From the Principal
- Reflection
- Artificial Intelligence and the Purpose of Learning
- Oxford Falls Educational and Architectural Brief Survey
- Trial HSC Examinations commence
- Rugby Gala Dinner
- Winter Cocurricular Program coming to a close
- Upcoming Drama Events
- Dates for your diary
Reflection
The month of August
During the month of August, there are several celebrations related to the Catholic Church such as the Transfiguration of our Lord, Feast Day of St Mary of the Cross Mackillop, and the Feast of the Assumption of Mary. It is important that we acknowledge these as we, as a Catholic school in the Edmund Rice tradition, have become an important voice for the church and its mission. This week we celebrate the canonisation of Mary Mackillop and the Transfiguration of the Lord.
As we celebrate the Feast of the Transfiguration of the Lord on 6 August, we are reminded of the moment when Jesus was revealed in glory before Peter, James and John on the mountain top. In that extraordinary encounter, the disciples caught a glimpse of Christ's divine nature and were strengthened in their faith for the journey ahead. The Transfiguration encourages us to look beyond the challenges and distractions of everyday life and to fix our eyes on Jesus, allowing His light to guide our words, actions, and decisions.
As a school community, may we seek to reflect that same light in the way we learn, serve, and care for one another.
Prayer
Loving God,
On the mountain, You revealed the glory of Your Son and called His followers to listen to Him. Help us to recognise Christ's presence in our daily lives and to reflect His light through kindness, courage, and compassion. Strengthen our faith, guide our hearts, and inspire us to be a source of hope for others.
We ask this through Christ our Lord.
Amen.
Feast Day of Saint Mary Mackillop – 8 August
Australia's first saint.
'Patience, and God will reward you all the more in the end.'
St Mary of the Cross Mackillop 4.8.1874
Mary Mackillop Prayer
Ever generous God,
You inspired Saint Mary MacKillop
to live her life faithful to the Gospel of Jesus Christ
and constant in bringing hope and encouragement
to those who were disheartened, lonely or needy.
With confidence in your generous providence
and through the intercession of Saint Mary MacKillop
We ask that you grant our request……………….
We ask that our faith and hope be fired afresh by the Holy Spirit
so that we too, like Mary MacKillop, may live with courage, trust and openness.
Ever generous God hear our prayer.
We ask this through Jesus Christ.
Amen.
The feast day of Australia's first saint on the 8 August lets us reflect on why St Mary MacKillop was so highly regarded as a person dedicated to her faith and her God. St Mary dedicated most of her life to educating the poor children of society. She was prepared to challenge the authorities of the time to ensure that those at the margins were cared for in a loving manner. Mary’s legacy has gone well and truly beyond the humble beginnings in Penola. The Sisters of St Joseph today are a robust group of women working in Australia, New Zealand, East Timor, Ireland, Peru and Brazil and follow in Mary’s footsteps doing a wide variety of works, revealing to all the hospitable heart of God.
Saint Mary Mackillop - Pray for Us
Blessed Edmund Rice - Pray for Us
St Pius X - Pray for Us
Live Jesus in our Hearts - Forever!
Artificial Intelligence and the Purpose of Learning
Artificial Intelligence (AI) is rapidly transforming the world our students will enter, influencing careers, communication, research, and creativity. Used wisely, AI can be a powerful learning tool, helping students explore ideas, receive feedback, and deepen understanding. Like the calculator, the library, and the internet before it, AI has the potential to expand human capability.
Pope Leo XIV, in Magnifica Humanitas, reminds us that technology should always serve the human person and the common good. As technology becomes more powerful, we must remain committed to what is uniquely human.
This message is particularly important in education. Learning does not occur simply by receiving answers. It happens when students analyse, question, evaluate, create, revise, and solve problems. Neuroscience confirms that the brain develops through active engagement, not passive consumption. Just as no one can build physical fitness for another person, no one can do their thinking for them.
For this reason, AI should never become a substitute for intellectual effort. While it can help students learn, using it merely to complete assignments may produce finished work without producing genuine understanding. Increasingly, teachers are observing students who submit completed tasks but struggle to explain the thinking behind them.
The greatest risk of AI in education is not cheating, but passivity. It is allowing convenience to replace curiosity and answers to replace thinking.
