From the Principal

On Wednesday we celebrated the start of the Lenten season with a lovely liturgy to celebrate Ash Wednesday.  Ash Wednesday, is a special day of devotion on which Christians accept ashes on their forehead as a reminder of their mortality and a sign of their repentance. The season ends on Holy Saturday, the day before Easter.  Easter is the start of a new season in the Church and it celebrates the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead and the triumph of good over evil. It is a symbolic fulfilment of God's promise that we too, will someday arise from the dead.

Lent is a 40 day period of prayer, fasting, repentance and abstinence during which Christians work to grow closer to God.  Prayer, fasting, repentance and abstinence are spiritual exercises that allow a person to focus on their Christian faith and the proper object of Christian devotion, Jesus Christ.  The Lenten season means many things for many of us and I set a challenge to all of our students, ‘what can you do through the Lenten season that brings you closer to God’?

When we think of learning, we often think of classrooms, books, homework etc… however over the past week we have witnessed many learning opportunities outside of the classroom.  As you read this, we will have welcomed back our Year 7s who have spent three days together in Harrietville, undertaking a range of activities that enhance teamwork, communication and relational skills.  Last week our VCE Outdoor and Environmental Studies classes travelled to Torquay, while another canoed parts of the Murray River in order to complete the practical component of their studies.  And to top off a big fortnight of excursions, last night our Year 2 students had a sleepover at school.  I would like to thank all the staff who did a wonderful job keeping our students engaged and safe in all these learning experiences.

Today our College acknowledges International Women’s Day.  To mark this event, our staff will celebrate with a special morning tea, while our Year 11 students have the opportunity to be inspired by a guest speaker who looks at the importance they bring to our world.  I certainly don’t think I am alone when I say, there have been many special women that have influenced our lives.  A challenge to all of us, is to have the courage to thank those women who are special in our lives.

Next Thursday, 14th March, we celebrate our annual Welcome BBQ.  It would be great to have as many families as possible attend this evening.  There will again be a focus on our College Houses (Augustine, Brigidine and Delany) with many activities planned for the evening.  A free BBQ will be provided.  I look forward to seeing you there.

Brayden Stone

Principal