From the Principal

I nearly said I loved him

It has been an excellent week with a beautiful Art Exhibition and wonderful farewells for our Year 12 students. At our ‘Day of Invitation Assembly’ I gave the following message:

‘Last year I was on an interstate flight and took the opportunity to do some work on my laptop. The young lady sitting next to me noticed the John XXIII Crest and asked if I worked at the College.

‘I would like my children to go there one day’ she exclaimed.

After a brief discussion I asked if she was travelling for work or holiday. She explained that she was travelling to Sydney ‘to be kidnapped’. She worked as a journalist for the ABC and may be sent to trouble spots around the world and the ‘kidnapping’ was part of her terrorist training. Clearly her Sydney experience would be more interesting than mine!

The young journalist related her journey from having a love of English at school to studying at University and then initial opportunities in rural settings and back to Perth. I imagine the reality of her work was very different to when she was exploring possibilities at the end of Year 12. An openness to growth and plenty of hard work can lead to unlimited possibilities for the future.

Even more important to our future is how we cultivate and nurture our lives, our faith and our love and consideration for others.

The Irish poet, Seamus Heaney, tells the story of ringing home to talk to his parents. ‘The Call’ begins with a conversation with mother and son before the mother leaves the phone to get her husband who ‘took the chance to do a bit of weeding’. Whilst waiting for his Dad to come to the phone, the poet pictures the scene in the garden – what the garden looks like; what his Dad is wearing. He hears the grandfather clock chiming in the hallway and can envisage the scene. His father comes to the phone and the poem concludes with ‘I nearly told him I loved him’.

Our young people are much more expressive than previous generations. I wish our Year 12s well for the future and encourage them to share their feelings with those they love. Seeking to be people of conscience, competence, and compassion; committed to God and the service of others is a wonderful aspiration. I thank the Class of 2020 and wish them well for the future.’

Robert Henderson

Principal