Principal News
“The Word is a gift. Other persons are a gift”
Lent is a new beginning, a path leading to the certain goal of Easter, Christ’s victory over death. This season urgently calls us to conversion. Christians are asked to return to God “with all their hearts” (Joel 2:12), to refuse to settle for mediocrity and to grow in friendship with the Lord. Jesus is the faithful friend who never abounds us. Even when we sin, he patiently awaits our return; by that patient expectation, he shows us his readiness to forgive (cf. Homily, 8 January 2016). (Message of His Holiness Pope Francis for LENT 2017, “The Word is a gift. Other persons are a gift”)
Dear Parents, Students and Friends
Congratulations to our Assistant Principal, Christie Scoble, on her new position as School Service Officer-Learning and Teaching: Curriculum and Pedagogy (7-12) at CSO, Wagga Wagga. Her appointment commences at the beginning of Term 3, August 17. As I have mentioned previously, Catholic Schools Office Wagga Wagga have commenced advertising for an Acting Assistant Principal, Semester Two 2017 and will also be involved in the recruitment process for the permanent position which commences in 2018.
Three letters have come across my desk which highlight how the College Mission is being lived.
The first is from Rina Cannon, People and Programs Team Leader, Griffith City Library. It is a letter of thanks for the dancing and singing performance our students were involved in during Seniors Week. Our “Bollywood” dancers and Pacific Islander singing group uplifted the hearts of those present. Rina stated, “Nothing is ever too hard for you and your students”.
The second letter was from former parents Rodney and Melissa Zuccato who were “bursting with pride”, after witnessing 30 plus Marian students participate in the local “Relay for Life”. The students’ final tally for fundraising was over $5000. The Zuccato’s described their enthusiasm over the 18 hours as ”electric”.
The third letter came from Adrian Piccoli, MP and Member for Murray. Adrian congratulated the College on taking out the Canberra Area Theatre Award for Best Set Design. He went on to add, “ eight nominations is amazing. There is nowhere more important than the community in which we live and there is no place better than our schools for this all to begin—everything starts with education and we need keen and enthusiastic teachers to lead and motivate our students into believing they can do anything.”
Our Mission is the lived expression of our Vision. To show to others, that we are living life the best we can in all manner of ways and sharing that life with others reflects our Vision, “a vibrant faith community engaging with Jesus and His message" Engaging is an active word. It speaks of action. Our Vision Statement goes on to say, “Embracing Mary’s way of courageous acceptance” Another active word in embracing and Our Mother Mary has shown us to be courageous in taking on challenge, “We fullfil Christ’s promise , "The Way, The Truth and The Life’ in a dynamic and diverse learning environment.
Further expressions of living life to the full have been shown on the sports field this week in Rugby League, League Tag, Cross-Country, Touch and Tennis, Swimming (last week) with Netball and Soccer next week.
Harmony Day, next Tuesday is worthy of a special mention as Marian is a community of so many nationalities and this day is one of the happiest celebrations on our yearly calendar. Families are invited to our assembly at 10am and stay over the lunch break for the activities.
Next Friday and Saturday is the long awaited Marian Cabaret . There are still tables and individual tickets available. A flyer can be found further into this newsletter.
Finally, the AGM of the Marian Catholic College Parent Council takes place on Monday 27 March. There are three vacancies. A flyer with details of how to nominate are this newsletter.
Peace and Best Wishes
Principal