From the Principal

Hope in Faith

Since I last wrote, our community has suffered the heartbreaking loss of one of our students. I’ve struggled to write my article for this edition.  Words are so inadequate in the face of such profound sorrow, and our hearts remain heavy as we grieve alongside our young man’s family, friends, and all who were touched by his life. On behalf of the College, I extend our deepest condolences, our continued prayers and our outpouring of care and support.

Moments like these test us deeply, yet they have revealed the incredible strength of who we are as a community. Guided by the Mission of the Oblates of Mary Immaculate and the spirit of St Eugene de Mazenod, we have walked closely with one another, especially in this time of suffering. St Eugene urged his followers to show compassion, to stand with those who are hurting, and to be people of hope grounded in faith. Our community is the living embodiment of hope in faith.

I’ve been profoundly moved by the incredible support shown by our students, staff, parents, Old Boys and the wider community. From quiet words of comfort to prayerful gatherings, messages of care, and practical support offered to so many, our community has responded with dignity, empathy and love. Our boys, in particular, have shown great care and kindness toward one another, embodying the very values we strive to nurture in each of them, and so many have gravitated to the Chapel as a sacred place, for comfort and encounter.

Your sons are an inspiration to us. Expressions of their own wide range of emotions have been supported by our amazing staff, and so spontaneously, by one another. They’ve been there for one another, walked quietly alongside one another, spoken words of comfort, been a companion in moments of silence, and they’ve checked-in on their mates.  Some have mended old hurts, they’ve built bridges, and exercised patience with one another beyond their years.  Even more humbling is that in their own sorrow, they have come to countless staff members, including myself, and checked if we are OK. I never doubt that the future is in the safe hearts and hands of our young people.

I know that you will continue to support your sons alongside us.  You’ll continue to initiate conversations, seek support if needed, listen with a little more patience, hold them a little tighter, be just a little gentler, and love them a little more strongly.

From our sorrow has come so much love and hope.  It is God’s way.  It is our way.

We will continue to provide pastoral care and support for our students and staff. I encourage families to remain attentive to one another and to reach out if support is needed. Together, grounded in faith and united in compassion, we will continue to honour the life of our student and support one another as a Mazenod family.

Please keep the family in your prayers, as they remain in ours.

‘Leave Nothing Undared for the Kingdom of God’

God Bless. Our community remains always in my prayers.

Sabrina Hughes

Principal