Co-Curricular
Citius – The Spirit of Readiness
Last week, the College celebrated the Solemnity of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary. It was a reminder of the values of commitment, loyalty, trust, and faithfulness. The azure blue of our College crest carries these meanings and, most notably, reflects the Holy Mother’s influence on the life of Blessed Edmund Rice, alongside the impact of his wife and daughter.
In reflecting on Mary’s immediate and trusting response to God’s call, I found myself asking how our Co-Curricular Program might invite students to respond in the same spirit.
The Olympic motto often comes to mind when thinking about the deeper purpose of developmental pursuits. In the 1998 film Without Limits, which tells the story of American distance runner Steve Prefontaine, Donald Sutherland’s character – Oregon coach and Nike co-founder Bill Bowerman – explains the motto in this way:
“Citius. Altius. Fortius. It means Faster. Higher. Stronger. It’s been the motto for the Olympics for the last 2500 years. But it doesn’t mean faster, higher, and stronger than who you are competing against. Just Faster. Higher. Stronger.”
Citius is not simply about speed. It is about being awake and responsive, engaging fully in the moment with attentiveness and trust. Just as Mary answered God’s call with immediacy and faith, so too are our students invited to be quick to serve, ready to create, and willing to contribute. In sport and in the arts, they are encouraged to act with alertness, courage, and commitment – to be fast in pace, but even more so to hold fast in purpose.
This blue thread through our crest and our programs reflects a strength of presence and faithfulness. It reminds us that Citius is a readiness to act when the moment calls, whether in rehearsal, on stage, in training, or in competition.
That spirit has been clear across the Winter Sports Program. In Football, nine teams reached the finals, highlighted by the 4ths defeating St Spyridon’s Firsts in a fantastic performance. In Rugby, eleven of our eighteen teams competed for a place in the grand final, with the 14As booking their spot. In Tennis, the 7ths were crowned ISA Champions – a brilliant reward for their persistence and teamwork.
As a reminder, this week our cultural calendar also celebrates the diversity of student talent. On Wednesday 20 August, the Debating and Public Speaking Presentation Evening will showcase the courage and skill of our students, followed on Thursday 21 August by the Performing Arts Showcase, a celebration of the musical passion at the College.
As we continue through Term 3, may the example of Mary assumed into Heaven, and the azure of our crest, inspire us to live with readiness, faith, and purpose – in the classroom, on the stage and sporting field, and in every part of College life.
Co-Curricular – Cultural: Photo Day, Tuesday 26 August
Please see below the Co-Curricular photo day schedule:
Students to please write the relevant photo time in their diaries and note the following details:
Students will be photographed in Full College Winter Uniform
Students are required to be ready at the hall 5 minutes before their scheduled photograph time. This means they should leave class 10 minutes before the scheduled time of the photograph. Class teachers have been notified.
Service Opportunity – Surf Life Saving
Consider becoming a lifesaver and a member of a lifesaving club. Be part of a patrol team.
Narrabeen Beach SLSC is offering SRC (Surf Rescue Certificate), and Bronze Medallion Courses for the coming season.
A healthy, active community service and family activity. Nippers is also on Sunday mornings for younger children to learn beach safety and skills.
For information, please click on the following link below, or reach out to our SPC student lifesavers, Jack McDonald (Year 11), and Patrick McDonald (Year 9).
Narrabeen Beach SLSC - Information.
Any questions, please contact the Narrabeen Beach Education team: mattmurphy70@gmail.com.
Adam Watson
Director of Co-Curricular