Catholic Identity & Mission News

‘Preach the Gospel wherever you go, use words if necessary!’ This quote is attributed to St Francis of Assisi, Patron of Assisi House, whose Feast Day we celebrate this week. The whole Church is also celebrating a special jubilee year of St Francis this year because it is the 800-year anniversary of his death. Francis was a fascinating man - born into wealth, he was restless and initially tried to find meaning in his life through military service and travel. Finding these unfulfilling, he relinquished his earthly possessions and dedicated his life to God, practising his faith in a completely counter-cultural way focusing on a great love of the poor and of God’s creation. He is an inspiring role-model for our College community, especially our Assisi students, because he was about living the Good News of Jesus Christ through his actions, even when it called for sacrifice or invited contempt or ridicule. 

While Term 4 is the ‘closing chapter’ of the 2026 school year, it is also a term with a lot of changes and new opportunities. Next week, we will welcome our 2027 Year 7 cohorts for their information evenings, continuing their transition into the College. Then, the following week, our Year 12 students graduate and prepare for their final exams. Our current Year 7-11 students then have just over 7 weeks left of their current learning program before they too ‘graduate’ to their next year level during Headstart. Term 4 is a good opportunity to, like St Francis, turn over a new leaf and challenge yourself to fulfil your true potential. Actions usually speak louder than words and participating positively in classes, getting involved in co-curricular activities such as Social Justice Group, Liturgy Team, Environment Club or the FIRE Carrier Group can help students to have a greater sense of purpose, putting the needs of others first and caring for God’s creation (and their own futures!). Term 4 may be the homestretch for the school year, but it can also be a great launch-pad for renewal! I hope everyone has a wonderful term and that like St Francis, we will all try to preach the Gospel wherever we go, using words if necessary!   

Fiona McKenna

Deputy Principal - Catholic Identity & Mission Leader