From the Principal
The first week of Term 2 was marked with a number of significant events, including the Unit 1/2 Biology Camp, Year 10 Textiles Workshop, ANZAC Day services, a professional learning day for teachers and the Year 12 Formal. We are so fortunate to be able to hold such events once again, while many around the world are still living under very strict restrictions due to COVID-19.
Our Year 12 students were blessed to be able to celebrate their Year 12 Formal, a significant event in their final year of secondary school, as they normally would. All present had a wonderful evening, enjoying the hospitality, dancing and one another’s company.
In recent days we have remembered those who sacrificed so much in service to their country as we commemorated ANZAC Day. As a community, all staff and students paused on Thursday morning for a remembrance service held at the College. Highlights of the student- led service included Shannen Carty (Year 11) delivering her ANZAC speech. “1919 – Coming Home” and the singing of our National Anthem by Ellie Carter and Charlotte Lowe (Year 12).
Having won the Rotary ANZAC Public Speaking Competition, Shannen had the honour of delivering her address at the Dingley Village Schools and Community ANZAC Service on Friday and the Dawn Service on ANZAC day. Students, staff and families also gathered together for the march and service held at the Mentone RSL. These services are not held to glorify war, but rather to honour and remember all those who served their country, and to pray for a peaceful future.
This week, members of the Leadership Team and our Stewardship Council will participate in the Kildare Ministries biennial conference that was postponed from 2020. The theme for the conference is Living Justice, Go Out Joyfully! with a focus on mission leadership, our commitment to justice and our enactment of the Living Justice Living Peace charter. Bishop Vincent Long will deliver the keynote address and there will be various presentations by representatives (staff and students) of some of the Kildare Ministries schools and community works. We look forward to this opportunity to gather and collaborate with members of the wider Kildare Ministries community.
Autumn Months
God of Creation, you have blessed us with the changing of the seasons.
As we enjoy these autumn months,
may the earlier setting of the sun
remind us to take time to rest.
May the brilliant colors of the leaves
remind us of the wonder of your creation.
May the steam of our breath in the cool air
remind us that it is you who give us the breath of life.
May the harvest from the fields remind us of the abundance we have been given and bounty we are to share with others.
May the dying of summer's spirit remind us of your great promise that death is temporary and life is eternal.
We praise you for your goodness forever and ever.
- Author Unknown
Nicole Mangelsdorf
Principal