Junior School

Lent

Now in the second week of Lent, hopefully we have taken time to pause, refocus, and renew our relationship with God. Both Pope Benedict XVI and Pope Francis have offered rich guidance on how we might approach these forty days with purpose and intention. 

Pope Benedict XVI often reminded the Church that Lent is not simply about giving something up, but about taking something up. For Pope Benedict, Lent was a time to look honestly at our lives, to recognise where we need healing, and to allow God’s grace to transform us.  

In 2024, Pope Francis echoed this sentiment, inviting us to slow down, reflect, and look beyond ourselves. He encouraged us not only to focus inwardly but to turn outward: to serve, to notice, and to care for others. Lent, he reminded us, is a time to rediscover compassion, to rebuild relationships, and to recommit ourselves to living lives of love and charity. 

Traditionally, Lent has been associated with giving something up. This year, we will be encouraging the boys to take something up. Boys are encouraged to choose actions that reflect gratitude, empathy, and mindfulness. This aligns beautifully with our ongoing work through The Resilience Project, which encourages students to notice the good in their lives, to understand the feelings of others, and to be present in each moment. 

Below are some simple, meaningful suggestions the boys may choose to take up throughout Lent: 

• Practising daily gratitude by naming three things that went well 

• Showing empathy through small acts of kindness 

• Taking a mindful moment each day to pause and breathe 

• Offering help to someone without being asked 

• Choosing words that build others up rather than tear them down 

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Lent invites all of us to grow in faith and character but also strengthen our community. We look upon this period to continue assisting boys to deepen their commitment to being the Men for Others. 

I wish you a safe and happy long weekend. I trust it will be time for your son and family to slow down after the busy start to the year. We look forward to welcoming the boys back on Wednesday 4 March. 

God Bless,

Mr James McPherson

Head of Junior School

GRIP Leadership Conference

On Friday, 20 February, our Junior School Prefects and Captains attended the National Leader’s Day conference. This was a fantastic opportunity for them to hear from recognised leaders within the community and further develop their leadership skills. The boys were involved in several work workshops which focused on how to improve your school.  

I learnt a lot and really enjoyed the experience of learning how to lead.

- Blessed (6B)  

The day was great; I enjoyed the workshops and learning examples of good leadership

- Daniel (6B)  

I really enjoyed the conference and the ways we learnt about different ideas that Prefects should know

- Lucas (6G)  

It was fun and I will use all the things I learnt to help me become a better leader

- Alex (6G)   

It was inspiring at the end when they taught us how to put our ideas into action

- Isaac (6G)  

The boys are grateful for the support of Mrs Allen and Mrs Roberts on the day. 

International Women’s Day

 On Tuesday 9 March, the College will celebrate International Women’s Day. This provides a chance for our boys to reflect on the impact that female role models have on their lives. As educators in an all-boys setting, we continue to promote and highlight the need for healthy, respectful relationships between males and females.

Throughout the week, your son will learn of the importance of International Women’s Day and learn their role in continuing to promote dignity and respect for all.  

We are asking the boys in the Junior School to wear an item of pink and bring in a gold coin donation which will be donated to a chosen.  

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