Principal's Address

Dear Parents and Carers,

Welcome to our first issue of Chev News for 2025.

We are already halfway through Term 1, and the pace of College life in all its vibrancy is truly invigorating – our Year 7s have settled in with a notably joyful energy, and our older students are embracing all that comes with their new year groups. 2025 is looking to be a wonderful year for the College.

This week we marked the start of Lent with a special Ash Wednesday service. Our student and staff community was joined by the MSC Education Committee, consisting of the Principals and APs – Faith, Formation and Mission from our three MSC sister schools, along with Director, MSC Education, Chris McDermott. This week concludes with International Women's Day on Saturday 8 March. 

Lent

Lent is a significant period in the Catholic Church, observed annually for forty days, beginning on Ash Wednesday and culminating on Easter Sunday. This sacred time is dedicated to reflection, penance and spiritual growth, and commemorates the forty days Jesus spent fasting in the desert.

For Catholics, Lent is a journey of self-examination and renewal. It is a time to deepen one's relationship with God through prayer, fasting and almsgiving. Prayer during Lent involves seeking a closer connection with God, often through additional devotions, attending Mass more frequently, and engaging in personal reflection. Fasting, traditionally observed by abstaining from meat on Fridays and limiting meals, serves as a reminder of Jesus' sacrifice and encourages self-discipline. Almsgiving, or acts of charity, emphasizes the importance of helping those in need and living out the teachings of Christ – or, put simply by our own Jules Chevalier, ‘being on earth the heart of God’.

Lent is not just about giving up something; it is also about taking positive steps to grow in faith and love. It is a time to let go of bad habits, embrace new virtues, and prepare one's heart for the joy of Easter. By participating in these practices, Catholics seek to renew their commitment to their faith and emerge spiritually stronger.

International Women’s Day

This Saturday is International Women’s Day. This year’s UN Women theme is 'March Forward.' At the current rate of progress, it will take until 2158, which is roughly five generations from now, to reach full gender parity, according to data from the World Economic Forum. Focusing on the need to #MarchForward emphasises the importance of continuing to take decisive steps to achieve gender equality. It calls for increased momentum and urgency in addressing the systemic barriers and biases that women face, both in personal and professional spheres.

We as a College have for many years strived to value and prioritise the inclusion of women and girls and to promote opportunities for them. This work must continue.

As individuals, we can all take steps in our daily lives to positively impact women's advancement. We can call out stereotypes, challenge discrimination, question bias, celebrate women's successes, and so much more. Additionally, sharing our knowledge and encouragement with others is key.

I'd like to thank our Burford House Captains and our Student Care Captains who facilitated the celebration for International Women's Day on campus.  All students had the opportunity to wear a splash of purple and write an affirmation for a significant woman in their lives during Home Room.

Our College Captain Lucinda C and Vice Captain Eden R, together with AP New Ambitions and Innovation Jo Kirby, attended the Wingecarribee Shire Council’s International Women’s Day Breakfast, where Eden joined the panel for a Q&A providing insights into young women’s experiences as they transition through school into university and beyond.

I hope you enjoy reading Issue 1, 2025 of Chev News. It is a wonderful reflection on the vibrancy of our College. Please also read the Need to Knows on the last page of the newsletter, where you will find important information regarding what is happening each week at the College.

We #MarchForward together!

Greg Miller

Principal