Year 8
While Peter was saying this, a cloud came and overshadowed them;
and they were terrified as they entered the cloud.
Then from the cloud came a voice that said,
‘This is my Son, my Chosen; listen to him!’
Lk 9:34-35
The Transfiguration (Luke 9:28-26) is one of the most complicated, yet fascinating passages in the gospels. It is rich in imagery from the Old Testament, and last Sunday’s version from the Gospel of Luke represents a turning point in the Gospel narrative. The disciples begin to accept that Jesus is the messiah, and realise that they need to be ready for the great events of the first Easter, soon to come in Jerusalem (cf 9:51).
From the beginning of Luke’s narrative Jesus has been building his spiritual capital – he has spoken wisely to anyone who will listen; he has cured people of illnesses, has reached out to the lost and lonely and invited them to follow him. Luke unambiguously presents Jesus after the Transfiguration as the messiah – for those brave enough to embrace His message and the suffering it will entail (cf 9:23) the rewards will be great (18:29-30).
The spiritual capital of Kilbreda is strong, and remains so because of the great commitment of staff and students to the College. Since our last newsletter, Year 8 students have been involved in many events here at school and beyond that help build upon our spiritual capital.
The first was a celebration to honour the fifth anniversary of the establishment of Kildare Ministries, which is the body established by the Brigidine and Presentation Sisters to own and manage their Apostolic Works, of which Kilbreda College is one. This most significant occasion acknowledged both our debt to the Brigidine Sisters, and looked forward to the future of our school with wonder and excitement.
The next day, Wednesday 6 March we gathered for our annual College Swimming Carnival. Unfortunately, the weather was unkind, but Year 8 students competed strongly in representing their Houses, and did their Year Level proud in the way they participated and supported one another. We particularly congratulate Raani Altamura, who was a competitor in the fastest swimmer race; the final race for the day’s elite swimmers.
Several Year 8 students were also members of last week’s Junior SCSA Indoor Cricket competition team: Penni Brown, Mackenzie Crellin, Jade Exell, Michaela Myer, Lily Shipman, Alexandra Strom and Angelique Varghese. Penni Brown was officially best player in the grand final winning team. Congratulations girls!
A team of Year 8 girls was selected for the cast in Kilbreda’s 2019 production of Mary Poppins:
- Ava Busuttil
- Andy Campos
- Loghan Cross
- Olivia Davies
- Vali D’Souza
- Caitlin Gellie
- Alicia Henry
- Rachel Jones
- Caitlin Kitto
- Sienna Koop
- Lulu McCartney
- Michaela Meyer
- Mia Wilson
Rachel and Mia will share the role of Jane Banks, which is a lead role. All of these girls should feel very proud of their achievement.
Finally, we had two Year 8 girls compete in the SCSA Triathlon on Wednesday 19 February. Both of these girls represented Kilbreda with distinction in a sport which requires extraordinary fitness, dedication and commitment. We congratulate Michaela Meyer and Raani Altamura for their fabulous efforts in such a challenging discipline.
During this Lenten season, all Year 8 students and their families are invited to support Project Compassion. Project Compassion is Caritas Australia's annual Lenten fundraising and awareness-raising appeal. Millions of Australians come together in solidarity with the world's poor to help end poverty, promote justice and uphold dignity. For more information, or to donate online, see HERE. Each Year 8 Homeroom has its own Project Compassion collection box, so I will be announcing early in Term 2 with pride which of the seven Year 8 Homerooms raised the most money this year.
May everyone in the Year 8 community at Kilbreda enjoy a rise in their spiritual capital over the next fortnight.
Bill Fitzsimons
Year 8 Level Leader