu.au. While the College seeks this information from families at enrolment, it does not always reflect the most up-to-date information. Accurate information will assist the College in ensuring communication of events for Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander students reaches our students and their families.
Saint Valentine’s Day
Commemorated on 14 February each year, the Feast of Saint Valentine recognises a third century Roman saint who, since the High Middle Ages, has been associated with a tradition of courtly love. While the exchange of Valentines is more of a secular custom rather than religious, there is a Christian message that should be remembered.
In the Christian tradition, the love of our God, reflected in the birth, life and resurrection of Jesus, is the source of what it means to be fully human. In our year of Joy, let us also remember that the love of God is the source of spiritual joy.
We can look to the example of Saint Valentine and realise that we are loved by God and, in turn, extend this love to our neighbours. We can remember the words of John’s Gospel: Jesus said, "This is my commandment: love one another as I have loved you” (John 15:12).
We can make this known through the kindness, gratitude and generosity we show to others, especially those who are members of our College community.
Parent Workshop, The Brain Calming Method
Last year, Mr Paul Jarvis facilitated a number of workshops with staff and students in Years 7 and 10 about what neuroscientists call “cognitive overload” - a state of feeling stressed and overwhelmed - and the evidence behind how best to address it. Drawing on his extensive career in education, Paul teaches a brain-calming method - without screens - that is effortless and a very effective way to promote mental rest.
Feeling overwhelmed impairs our ability to think clearly, solve problems, learn new things easily, make decisions, be patient, and control our emotions. In short, it impairs what staff, students and parents need to function in a given day. I am sure many families are well aware of this feeling of being overwhelmed and how this affects our capacity to main our wellbeing and positive relationships.
This year we would like to offer an information session for parents to share the work we have commenced with staff and students. The workshop will explore the cause of cognitive overload and the evidence from medical science about how we can reduce its effects. It is our hope that with parent awareness of the growing problem with screens and strategies that can minimise their impact, we can continue to support the positive mental health and wellbeing of our students.
The workshop will be held at the College on Tuesday 18 February from 6.00 – 7.00pm. Parents are asked to RSVP using the link below. Students are encouraged to attend also.
Date: Tuesday 18 February
Time: 6.00 – 7.00pm
Venue: Assisi Room