Principal

I am sure you join me in shock to think that the boys have a week and a half left of school for this year and Christmas is only five weeks away. Time seems to be playing tricks on us this year. In some ways it has been a long year with time passing slowly, and in other ways it has passed in the blink of an eye. What a year it has been. This time last year we were struggling to breathe through bushfire smoke and mourning the loss of flora and fauna, followed closely by the arrival of COVID-19. Here in NSW we have much to be thankful for, and we have much to celebrate as we approach the Christmas period. 

This Sunday marks the start of Advent. Advent comes from the Latin advenio, "to come to," and refers to the coming of Christ. Advent is a period of spiritual preparation in which many people make themselves ready for the coming, or birth of the Lord, Jesus Christ. Celebrating Advent is a season of prayer, fasting and repentance, followed by anticipation, hope and joy.

This time of year we also see an increase in celebrations for the end of year: the work Christmas party, catching up with friends and family gatherings are all being happily anticipated. We might be seeing loved ones we’ve not seen for many months, making these catch-ups more special than ever. Spending time with the people who matter, remembering to be grateful and hopeful for the future – this is what Christmas gives us.

Establishing and building on traditions make Christmas all the more significant. In my family, we decorate the house, stock the pantry and put Michael Bublé on high rotation. We go to Mass on Christmas Eve and grab a pizza on the way home before settling down to watch the carols on TV. The next day both sides of the family come together for a long lunch, after we’ve checked our stockings and torn the paper off the pressies. We then host the annual Christmas Day cricket match in the backyard, while some sneak off for a sleep on the couch. This is a great time where we are all together as a family to celebrate the coming of Jesus. 

This time of year especially we need to remember people who are struggling in all different ways, as Christmas can be tough for many. As a College we have the annual Christmas hamper appeal which is not just about taking something out of the cupboard; take the time to select a special gift with love to make someone feel a little brighter. Christmas really is about giving rather than receiving.

Damian Chase

Acting Principal