Mission & Social Justice 

Mission & Identity

Last week Ms Grove and I attended one of the EREA formation programs called ‘Breaking the Yoke’ at Mulgoa. EREA offers many programs ranging from the Galilee program for those new to EREA schools to those in middle and upper management. These programs provide opportunities for personal reflection, dialogue with other colleague’s and leaders and reflection on the ministry and spiritual qualities of Edmund Rice in the context of our contemporary world. Spending more time at Mulgoa after the Year 12 Retreats and the opportunity to be led in this formation by Brother Vince Skelly and Brother Michael Walsh (St Pius X College Principal 1986-1994) was a delight. Mulgoa is such a peaceful location and it is easy to see why it continues to be such a special place for our staff and students as well as the Christian Brothers who call this beautiful part of Sydney home.

This Friday we will be having our Fathers' Day celebration. This is a wonderful opportunity for us to recognise not only our fathers but also those males who mentor, support and guide us. I wish all our fathers, grandfathers and significant men in our lives an enjoyable day on Sunday.

Ms D Dempsey - Assistant Principal Mission & Identity

Social Justice

DAFFODIL DAY

Last Friday 50 Year 8 students, accompanied by myself and Mr Ticli, gave up part of their day to go out into Chatswood Mall to collect for Daffodil Daywhich raises funds for cancer research. This project is an annual Year 8 social justice event; however this year the students all knew just how important it is to them personally to raise funds for cancer research with their classmate Luke Cameron currently undergoing treatment. With huge gusto and enthusiasm the boys spread out in groups of two and three from the Concourse through to the train station. Some boys were simply amazed by the generosity of some of the public.

One group told of a lady at the train station who bought two bunches of $7 daffodils with a $100 note and told them not to worry about the change. Another group had a similar story with a lady outside Westfield giving them two $50 notes for a $30 teddy bear. I was personally moved when I met Gavin at a donation point in the train station. Gavin is around my age, mid to late 40’s, and wanted to buy a soccer ball but we only had rugby shaped balls. He told me he has brain cancer and he has had it for over 15 years now. As I walked down the mall with Gavin he told me that in 2003 he was given 12 months to live and last year when a new tumour was found on the brain again he was given 5 years to live. He said that without cancer research he would have been dead a long time ago and with all the developments being made he expects that by 2020 he should be given 20 years to live. Gavin told me he has regular chemotherapy and will never be able to stop that.

When we reached the main stand Gavin was able to buy a football, and also a pen and a badge, with a total value of $18.  He opened his wallet which contained three $20 notes, pulled them all out and gave them to the lady at the stand without wanting any change - a $42 extra donation. I told Gavin that I would now pray for him to live a long and happy life and I ask you also to say a prayer for this very positive and upbeat man.

I am very thankful and proud of the effort all the Year 8 students put into this very important fundraiser

Mr D Blake - Social Justice Coordinator