From the Principal

A Time For Prayers

Our thoughts and prayers are with the Year 12s this week as they commence important external examinations. As one year level concludes another one begins and we have already conducted a very successful Year 7 Orientation Day for next year’s students. Enrolments remain very strong at the College and I certainly encourage current and prospective families to lodge applications early to avoid disappointment.

It is also an important week in the Church’s year with the celebration of All Saints’ Day on 1 November and All Souls’ Day on 2 November. All Saints’ Day is an opportunity for us to remember all saints and martyrs throughout Christian history. In the year 609 Pope Boniface IV decided to remember all martyrs and it was later extended to include all saints. All Souls’ Day is celebrated on the following day and is an opportunity for us to pray for and remember all the faithful departed.

Most of us are familiar with the Ten Commandments. Last weekend in my parish, we were reminded that the first five books of the Old Testament (the Torah) contains 613 commandments. 248 were written in positive terms (‘thou shalt’) and 365 (‘thou shalt not’). In reply to a Pharisee’s question about the ‘greatest commandment’ Jesus mentions the love of God but also gives equal importance to the second commandment of ‘love your neighbour’ as yourself. A lovely message for all of us as the end of a busy year approaches!

Grounds And Maintenance

Our very professional Business Manager, John Cumming, leads a highly competent administration, community relations, and grounds and maintenance staff. John puts it well when he says that ‘our job is to provide support for the essential academic functions of the College’.

The smoothness of recent College functions is testament to the competence and commitment of all our staff in these areas. Using our Gymnasium as an example; in quick succession it was transformed from sport usage to a venue for our Year 12 Day of Invitation then a Formal Valete Dinner followed by a 40 year Anniversary Ballroom. The changes occurred in successive days and were completed with maximum efficiency and professionalism.

At our Anniversary Ball, the largest applause was reserved for Ric Del Pizzo and our staff for liaising so successfully with our Parent Committee to ensure the success of the evening.

Many visitors on these occasions were highly complimentary of our beautiful grounds and facilities. Interestingly, some of our support staff are also quick to assist with Christian Service programs including international pilgrimages. Our thanks and gratitude is extended to all!

Together, let us seek justice.

Yours sincerely

Robert Henderson

Principal