Principal's Message

Wayne Wood

Principal

To our St Mary’s Community

It is hard to believe we are almost near the half-way mark for the year. It has been a full and energetic start to the year, and I am very proud of the work of students and staff. We can already see progress in many of our improvement measures. I look forward to the work ahead of us. 

My Gratitude

‘Gratitude’ is quite a trendy topic and closely linked to positive psychology. We must also remember that ‘Gratitude’ is also deeply engrained in our faith. Gratitude is something I have been feeling quite strongly this term towards staff and students at St Mary’s.

As I move around our College, I am reminded of the good people I work with. Each day I witness examples of friendship, care, concern for the other, laughter, hard work, courage, generosity – I could go on. However, it is in the ordinary, innocuous moments which happen everyday that goes unnoticed and yet speak highly about the quality and character of our students and staff. I love that I get to see these small, yet powerful, moments each day. But you have to go looking!

Some of my recent “sightings” include:

• The wonderful students who volunteered as tour guides during Open Night
• The staff who generously committed to our Year 9 Retreat
• The compassion and care shown by our Guidance Counselling team
• The generosity of students in our Tuckshop line
• The patience and care of our Diverse Learning Officers
• The talented baristas in our Green Leaf Cafe

Just to name a few!

And so, let me share with you this prayer written by Vinita Hampton titled ‘I Saw Jesus Today’. I encourage you over the coming weeks to keep your eyes peeled for the types of moments this prayer speaks about. 

I Saw Jesus Today

I saw Jesus on the train today. He had worked a long shift, his coveralls a patchwork of sweat and grime; yet he joked with a coworker in the adjacent seat. I saw Jesus awhile later, as the crowd filed onto the stairs to the street below—he was a young girl with two small children in tow, her nerves clearly frayed. And then, in the grocery store, there was Jesus again, a check-out clerk who smiled and wished me a good evening. The next time I saw him, he was stuck in traffic, his business suit rumpled and his eyes weary. And when I walked by my neighbor's house, Jesus sat on the front step, passing the time with a friend.

When Jesus came to share our human existence, he changed what it means to be ordinary people going through the day. Each one of us has a purpose and a place in the world. Each of us experiences pain, fatigue, humor, and hope. If we look more intently at the people we encounter on a typical day, we will see who they truly are—persons loved by God. Regardless of appearance or situation, the woman, man, or child before you is brimming with holy possibility. Consider that you are gazing into the eyes of God. Understand that Jesus comes to you in many faces and places.

God Bless