Assistant Principal Mission

Founder’s Day Follow Up 

From our Founder’s Day celebrations earlier this term, the College community raised approximately $8,000. These funds will be directed to La Salle Boys’ High School in Khushpur, a Catholic village in Pakistan.

Khushpur is a rural community where most families rely on low‑income agricultural work. The village is recognised as the largest Christian village in Pakistan and has produced many vocations to the priesthood and religious life. The students who attend La Salle Boys’ High School are predominantly from Khushpur itself, with a small number travelling from neighbouring villages. Most parents work as farmers or daily‑wage labourers, typically earning between 800–1400 PKR per day (approximately $4–$7 AUD) when work is available.

The monthly tuition fee for students ranges from 650–1000 PKR (approximately $3–$5 AUD), reflecting the significant financial hardship faced by many families.

The funds raised by our College will be used to upgrade classrooms and replace outdated administrative technology, including computers and photocopying equipment. Brother Zohaib, the Principal, expressed his deep gratitude, noting that this support will finally allow the school to replace equipment that has been long overdue for renewal.

Camp Fire with a Cause

Thank you to all the students who attended the Camp Fire with a Cause. Throughout the evening, students engaged in learning about the different types of homelessness in Australia and the many factors that contribute to people not having safe and secure housing.

As part of the event, students packed snack packs using donated items. These packs will be distributed to the St Vincent de Paul Society, including the Night Patrol and Brekkie Vans, to support individuals experiencing hardship.

If families would like to continue contributing, small cartons of long‑life milk would be especially appreciated. These will be used to prepare breakfast packs for One Meal, a local organisation the College proudly supports at Cronulla.

Homeless Persons’ Memorial Service - Sunday, 21 June 2026

Why this date?

The winter solstice is chosen deliberately because the dropping temperatures and long hours of darkness highlight the daily survival struggles of rough sleepers. 

2021 Census identified

• Males were more likely to be experiencing homelessness than females (55 per 10,000 males compared to 42 per 10,000 females)
• the rate of homelessness for females had increased between 2006 and 2021 (from 38 per 10,000 females to 42 per 10,000 females)
• 91 per 10,000 people between 19 and 24 years old were experiencing homelessness
• 307 per 10,000 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people were experiencing homelessness

• 1 in 7 people experiencing homelessness were aged under 12 (48 per 10,000 people).

   

  Everyone deserves dignity and respect - How can I make a difference?

WYD 2027

World Youth Day (WYD) is an international gathering of young people established by Pope John Paul II to inspire youth in living out the teachings of Christ. Since the first official celebration in 1986, WYD has grown into a significant global event, held locally each year and internationally every 2–3 years in a major host city.

During the international WYD week, young people from around the world come together for prayer, catechesis, cultural festivals, and community. The week begins with an opening Mass celebrated by the local Archbishop, followed by daily gatherings where youth hear from bishops and speakers about faith and discipleship. Mid‑week, the Holy Father arrives to lead key events, including the Stations of the Cross and a concluding Mass that often draws millions of pilgrims.

WYD offers young people a powerful opportunity to deepen their faith, connect with others, and experience the global Church in a vibrant and meaningful way.

When: 3 - 8 August 2027 This will potentially be longer with some pilgrimage options to other areas, such as Japan.

Where: Seoul, South Korea

Theme: ‘Take courage! I have overcome the world’ (John 16:33)

Who is invited?: All students from year 9 - 12. 

Why come? Many young people who attend World Youth Day describe it as a profoundly uplifting and faith‑affirming experience. They speak of the joy of gathering with thousands of other young Catholics from around the world, the sense of belonging that comes from sharing prayer and worship together, and the inspiration of hearing the Holy Father’s message firsthand. Students often say that WYD helps them deepen their relationship with Christ, strengthens their confidence in living their faith, and opens their eyes to the global Church in a way that is both energising and transformative. For many, the experience becomes a milestone in their spiritual growth and a moment they carry with them long after returning home.

WYD 2008 Sydney

World Youth Day 2008 in Sydney remains one of the most extraordinary faith events ever hosted in Australia. Hundreds of thousands of young people filled the city with joy, colour, and prayer, transforming Sydney into a vibrant celebration of faith and unity. Pilgrims consistently describe WYD 2008 as life‑changing: a week marked by powerful catechesis, moving encounters with young Catholics from every continent, and unforgettable moments of prayer with Pope Benedict XVI. The atmosphere of welcome, the beauty of the liturgies, and the sense of belonging to a global Church left a lasting impression on all who attended. For many Australian young people, WYD 2008 became a defining moment in their spiritual journey and a powerful reminder of the hope and energy young people bring to the Church.

Please begin the conversation with your child, this will be a life changing experience. More details to come. I will be seeking expressions of interest. 

Please email me if you wish to discuss further. therese.hughes@syd.catholic.edu.au

International Eucharistic Congress 2028

As part of the spiritual preparation for the International Eucharistic Congress 2028, the Archdiocese will host a series of special Eucharistic celebrations. One such significant occasion is the 

Mass and Reception of the Relic of St Carlo Acutis 

St Mary’s Cathedral

Thursday, 25 June 2026 at 5:30pm

The Mass will be celebrated by Archbishop Anthony Fisher OP, with concelebrants including Bishop Richard Umbers, Monsignor Anthony Figueiredo (Assisi), and priests of the Archdiocese.

Following the Mass, Monsignor Figueiredo will lead a time of catechesis, after which attendees will have the opportunity for veneration and personal prayer before the relic.

This is an open invitation, and all students, staff, and families within our school community are warmly encouraged to attend.

Given the significance of this event, a large attendance is expected. Attendees are advised to arrive early to secure seating.

The St Mary's Cathedral will remain open for prayer until 9:00pm.

Following this event, the relic of St Carlo Acutis will begin a national tour across Australia.

Please find below the registration link:

St Carlo Acutis Relic Mass RSVP

In the words of St Carlo Acutis:“No io, ma Dio” – “Not me, but God.”