The students recognised at next week’s Celebration of Learning assembly will demonstrate qualities that technology cannot automate: critical thinking, creativity, perseverance, and resilience. These remain among the most valuable attributes any student can develop.
As students continue their learning journey, they are encouraged to use AI ethically and intelligently: to explore ideas, ask questions, and deepen understanding. But the hard work of thinking, learning, and developing wisdom must always remain their own.
Oxford Falls - Educational and Architectural Brief Survey
A reminder to have your voice and complete the survey.
The survey closes Monday 10 August 2026.
Trial HSC Examinations commence
The Trial HSC Examinations have commenced well. Though nervous, the students were quietly confident on Monday as they completed their English paper. Please continue to pray the prayer below for all our HSC students as they complete these important examinations.
A Prayer for Our Year 12 Students
Loving God,
We ask for your guidance and strength for our Year 12 students
as they prepare for their Trial HSC Examinations.
Grant them clarity of mind, calmness of heart, and the courage to do their best.
May their hard work be rewarded, and may they remain faithful to their goals.
In the spirit of Edmund Rice, help them to walk with confidence, knowing they are supported by their community and surrounded by your love.
Amen.
Rugby Gala Dinner
After supporting their sons at the various sporting games throughout the day, some who travelled to the Central Coast, a large contingent of parents continued their support by attending the Rugby Gala Fundraising Dinner at Dockside, Cockle Bay Wharf. There was such a positive vibe throughout the evening with all attendees enjoying each other’s company in the spirit of rugby.
The evening provided an opportunity for our community to acknowledge and celebrate everything that make sour College great. The words shared by our 1st XV Rugby Coach, Mike Cross, encapsulated and reflected the values we as a College are instilling into our young men. Rugby is one way for us to continue supporting our sons as they develop into fine young gentlemen.
The evening had a live auction which saw some very generous people donating some wonderful prizes but then we had some just as generous individuals who purchased the prizes. Thank you to everyone for their generosity in supporting this fundraising event. All proceeds will go towards supporting our rugby program, equipment, and future tours.
A highlight was the conversation between our host Cameron Shepherd (former Wallaby) and a special guest and parent Keith Gleeson (Ireland International Rugby).
Thanks to all the Rugby Club Committee, in particular, President Mr Ted Webster and wife Jen Webster, and especially Tania Moran for the organisation of this event but more importantly for their ongoing support of everything rugby at the College.
Winter Cocurricular program coming to a close
As we head into another exciting week of ISA competition, we extend our best wishes to all of our teams, particularly those striving to secure a place in the semi-finals and those already competing in knockout matches.
Our rugby teams travel to Bathurst this week for their semi-final fixtures. We wish all players and coaches every success and hope they enjoy the opportunity to compete in one of the most picturesque regions of our state. Safe travels to all involved.
Our tennis and football teams will contest the final round of the regular ISA season. We wish every team the very best as they complete their campaigns, especially those needing a strong result to earn a place in the finals series.
We look forward to celebrating your efforts and achievements and thank all students, staff, coaches, and families for their continued support.
Good luck to all teams competing this weekend.
Upcoming Drama Events
We are looking forward to some exciting Drama events next week.
The Drama Cocurricular Showcase is being held next Thursday evening in the Sarto Centre, starting at 5:00 pm. All are welcome to see our Intermediate and Senior Drama Ensembles presenting their latest work.
On Friday and Sunday 14 and 16 August, auditions for Treasure Island are being held. Please see the Performing Arts page for further information.
Dates for your diary
Week 4 (HSC Trial Examinations continue)
Mon 10/8 Celebration of Learning
Tues 11/8 Year 9 - 11 Drama Excursion / PAPA Meeting
Wed 12/8 Year 10 Geography & History Excursions
Thurs 13/8 Year 9 Geography & History Excursions / Drama Cocurricular Showcase
Fri 14/8 Audition #1 for Treasure Island
Sat 15/8 ISA Semi finals (Rugby finals) / IPSHA Athletics Invitational #1 / P&F Trivia Night / Parish in Council
Sun 16/8 Audition #2 for Treasure Island / Youth Mass (OLD Church) 5:30 pm
Fide et Labore
By Faith and Hard work
Live Jesus in Our Hearts - Forever
Mr Michael Ronchetti - College Principal