Mission & Catholic Identity News

Year 11's retreating from School!

From Wednesday, 5 February 2020 till Friday, 7 February 2020 our Year 11 cohort go on retreat across two retreat sites – Pallotti College, Millgrove (Clyde North Campus) and Ace-Hi, Boneo (Cranbourne Campus).

Our goals through the St. Peter’s College Year 11 Retreat program is for students to:

• Explore the ability human beings have of being able to do what is correct and maintaining the courage of convictions despite odds and pressures.
• Explore the pressures that can be unfairly place on others.
• Appreciate the uniqueness of each person and consequently avoid perceiving others through the basis of stereotyping.
• Develop decision making skills.
• Develop a healthy self-esteem.
• Develop skills in decision-making.
• Use objective principles in their decision-making.
• See the value the role of prayer in Christian decision-making. 

In the next newsletter I will put in some student reflections and images from the retreats. They promise to be exciting days for the students with many rich sessions planned.

Our Opening School Masses

On Tuesday, 11 February 2020 we celebrate our Opening School Masses. Cranbourne Campus celebrate their Mass period 2 then Clyde North Campus period 4, both in the Cranbourne Campus hall. Parents and friends more than welcome to attend.

A running theme through the Masses will be our 2020 motto; ‘For I am gentle and humble in heart’ from Matthew 11:29.

School Motto 2020

‘For I am gentle and humble in heart’ (Matthew 11:29)

This passage emphasises to be gentle and humble. We live in a society where it can be counter cultural to be gentle and humble. To put ‘others’ first. To be kind and to love one another. To show gratitude.

We live in a society where self-promotion and to win at all costs for one’s own benefit is frequently presented.

How does this passage as a motto for our St Peter’s College community present strong themes?

This is a message that is timely and appropriate for the people in our care. A message for students, staff, parents and guardians to be humble and know that we are all doing God’s work, for the benefit of all. That in a Catholic school environment, no one person has a greater place than another. That all sit equally at the table.

The Bible describes humility as meekness, lowliness and absence of self. The Greek word humility means ‘lowliness of mind’ so we see that humility is a heart attitude, not merely an outward demeanour. One may put on an outward show of humility but still have a heart full of pride and arrogance. Jesus said that those who are ‘poor in spirit’ would have the kingdom of heaven. Therefore, humility and gentleness are a prerequisite for a Christian.

Presented in this passage, is that Jesus is our model. He did not come to be served, but to serve, so must we commit ourselves to serving others, considering their interests above our own. Jesus was not ashamed to humble himself as a servant.

We often assume that to be gentle and humble, we have to think very little of ourselves. God doesn’t want us to think we’re worthless. God wants us to realise that with him, all people have tremendous potential. That we can learn, grow and become the very best that one can be.

Jesus had this confidence. He was full of confidence and wisdom, and he taught profoundly. Yet, Jesus did all this in a way that was contemporary, in regard to the culture and times in which he lived. If we are to act more like this Jesus, strong and confident, it will have a profound effect on the people in our community. If we speak and act in this way, that is living the core message and teachings of Jesus.

This motto teaches us as a community, to be gentle and humble. But to also be bold and to be yourself, like Jesus. To live an experience at St Peter’s College, that is full of life, filled with adventure and significance. To serve others with the gifts and abilities, which one has been blessed.

When has gentleness been more effective than sheer strength in your relationships?

How can you show more gentleness to your friends? To your family?

In what area are you most likely to struggle with humility? Where do you tend to judge other people the most? In what ways are you overly self-focused?

Is there any area in your life where you insist on going your own way and are unwilling to walk humbly?

Matthew Williams

Deputy Principal - Mission & Catholic Identity