Principal
Catholic Education Week
This week is Catholic Education Week and the theme for this year’s celebrations is, Catholic Schools – Places of Encounter. ‘Let the words you speak always be full of Grace’, based on Colossians 4:6.
Part of the tradition in recognising Catholic Education Week is that it is launched with the Leadership Mass, celebrated by Bishop Greg Bennet along with priests from the Diocese, and Dinner to celebrate and recognise outstanding service and excellence of staff and students in Catholic education in the Sale Diocese.
At the Mass Bishop Greg and Paul Velten, Director of Catholic Education and CEO for DOSCEL, acknowledged new Principals, Religious Education Leaders, and Catholic Education and Mission Leaders in the Diocese. We had two members of our community congratulated at that time – Nicole Dudman, who is our Director of Catholic Identity and Mission, and Jacinta Johnston, who is a parent, past staff member, and former student. Jacinta was acknowledged for her appointment as Deputy Principal – Catholic Identity and Mission at Marist Sion College, Warragul.
At the dinner that followed James Forrester was acknowledged, in absentia, on being a recipient of the Daniel Ahearn Bursary, which provides financial support for non-teaching staff training to become qualified educators. James is currently one of our Learning Support Officers.
This week as a College community we gathered for a liturgy on Tuesday, 23 May. The Gospel reading for the liturgy was Luke 24:13-35, the Road to Emmaus, and as I explained to students and staff it is a wonderful example to all of us of how to be a great teacher, as Jesus was. In the story, we see Jesus first walk with the two disciples and listen to their concerns. Along the way, Jesus also asks questions that help Him to understand their situation even though he already knows. He does this so the disciples can clarify their needs. Jesus is then invited to share a meal with the disciples and so sits with them to eat and in that time when they are breaking bread they realise who he is. Whilst this is clearly a Eucharistic experience, it also is an example of the need for good teachers to be present to and engage with their students in order to be known ti them. After the disciples recognise Jesus, he then begins to teach them and prepare them for the next phase of their life with vigour and hope.
Thank you to Nicole Dudman for her work in preparing the liturgy. Thank you as well to Zac Cox, Chris Spencer, Scott Blencowe, and John Ryan for setting up the space. It was wonderful to hear our choir sing during the liturgy and as always I am appreciative to Beth Winterhalter and David Robinson for their work with the students. Thank you to everyone else who was part of the liturgy, including our Senior Student Leaders and the staff who did the readings.
A message from the Director of Catholic Education Diocese of Sale Catholic Education Limited Mr. Paul Velten can be seen here - https://online.clickview.com.au/share?sharecode=c1cb634
Staff Catholic Identity and Charism Professional Development Day
Last Thursday all staff were involved in an in-service to deepen our understanding of our Catholic Identity, through the lens of our Josephite Charism. It was a great day and we were very fortunate to have Sr Rita Malavisi lead us on the day. Thank you to Nicole Dudman for her work in organising this valuable experience. Also thank you to Cate Kavanagh for her support as a presenter.
Volunteer Week
Thank you to Stephen Ross-Bryant for his initiative to celebrate those in our community who volunteer on Monday, 15 May. Thank you as well to Nicole Dudman for preparing the liturgy.
It was great to see students and staff in their uniforms representing the CFA, Scouting, and Surf Lifesaving.
Year 9 Camp
I wish all our students and staff out at Camp Coolamatong next week an enjoyable time and hopefully, the weather will not be too challenging. Thanks to Chris Spencer and Jodie Connell for their organisation.
Year 7 2024 Enrolments
I would like to remind all current families that enrolment applications are due on 31 May 2023. Formal applications must be made for students for enrolment into Year 7 next year. We will accept applications after that date, but as a matter of justice, priority will be given to those who have submitted their applications on time.
Staff News
Today we farewell Matt Dunn, one of our Learning Support Officers who is leaving us to work with theHeart Foundation.
Sapientia Domini Docet Nos
John M Freeman