Faith and Community

Our Father, Son and Holy Spirit,

We gather before you As St Joseph’s College. 

We are young, vibrant and hopeful. 

For your love of us, we thank you, 

For your wisdom, we praise you. 

We ask you for your guidance 

As we journey through each day. 

We stand together in the spirit of St Brigid. 

Inspire us to serve you and each other with respect and dignity. 

Encourage us to love learning 

And to live with a sense of purpose. 

Challenge us to uphold the Gospel Values With strength and kindliness. 

Life is your gift to us 

May we choose to live it well. 

As we pause and pray these familiar words, we are reminded of who we are and what holds us together as a community - young, vibrant, and hopeful. This prayer captures the very heart of St Joseph’s College: a place where faith, learning and belonging meet.

As I look around this week, our College feels alive, a joy-filled place of looking forward. There is a sense of energy and anticipation in the air: students are choosing subjects, preparing for exams, and our Year 12s are standing on the precipice of the exciting new phase of their lives. It is a time of endings and beginnings. In all of this, we are reminded that we do not journey alone.

In this year of hospitality, we are invited to open our hearts to one another. Hospitality is not only about welcoming others; it is about recognising that every person has something to offer, that every encounter can be grace-filled. Our prayer asks that we “serve each other with respect and dignity,” and in doing so, we make space for kindness and understanding.

As November begins these words also call us to finish well. To look back with gratitude for what we have shared and to look forward with courage and purpose. We are challenged to “uphold the Gospel Values with strength and kindliness” to keep showing up for one another, even when we are tired. 

In our community, we find the strength to continue. Like St Brigid, whose spirit of warmth and welcome lives in our College, may we be people who bring hope and welcome to others. 

Following along in our spirit of hospitality, this week we welcomed local police member Shane Roberts, who spoke with our students about the different types of bullying and the significant impact such behaviour can have on others. He encouraged everyone to be upstanders, not bystanders, by speaking up and supporting those who are targeted. In support of our College Bullying Policy, we also explored examples of behaviours that can be considered bullying and reflected on how our actions can create a safer, kinder community.

Lee Pethybridge

College Leader - Faith and Community