Assistant Principal - Pastoral Care

A Time to Give Thanks

The birth of the child Jesus in a desolate village at the margins of the Roman empire reminds us of the enduring hope that Christmas brings into our lives. This singular event represents God’s ‘yes’ to life, and the birth of new possibility, new life triumphing over death and despair. Never has this message been more important than in 2020.

In the midst of the season of Advent, in preparation for Christmas, it is appropriate that we reflect back on the blessings we have had over the course of the year and give thanks for those people who we journey with. I thought I might try to reduce my list to twelve to mirror the twelve days taken to celebrate the nativity of Jesus’ birth. 

1. First and foremost, I am grateful for the many young people who we are so fortunate to have as students. Their energy, questions, hopes and dreams serve as a constant reminder of the joy and fortunate life that we have here in Australia. 
2. I am grateful for the teachers and staff who work here. There is not enough space to enumerate the many, many things they do for the students. From excursions to sport to music to debating to chess to extra lessons, the list goes on and on. The teachers and staff here are passionate about education. Everything they do is driven by this passion. Not a day goes by at this school where I don’t witness this powerful commitment – from the front office to the IT team to the library staff to the cleaners to the groundsmen, there is a bevy of people who make this school possible and wonderful.
3. I am grateful for the student leaders elected by their peers and staff – they have chosen young people of substance, integrity and who are dedicated to the service of their peers and creating an inclusive culture. Tom and Michelle have done a marvellous job and I can see that Maeve and Joseph are already very comfortable in the big shoes left for them by our past leaders.
4. I am grateful for the way our young people are ambassadors for the school – never have they let us down on days such as Open Day and Orientation Day. They guide parents and potential students about with such poise and pride in their school and are the biggest selling point of the school itself.
5. I am incredibly grateful for the amazing Learning Support Team that we have led by Lyn and Marlene. Their team epitomises the notion of service to others. They have created a trusting, caring and supportive environment that ensures that students with special learning needs feel successful in our school.
6. Complementing this is the ATSI team of Lisa, Maddi and Mel who do such an amazing job in supporting, encouraging and nurturing our young First Nations people, and most importantly, anyone else who seeks their help and support.
7. I am grateful for the tireless work done by Brad Mitchell in organising sport at the College. He is driven to provide opportunities for young people to excel and achieve their best. He is most ably supported by many staff and parents who coach and manage teams. From sweltering cricket fields, to freezing nights at rugby to the steamy basketball courts or poolside for waterpolo – they are there for our young people. 
8. I am grateful for the expert counselling team of Tamara Shoemark and Aimee Cook who do such an amazing job with our young people when they are in crisis along with Lesley O’Shea. 
9. I am grateful for the way the young people of the school involve themselves wholeheartedly in school events (even though this year has had reduced opportunities) – from the sporting carnivals to the excursions and retreats.
10. I am most fortunate to have a wonderful pastoral team to work with – Sharon Stuart has been a rock and fortress to rely upon while all of the Leaders of Student Care: Damian Kenniff, Fiona O’Neill, Mel Lees, Andrew Davy, Bernie Williams, Mel Bearup and the teachers who stepped in when members of the team were on leave – Bec Hannan, Jono Dean and Natahlia Bryant have done a sterling job in offering pastoral support to students and staff alike. Their assistance, tireless efforts and commitment has been an inspiration – particularly during a year such as this where the spectre of Covid has loomed so large.  
11. I feel grateful for having the privilege of being able to work with, and for these young people. The years of adolescence are a rocky road and to be involved in this journey is a joy. Working with young people energises, inspires and, somehow, keeps me feeling youthful in spirit despite my decaying body telling me otherwise.
12. Lastly, I am deeply grateful and appreciative of the leadership, friendship and support of Geoff McManus. He has been a wise and astute leader who is calm in a crisis, possesses a deep knowledge around the vast processes of running a school the size of McCarthy and someone who has nurtured, guided and helped those around him to be better – particularly myself. 

I wish you all a happy and holy Christmas, safe travels and I look forward to continuing the journey next year.

Mr Mick Larkin - Assistant Principal - Pastoral