Catholic Identity & Mission News

A "Rite of Passage"

Last week we farewelled, at least for the short term, our Year 12 students. We didn’t get to give them the send-off we exactly wanted but then, after the past two years, we are surely used to having to compromise and adapt. A ‘rite of passage’ for the graduating students is their Year 12 video, shown at their final assembly. Cranbourne Campus were able to show their video to the Year 12 cohort and staff via Zoom on their final day and, I don’t want to give away any spoilers (!), but it was a wonderful tribute to the close bonds that are formed over the years between staff and students. There are in-jokes and funny memories recounted, and through the good humour, a genuine affection for the College, and the College community. 

Saying ‘goodbye’ to students we know and love is both sad and exciting - sad for us, but exciting for them! Times like these, and the celebration of World Teachers’ Day on October 29, serve as reminders of what a privilege it is to be a teacher. We get to share in the lives of young people and work with them to build their knowledge, skills and understanding of themselves, others, and the world. In the Catholic tradition, we celebrate the 7 Sacraments, those special signs / symbols / rites of passage where we recognise and feel the special grace of God, through celebrations like baptism, the eucharist and marriage. But we are also invited to develop our ‘sacramental vision’, where we recognise the presence of God all around.

Jesus said, ‘where two or three are gathered in my name, I am there among them’ (Mt 18:20) and I for one, see and feel that strongly here at St. Peter’s College, especially at times such as Year 12 Graduation. With the frenetic pace of school life, we can go on ‘auto-pilot’ of meet – teach- assess- report- repeat, but with sacramental vision, we can see God dialoguing with the world. When we are in good relationships, when we laugh and enjoy each other’s company, when we comfort and care for others, when we show mercy and compassion, we can see and feel God. We know that God is experienced differently by all in our school community, as it is in the wider world, but in our Catholic faith, we know that it is true that God is infinitely loving and that if we look for God, we will find God. 

We have returned to school this week and I couldn’t wait to see my Year 9 class in person. I find God in them, even though they’d be shocked and amused to hear that! Their banter, energy and enthusiasm reveal to me a God who gives us many gifts and blessings that through a good education, we are called to share. Like all our students, they are figuring out who they are and what they believe in but we are in community working together. It’s wonderful to be back at school and while our Year 12’s are moving forward, those of us who remain will follow their lead and continue to learn, make those in-jokes and create memories that we will all treasure. For it is in through those interactions that we feel the presence of our loving God.   

Fiona McKenna

Deputy Principal - Catholic Identity & Mission