Principal

SPIRITUAL THEME FOR 2025

At the end of 2024, the new Student Leadership Team reflected on the touchstone of INCLUSIVE COMMUNITY and found a bible passage to inspire them, and the student body, through the year ahead. They chose a beautiful one from Proverbs 17:17.

While the book of Proverbs focuses on wisdom, many of the individual proverbs emphasise the importance of loyal love. To nurture strong relationships with God, family, and friends, we must prioritise love and faithfulness. In Proverbs 17:17, Solomon submits that a faithful friend is as valuable as a family member who will support us through a crisis: 

“Friends love you like a sister or brother – they are born to give support during adversity.”

Unconditional love is the bedrock of lasting, healthy relationships. 

Proverbs 3:3–4 urges, “Let love and faithfulness never leave you; bind them around your neck, write them on the tablet of your heart. Then you will win favour and a good name in the sight of God and man.”  

Whether a friendship develops from convenience, shared interests, a business connection, or simply by coincidence, love and loyalty are the qualities that will create a solid and satisfying bond.

A friend who loves “at all times” is a friend who loves even in times of hardship and trial. Fair-weather friends come and go, but in times of trouble, we discover who our true friends are. A genuine friend will exhibit unselfish, sacrificial love by staying at our side despite adversity.

Jesus Christ is the epitome of a friend who loves at all times. Perhaps more than any other Gospel writer, the apostle John highlights the extent of Christ’s unconditional love by which He “loved His own to the end” (John 13:1), that is, to the uttermost limits of love. Jesus always loves us—He has since the beginning of time and will throughout eternity. While He ministered on earth, Christ loved through sacrificial service, washing the disciples’ feet, healing the sick, casting out demons, raising the dead, and setting people free from sin. He also loved with the ultimate sacrifice of laying down His life on the cross for our sins.

Because our Saviour is a friend who always loves, we must love as He does. Jesus said,

“My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you. Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends. You are my friends if you do what I command. I no longer call you servants because a servant does not know his master’s business. Instead, I have called you friends, for everything that I learned from my Father I have made known to you” (John 15:12–15).

Solomon wisely observed, “Love prospers when a fault is forgiven, but dwelling on it separates close friends” (Proverbs 17:9). If we want to be a friend who loves at all times, we must follow Scripture’s guidance and 

“always be humble and gentle. Be patient with each other, making allowance for each other’s faults because of [our] love” (Ephesians 4:2). 

We must be willing to forgive the offences of others, especially when they sin against us.

This year, as friendships falter, we will draw upon our rich Catholic tradition, to work our way through a restorative process that ends with growth of all students concerned.

ACADEMIC THEME FOR 2025: SETTING GOALS

“Goals are the Fuel in the Furnace of Achievement”

Homeroom teachers and Year Coordinators have made a flying start to the year, and the boys have been asked to reflect and set goals for this semester. It would be wonderful if parents could assist us by reinforcing the importance of goal setting in order to maximise your potential.

At home, please sit with your son and ask him the following questions:

• What achievements are you proud of from last year?
• What challenges did you face, and how did you overcome them?
• What would you like to do differently this year?

Creating Balanced Goals

Goals should cover various aspects of life, including academics, social interactions, life management skills, and hobbies. This balanced approach ensures a well-rounded development.

Academic Goals: Aim for improvements in specific subjects, developing study habits, or engaging more in class.

Social Goals: Focus on making new friends, joining clubs, or improving communication skills.

Life Management Goals: Set targets for managing time better, organising personal space, or learning new life skills like cooking or budgeting.

Hobbies and Interests: Encourage pursuing hobbies that bring joy and relaxation, such as sports, music, or art.

It’s important to communicate your expectations in a way that is clear but not intimidating. Explain why these expectations are important and what the consequences might be if they are not met. 

Examples of Clear Expectations:

Academic: Attend all classes and complete homework.

Behavioural: Show respect to family members and peers.

Household Responsibilities: Participate in household chores regularly.

Consequences for Not Meeting Expectations

Consequences should be directly tied to the expectations and communicated clearly. It’s crucial for parents to be prepared to follow through on these consequences to model accountability and consistency. Examples of Consequences:

Academic: If homework is not completed, there may be reduced screen time until it is done.

Behavioural: Disrespectful behaviour might result in loss of privileges, such as not attending a social event.

Household Responsibilities: Not completing chores could mean additional tasks or a deduction in allowance.

Why Consistency Matters

Consistency in enforcing consequences is key. Inconsistency can teach children that they can avoid accountability. Make sure that once a consequence is set, it is followed through every time the expectation is not met.

Positive Reinforcement

While consequences for not meeting expectations are necessary, it’s equally important to recognise and reward positive behaviour. Use positive reinforcement to encourage adherence to expectations. Examples of Positive Reinforcement:

• Praise and verbal recognition.
• Privileges or small rewards.
• Extra quality time or activities they enjoy.

Setting goals and expectations for your son is a powerful way to motivate and guide them towards a successful and balanced life. Reflect on the past year, set goals, and establish clear expectations focusing on inputs. Through collaborative planning and regular check-ins, you can support your son in achieving their aspirations and fulfilling their responsibilities. Remember, the journey is as important as the destination. Celebrate efforts, encourage growth, and enjoy the process together as a family!

In Memoriam

Please keep in your prayers Mrs Loretta Mynett (Uniform Shop Manager) and Mrs Carmel Allen (Front Office), whose mother passed away on Sunday morning aged 87 years. She is survived by her daughters, Carmel, Loretta and Deidre, and their families.

Dr Vittoria Lavorato

Principal

SPC boys can do anything! 

**except divide by zero