Assistant Principal - Pastoral Care
A Time to Reflect
In 2016 Pope Francis said: “the Birth of Christ, inaugurating redemption, speaks to us of a different
hope, a dependable, visible and understandable hope, because it is founded in God. He comes into the world and gives us the strength to walk with him: God walks with us in Jesus, and walking with him toward the fullness of life gives us the strength to dwell in the present in a new way, albeit arduous. Thus for a Christian, to hope means the certainty of being on a journey with Christ toward the Father who awaits us. Hope is never still; hope is always journeying, and it makes us journey. This hope, which the Child of Bethlehem gives us, offers a destination, a sure, ongoing goal, salvation of humankind, blessedness to those who trust in a merciful God.”
In the midst of the season of Advent, in preparation for Christmas, it is appropriate that we reflect back on the blessings we have had over the course of the year and give thanks for those people who we journey with. I thought I might try to reduce my list to twelve to mirror the twelve days taken to celebrate the nativity of Jesus’ birth.
1. First and foremost, I am grateful for the many young people who we are so fortunate to have as students. Their energy, questions, hopes and dreams serve as a constant reminder of the joy and fortunate life that we have here in Australia.
2. I am grateful for the teachers and staff who work here. There is not enough space to enumerate the many, many things they do for the students. From excursions to sport to music to debating to chess to extra lessons, the list goes on and on. The teachers and staff here are passionate about education. Everything they do is driven by this passion. Not a day goes by at this school where I don’t witness this powerful commitment – from the front office to the IT team to the library staff to the cleaners to the groundsmen, there is a bevy of people who make this school possible and wonderful.
3. I am grateful for the student leaders elected by their peers and staff – they have chosen young people of substance, integrity and who are dedicated to the service of their peers and creating an inclusive culture. Julia and Cameron have done a marvellous job and I can see that Michelle and Tom are already very comfortable in the big shoes left for them by our past leaders.
4. I am grateful for the way our young people are ambassadors for the College– never have they let us down on days such as Open Day and Orientation Day. They guide parents and potential students about with such poise and pride in their school and are the biggest selling point of the College itself.
5. I am incredibly grateful for the amazing Learning Support Team that we have led by Andrea Woods. Her team epitomises the notion of service to others. They have created a trusting, caring and supportive environment that ensures that students with special learning needs feel successful in our College.
6. Complementing this is Joelene and the ATSI team who do such an amazing job in supporting, encouraging and nurturing our young Indigenous people.
7. I am grateful for the tireless work done by Brad Mitchell in organising sport at the College. He is driven to provide opportunities for young people to excel and achieve their best. He is most ably supported by many staff and parents who coach and manage teams. From sweltering cricket fields, to freezing nights at rugby to the steamy basketball courts or poolside for waterpolo – they are there for our young people.
8. I am grateful for the expert counselling team of Tamara Shoemark and Aimee Cook who do such an amazing job with our young people when they are in crisis along with Lesley O’Shea.
9. I am grateful for the wonderful parent body that we have. Many parents are incredibly supportive, conscientious, committed and involved in their young people’s education and learning. It is most evident from attendance at parent teacher interviews and stage nights at the beginning of the year, that many of our parents are invested in the growth and development of their children.
10. I am grateful for the way the young people of the school involve themselves wholeheartedly in school events – from the sporting carnivals to the walkathon to McCarthy’s Got Talent and the excursions and retreats.
11. I am most fortunate to have a wonderful pastoral team to work with – Sharon Stuart has been a rock and fortress to rely upon while all of the Leaders of Student Care: Damian Kenniff, Fiona O’Neill, Michelle Gale, Andrew Davy, Bernie Williams, Mel Bearup and the teachers who stepped in when members of the team were on leave – Bec Hannan, Mel Thompson, Mel Lees and Mel Davis have done a sterling job in offering pastoral support to students and staff alike. Their assistance, tireless efforts and commitment has been an inspiration.
12. Lastly, I feel grateful for having the privilege of being able to work with, and for these young people. The years of adolescence are a rocky road and to be involved in this journey is a joy. Working with young people energises, inspires and, somehow, keeps me feeling youthful in spirit despite my decaying body telling me otherwise.
I wish you all a happy and holy Christmas, safe travels and I look forward to continuing the journey
next year.
Mr Mick Larkin - Assistant Principal - Pastoral Care