Principal's Address
On Tuesday we welcomed the Presentation Sisters to our Liturgy and Assembly to celebrate the legacy of Blessed Nano Nagle. COVID safe regulations prevented the College community gathering together but all year groups were able to be present via the livestream, with Year 10 in the Hall with the invited guests. The Sisters celebrated the Feast of the Presentation of Mary in the Temple last Sunday, 21 November. More details about the special liturgy that took place are provided in the Mission section of this newsletter.
This was an opportunity for us to thank the Sisters for their service to our Wagga community over the years. As we reflect on the Presentation charism and spirituality, we remember with gratitude the pioneering spirit of the early Sisters who brought the message of love and hope from Ireland and we give thanks for all those who continue their work in new ways in our contemporary world. We pray:
NANO NAGLE – WOMAN OF HOPE
In the face of fear, she chose to be daring,
In the face of anxiety, she chose to trust,
In the face of impossibility, she chose to begin,
To universal misery, she proposed ministry to persons;
To ignorance, knowledge; to disillusionment, tenacity of purpose;
And to multiple vexations, singleness of heart.
Faced with failure, she held fast to hope;
Faced with death, she believed in a living future;
A programme for the future she gave in one word;
LOVE.
Raphael Consedine, PBVM Melbourne.
FAREWELL TO THE DIOCESAN DIRECTOR MRS O'CARRIGAN
We were grateful to have Mrs O’Carrigan present as a guest at the Presentation Liturgy and College Assembly this week. It was inspiring to hear her own reflections on leadership and an opportunity to thank Mrs O’Carrigan as she concludes her time with us as Diocesan Director of Education, next week.
REFLECTING ON SERVANT LEADERSHIP
The theme of the College assembly was leadership. As well as reflecting on the contribution of the Sisters in the spirit of Nano Nagle and the words of Mrs O’Carrigan, the contribution of our dedicated parents who serve on the College Council was also acknowledged with gratitude and retiring members Mr Jolley and Mr Leigh-Cooper farewelled.
In keeping with the theme of leadership, students had the opportunity to hear Elora Guirguis’ winning entry to the Country to Canberra competition, which was published in an earlier edition of the newsletter. Elora’s words focused on the role and contribution of rural and regional women.
The College Captains Amber Hallam and Oscar Mitter also addressed the assembly, where they overviewed their own vision for student leadership in 2022. Their words focused on inclusion, respect and self love in an environment where everyone has the opportunity to share. We were blessed to have the Chair of the College Council, Mrs Lisa Simpson with us at the Assembly together with Mr Jolley who is concluding his time on the Council
The gathering concluded with a delicious lunch for the invited guests, which had been prepared by Ms Hazelwood and the Hospitality students.
SPORTS AWARDS - PRESENTED IN YEAR GROUPS ON 30 NOVEMBER
We look forward to acknowledging the contribution of our students to the sporting success of the College in 2021 when students gather in their Year Groups next Tuesday morning.
The major sporting awards will be announced on Thursday, 9 December at the final Liturgy and Assembly for the year.
WELCOME TO NEW STUDENTS AND FAMILIES FOR 2022
- ZOOM MEETING 30 NOVEMBER
It is disappointing that the Orientation Days cannot proceed this term but key elements from the experience will be provided to students as a part of their transition into the College in 2022.
Parents/carers and new students from all year groups are warmly invited to attend the Zoom Meeting on Tuesday, 30 November at 5.00pm. The link will be forwarded to families prior to the meeting. Come along to meet key staff and learn more about Year 7, which commences on Monday, 31 January 2022 and Years 8 to 12, which commence on Tuesday 1 February.
A reminder that the Uniform Shop will be open on both Friday 26 November and Friday 3 December to assist new families, as well as the regular advertised hours.
Year 7 book packs can be collected on 3 December by parents/carers or, for those who cannot come to the College on that day, they will be available on the first Transition Day for Year 7, which is Monday 31 January.
PRAYERS PLEASE
As we acknowledge NAIDOC this week at the College may we show our commitment to actively working for reconciliation in a spirit of love and forgiveness.
Please keep our Year 12 students in your prayers as they undertake their final HSC examinations.
Having reached the end of our Liturgical Year with the Feast of Christ last Sunday, the words of Pope Francis offer us great inspiration. Speaking of this great Feast, he urges us forward in “our commitment to imitating Jesus, our King, making present his kingdom with acts of tenderness, compassion and mercy”.
We pray for all members of our College community that each of us may live this message every day in our words and in our deeds.
Mrs Val Thomas | Principal