FAITH MATTERS 

Finishing Strong and Stepping Forward

As Term 3 draws to a close, we are invited to pause and look back on the journey we have shared. It has been a full and rewarding term, rich with learning, celebration, challenge, service and connection. In the busyness of school life, it can be easy to move quickly from one event or task to the next without taking time to recognise how far we have come.

Our Year 11 students were given this opportunity during their recent Reflection Day, guided by the theme “Finish Strong. Step Forward.”

Throughout the day, more than 70 students reflected on their secondary school journey so far and considered the final chapter that lies ahead. They shared memories, acknowledged the people and experiences that have shaped them, and recognised the strengths, lessons and relationships they will carry forward.

The students were also encouraged to think about what they may need to put down—the worries, burdens or attitudes that might prevent them from moving forward with confidence and hope. Through discussion, activities and personal reflection, they explored how their everyday choices can have a ripple effect and how each person can make a positive contribution to their year level and the wider College community.

The day concluded with a Five Stones ritual, representing the stages of the day: Look Back, Take Stock, Choose Well, Step Up and Step Forward. Each student chose a word of intention and wrote it on a stone before placing it beside a pathway—a visible reminder of the person they hope to be as they move towards Year 12.

The words of the prophet Micah provided a fitting guide for this journey:

“Act justly, love tenderly and walk humbly with your God.” 

— Micah 6:8

Our Year 11 students are not beginning their next chapter empty-handed. They carry with them the experiences, lessons, friendships and strengths they have developed throughout their time at the College. In our Josephite tradition, they are also called to notice one another, offer practical support and help each other continue moving forward with courage, compassion and hope.

This same invitation is offered to each of us as the term ends. May we take time to look back with gratitude, recognise what we have learned, release what we no longer need to carry and step into the holidays with renewed energy.

In the words of St Mary MacKillop, “Love each other, help and comfort each other.” May the coming break provide opportunities for rest, reconnection and renewal, and may all members of our College community return ready to embrace the final term of the year.

Wishing all our students, families and staff a safe, peaceful and refreshing term break.

Loving God,

As this term comes to an end, we give thanks for all we have shared and for the people who have walked beside us.

Where there have been difficulties, bring healing.

Where there has been growth, help us to be grateful. 

Where others need support, help us to remember Mary MacKillop’s words: 

“Love each other, help and comfort each other.”

May our holidays bring rest, renewal and time with those we love, and may we return ready for a new beginning.

Jesus light of the world, guide us

St Joseph, journey with us

St Mary of the Cross MacKillop, pray for us

Alison Wright

Director of Faith and Mission