Junior School

Junior School News - Term 1 Week 5, 2022

Today marks the beginning of the Lenten period. During this time, we consider the words of Pope Francis who appeals to the faithful “to not allow this season of grace to pass in vain” and invites believers to prepare to celebrate the paschal (Easter) mystery with mind and heart renewed, warning that “Sin leads man to consider himself the god of creation, to see himself as its absolute master and to use it, not for the purpose willed by the Creator, but for his own interests.”

Referring to the three key Lenten disciplines and practices, Pope Francis explains:

• Fasting means turning away from the temptation to “devour” everything to satisfy our voracity
• Prayer teaches us to seek God’s will, and to abandon idolatry and the self-sufficiency of our ego
• Almsgiving, whereby we escape from the desire to hoard everything for ourselves and instead share what we have with those most in need.

As we embark on this most significant period in the Church’s calendar, we are called to be converted to Christ anew, following in His way and being guided by His example on Earth. Let us all consider what plans we might put in place to keep a blessed and holy period of Lent. 

Last week, several significant events in the Junior School’s annual calendar were held. On Thursday, all Year 5 students took part in ‘Belonging Day’ and travelled to either Parramatta or Hunters Hill for the occasion. The day was filled with many authentic formation and identity opportunities, built around the theme of 'Jesus, Edmund and me'. These experiences helped students to create new friendships in a different environment, whilst also deepening their understanding of what it means to be part of an EREA school, linking to our College touchstone of Gospel Spirituality. 

Thank you to the Year 5 teachers and staff who helped to make this day possible. Thank you as well to the various Senior School students who gave of their time to assist; and for the incredible impression they made on their younger peers! A special thanks must also be given to Ms Daley, Mrs Spagnuolo, and Mrs Young for all their work in making the day run so smoothly for everyone involved.

A highlight of becoming part of the College community for a Year 5 boy and his family is the annual Year 5 Welcome Mass. This event was held on Friday, and I would like to thank everyone who was able to join us in celebrating this special occasion. Many people participated in the running of this Mass and their contribution in doing so was sincerely appreciated. I am most grateful to all the Year 5 families who understood the importance of the occasion and took the time to join us for the service. A special thanks must also be given to Mrs Young for her tireless effort in organising the liturgy.

Later that evening, the Parents’ and Friends’ Junior School Family Dinner was held in the College Gymnasium. After not being able to celebrate this occasion for the past several years due to the impact of COVID-19 restrictions, it was so lovely to welcome parents back on campus for this unique event. As a Junior School, we are committed to strengthening the partnership between parents and the College, and we are already looking forward to providing further opportunities to welcome our parents on-site throughout the course of the year ahead. 

As always, if you have any queries or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact me via email (glenn.stephenson@spc.nsw.edu.au) or phone (8705 9247) and I will endeavour to assist you in any way that I can.

May God bless you,

Glenn Stephenson

Director of Junior School