Catholic Identity & Mission News
Farewell to our Year 12s
Last Friday we (finally!) got to formally farewell our Year 12 students as we celebrated their graduation from the College. It was an emotional day to be honest, as graduation days often are, because you realise that you’re no longer going to see these students every day. And our 2021 Year 12 cohorts have been very special groups. They have demonstrated resilience and courage through the challenges of the past two years and have been role models for our students with regards to our school motto, ‘Be not afraid’. As Mr Black said in his closing comments, they have ‘set the bar very high’ for all future Year 12’s not only by their example, but also by their leadership. I couldn’t agree with him more!
Our ultimate model for leadership in our College though, is Jesus. He taught and practised a leadership that prioritized service, love, and justice. Already, a few of our 2022 College Leaders are demonstrating their aspirations to live up to Jesus’ example. We are promoting the ‘12 Days of Christmas Challenges’ during these last 12 school days. Via the daily SPACE bulletin, our Liturgy (Maddy and Bridget), Social Justice (Jorja and Melissa) and Environment (Alyssa and Thomas) Captains are taking it in turns to challenge all staff and students to reflect and take action to be people of hope, to care and advocate for refugees and asylum seekers, and to care for the environment especially at Christmas (which can be such a wasteful time). We can feel overwhelmed with the troubles of the world at times, but if each day we can think, say, or do something that will witness to the service, love and justice that Jesus modelled, we know we can make a difference. These captains are to be warmly congratulated for their leadership as we prepare for Christmas.
Our 2022 College Captains had the privilege of meeting with our Bishop, Bishop Greg Bennet, on Friday, 19 November 2021 for a ‘conversation’ with him and the College Captains of the other six secondary schools in the Sale Diocese. Giovanna, Johnny, Gia and Dominic beautifully explained our school motto and how it was lived out in our school, and had forwarded some questions to Bishop Greg which he then addressed. Bishop Greg also encouraged them as they started their leadership journeys and shared stories of his own call to leadership, and leadership experiences. It was an interesting and inspiring session, and it certainly appeared to be an enjoyable meeting for all!
So, as we wind up the 2021 school year, we will open final House assemblies with our Advent liturgies. The Music Ministry students have recorded some carols to sing, and we will take time to reflect on the themes of each of the weeks of Advent: Hope, Love, Joy and Peace. After a torrid two years, these themes seem more relevant than ever and we will take time to reflect on God’s infinite love in coming among us in the person of Jesus Christ, whose birth we celebrate at Christmas. We are so grateful for how we have come through 2021, but it will be wonderful to also have a summer break and return refreshed and ready to begin again in 2022.
And finally, further to the notice in our last newsletter, there’s still time to donate to the St. Peter’s College Vinnies Christmas Appeal! We are collecting food hamper items, and Christmas presents for all ages. The VCAL and Ministry classes, in particular, have been busy planning and running fundraisers so that they can purchase items for those in need. If you can, please also contribute to this very worthy cause. Donations can be placed in the boxes in House areas and at the College receptions on both campuses. Thank you very much for all your generous support.
Fiona McKenna
Deputy Principal - Catholic Identity & Mission