From the Principal

We try and teach students at St Mary’s College that they are privileged and with that privilege comes a responsibility to look out for others. It is true to say, however, that the privilege of St Mary’s students is varied, but even the least privileged among us are privileged in terms of the people of the world. There is always someone worse off...

'Privilege' isn’t in itself a disparaging word or a put down. It really means that one has had fortune or luck, or that one is advantaged, even if it just relates to where and when you were born. Privilege is a call to responsibility; to see the situation through the eyes of those less privileged and stand in solidarity with them. It is borne out of the belief of common dignity of humanity. Jesus of Nazareth gave us a really good insight into God’s view of privilege too. I think he was telling us that it is not the privileged who are blessed, it’s the unprivileged.

Luke 6:20–22 tells us of Jesus’ Sermon on the Plain.  

Looking at his disciples, he said:

Blessed are you who are poor,

   for yours is the kingdom of God.

Blessed are you who hunger now,

   for you will be satisfied.

Blessed are you who weep now,

   for you will laugh.

Blessed are you when people hate you,

   when they exclude you and insult you

   and reject your name as evil,

   because of the Son of Man.  

Let’s recognise privileged and unprivileged. Where privilege is self-perpetuating and at the expense of others it needs to be challenged. The word 'privilege' can only really be levelled against those who are in the position to do something and who choose to do nothing. Let’s see God’s imperative to address underprivilege and be people of goodwill and justice.

I had reason to check my privilege this week when I saw this clip from Q&A. Just be aware, there are some swear words in it.  

Helen Spencer

Principal