Catholic Identity

From the Director of Catholic Identity

Staff Faith Day 2026

We returned to Term 3 carrying a renewed spirit of peace, the kind that grows when we pause long enough to listen, reflect, and reconnect. Our 2026 Staff Faith Day invited us to do exactly that. Grounded in our theme Peace Begins with Us, the day centred on peace with God, one another, and all creation.

This year marks 800 years since the early Franciscan movement, honoured by Pope Leo XIV with a global Jubilee calling the Church back to the simplicity, humility, and peace making heart of St Francis of Assisi. With peace at the centre of our College theme, partnering with the Franciscan family felt natural.

After a gentle Opening Peace Prayer Service, Fr Stephen Bliss, Provincial Minister of the Order of Friars Minor in Australia and New Zealand offered a grounding keynote on Franciscan spirituality and the humble spirit of St Joseph, our patron. His stories, humour, and honesty reminded us that peace making is both a commitment and a responsibility.

Staff then chose three workshops from seven peace‑themed offerings - art, scripture, interfaith stories, photography, nature, mindfulness and more - with each inviting us to slow down and notice God in the ordinary. Feedback was overwhelmingly positive, with staff sharing that the day felt like a gentle call back to what matters: listening more deeply and choosing small acts of love that bring peace to ourselves and those around us.

We extend heartfelt thanks to our presenters: Fr Stephen Bliss, OFM; Mrs Alison Stone; Mark Sciberras; Liz Lewis; Sherene Hassan; Regina Cajucom; Sr Rita Malavisi; and Peter Hay. Their contributions enriched our community and deepened our shared commitment to peace.

Celebrating JJAMM Week

We celebrated our much-loved JJAMM Week, honouring Fr Julian Tenison Woods, St Joseph, and St Mary MacKillop through a week of fun, community, and fundraising for Mary MacKillop Today.

We were deeply grateful for the generosity of our families and local community. In a time when many are facing financial pressures, every donation was received with heartfelt appreciation, a simple act of kindness and hope for others.

As part of the week, we marked Warm Up for Woods Day in honour of Fr Julian's love of creation. Students and staff wore warm winter items for a gold coin donation while we switched off heating and lights, reminding us that even small actions can make a difference in caring for our common home.

JJAMM Week would not be complete without jam donuts. Our annual Jam Donut Fundraiser and Donut Eating Competition returned, this year as a House event, bringing plenty of laughter, friendly rivalry, and House spirit.

We also launched our Feast Month Raffle, featuring 19 generous prizes donated by local businesses and community members. From beauty packages and vouchers to movie passes and hampers, the support we received was a wonderful reminder of the generosity that surrounds our College community.

Season of Creation

As our term draws to a close, we continue to celebrate the Season of Creation, a global Christian celebration that runs until 4 October. This year's theme, Living Water, invites us to reflect on God's life-giving presence and our shared responsibility to care for our common home. Throughout the season, our SEED team has led a range of activities including garden planting, sustainability initiatives and prayer opportunities. We were also delighted to see our Year 8 students work alongside Hobsons Bay City Council's Sustainability Team at Altona Coastal Park, participating in tree planting and environmental sustainability activities.

As part of our ongoing commitment to caring for creation, we are also developing a College Laudato Si' Action Plan through the Caritas Australia Catholic Earthcare Schools Program, guided by the Sisters of St Joseph's Explore, Embrace, Embody Laudato Si' framework. As the Season of Creation continues throughout the holidays, we encourage our community to take time to appreciate the beauty of the natural world and reflect on our call to be stewards of creation. In the words of Fr Julian Tenison Woods, "The beauty of creation is a reflection of the Creator's love." May the spring break be a time of rest, renewal and gratitude for the gift of creation.

Mrs Anne Severi - Director of Catholic Identity