From the Principal

Benvenuto - Welcome

As we dive into the second semester of the 2021 school year, we are again tested in our resilience and persistence as we enter another distance learning phase. Once again, I am amazed by the flexibility and solidarity demonstrated by staff, students and families as we continue to navigate this ongoing challenge together. 

The gospel for this Sunday gives an account of Jesus feeding a large crowd with little resources. It is a story which reflects the idea that in sharing, there is more than enough to go around, and that God provides abundantly for what we need. In reflecting on this idea, I recall a number of stories that have come out of the local area recently, about how in these difficult times, people are reaching out to help and to lift others up. There are individuals and organisations rallying around to provide food parcels for those who have lost their income stream, phone calls to those who may be feeling the effects of loneliness, and many other generous, random acts of kindness – including the running of the Winter Night Shelter initiative for homeless people in Shepparton. In the time of a pandemic, human kindness and community connection are never more important.

On Monday, July 26, we will be celebrating the Feast Day of St Anne – a special time of year for our college, when we acknowledge and celebrate the influence and example of St Anne on our college story. This year, Pope Francis announced a new celebration for the church in honour of all the grandparents and the elderly who are so important in our community – World Day for Grandparents and the Elderly. (Message from Pope Francis to Grandparents) This day will be celebrated annually on the fourth Sunday in July, coinciding with the feast days of Joachim and Anne (Jesus’ grandparents). I would encourage all of our community to spend some time in reflection over the coming days about the contribution older people have made and continue to make to our lives, the wisdom they share, the love and care they provide and the faith they instilled in us.

As I write this reflection today, I am reminded of the simple, but powerful message of our college expectations and how there are so many living examples of these in the actions of people in our community:

Respect everyone and everything; Help others to succeed; Be your best.

Please take care, continue to be bearers of hope and remember to always look for the JOY in every day.

- Susan Carroll, Principal

Happy birthday ...

JUNE

Logan Kempinski; Xavier Soccio; Cody Spark; Kaden Keele; Cody Skinner; Darcie Varapodio; Charli Lloyd; Charlie Bux; Hamish Cox; Matilda Fairbridge; Mariam Al Mosawy; Archer Hogan; Darcy Lott; Landon Hodgson; Ash Taylor; Hannah Andrews; Sienna Carkeek; Tayla Robertson; Cadel Nicholson; Thomas Rachele; Cody Taylor; Michael Sorbello; Bek Watts

JULY

Mia De Stefanis; Millie Bamford; Elijah Valoia; Mason Wright; Japjott Singh; Miette Longo; Lila-Kate Niederle; Logan Johnson; Gianluca Steri; Jesse Ridgwell; Locky Tremellen; Josh Alexander; Jake Walker; Kate McGrath; Leonie Drummond; Chelsea Crawford

We hope you enjoyed the celebrations!

Shoutouts 

Thanks to the following businesses for supporting St Anne's College:

Adornato's for landscaping supplies and Intercontinental Spares for the 40ft shipping container.