Principal's Report

Dear Parents and Friends,

Last Sunday the readings spoke of the Parable of the Rich Fool, found in Luke 12: 13-21. There are many lessons in this piece of scripture, but when we are asked to give freely so we will grow all the richer, the point is clear; we are blessed by God, so we can, in turn, “abound in every good work” and be a blessing in the lives of others. In a world that seems at times to have gone a little mad, we are charged with ensuring that our students maintain hope in their lives and that their reflection of that hope is mirrored in their actions; “…in every good work”.

This week the students of Killester certainly displayed how they could be a blessing to others in their work with Joey’s Van, serving meals to those less advantaged than themselves. Year 10s have been volunteering their time to work with Year 6 students, Year 9s are undertaking many community service activities within SCIP (School Community Involvement Program), and within the Family Learning Centre the English Language program continues to support those with English as a second language. Year 12 students have been standing out on very chilly mornings, offering a free breakfast to other students and the Mpowering Girls Program has seen younger girls having important conversations with older girls and welfare staff. The further reflection of “Hospitality – welcoming all” has also been seen in the Years 7 and 8 parents joining staff for a morning tea. Indeed, when we give freely so we will grow all the richer.

Many of our staff have been a blessing in the lives of their colleagues, as two of them farewelled their mothers in very moving celebrations of their lives. Our thoughts and prayers are with Lucy Collins (Food Tech) and Michel Kennedy (Year 7 SDL) who both lost their mothers last weekend.

Many of our staff have given generously of their time to coach the SESG teams this week: Mrs Campion, Mrs Luecke, Ms Edwards, Mrs Sadler and Ms Cronin. Of particular mention are the efforts of Ms Neville, who coached the aerobics teams over many hours of practice sessions and achieved amazing results: Year 7 team 1st place, Years 9 and 10 2nd place, Years 8-12 3rd place and Years 9-12 5th place. Ms Neville introduced this new sport into the College only two years ago, and every time they have come home with medals – congratulations to everyone involved.

Pope Francis also reminds us to “… encourage the generosity which is typical of the young and help them to work actively in building a better world. Youth do not solely need material things. Above all, they need to have those non-material values which are the spiritual heart of a people ... spirituality, generosity, solidarity, perseverance, fraternity, and joy”. May we all be a blessing in the lives of others and grow richer by giving freely.

Best wishes

Loreto Cannon, School Organisation and Community Development