What good will it be for someone to gain the whole world, yet forfeit their soul?

Matthew 16:26

Earlier this week I had the pleasure of attending a virtual professional development day conducted by the Catholic Education Office run via Zoom. The focus of the day was to reflect on how we approach our normal daily routine and try to get the most out of it. It was not about becoming more efficient to create more wealth, or trying to cram more activities into a smaller day. The day was in part encouraging us to stop, take note of where we were and what we were doing, and then resolving to make the most of whatever was our current task. Pope Francis said it simply; “Do what you are doing and do it well.” It lead me to recall advice that was given to me many years ago when I first started teaching by a much older Marist Brother, Br Fingal, who said “ whatever you need to do as a teacher, do it with love in your heart”.

Both of these things bring me back to the quote at the start of this page from last Sunday’s Gospel. In doing what we do ordinarily every day, if we do it with love and do it well, we are doing it for God. It may not get us earthly riches but will help us to be better people and  make someone else’s life better.

Last Tuesday, our Year 12 students returned after their Trial HSC and participated in their Senior Retreat Reconnector Day. This took a very different form from the last few years and was conducted on the College grounds. The students reflected on their journey so far and on their future direction. As a very small part of the day, each student laid a ceramic tile on the labyrinth being constructed near our cricket nets. Over time, our hope is that every student in the College will be able to place a piece of tile in this labyrinth which will become a tangible reflection of the spirit of family within our community.

Next Tuesday we will be holding the second Zoom based Parents and Friends’ meeting. These meetings give all parents and caregivers the opportunity to hear what is happening around the College but also comment on, or suggest any ways that, the P&F might fund projects for the benefit of students. The next Zoom will start at 7 pm this coming Tuesday, September 8 and can be accessed by opening up Zoom and entering the following ID code and password;

ID: 94526373031
Password: 522630

Please ask your child to assist if you cannot connect. We look forward to seeing you on the night.

This week we received a letter from the NSW Governor, the Honourable Margaret Beazley AC QC. We have been asked to pass this letter on to our Year 12 students. In this, the Governor acknowledges the difficulty these students have had to deal with and wishes them all the best for their upcoming HSC. This letter is in addition to a personal video that was sent for each student from Bishop Brian Mascord late last month. As the Year 12 students enter the last phase of their HSC, please keep them in your thoughts and prayers.

In the last few days, MISA have launched their new website. Whilst at the moment, there is limited information due to the suspension of competitions, The website has been very well developed and will provide future opportunities for parents and students to track competitions and read good news stories around these. If you would like to visit this website or bookmark it for later, the address is: https://www.misaonline.org.au/

Earlier this week, the ABC ran a story on Funding of Catholic schools in NSW. There were a number of corrections that Catholic Schools NSW have produced to assist people in reading this story. For those interested, these corrections can be access on the College website under: Our College – Policies and documents or you can click on the link: http://www.mcccdow.catholic.edu.au/index.php/policies-documents

Over the last few newsletters, there has been an opportunity for parents to complete a survey on my Principalship. Unfortunately, there was an issue with the data collection and a new survey letter has been sent out to parents. I apologise for the issues and ask that if you have an opportunity to complete this, it would be most appreciated.

Over the past few months, Bishop Brian had been celebrating Sunday Mass and livestreaming it. This stopped a few weeks ago, however, Bishop Brian has decided to reintroduce these online masses. These masses have returned and can be accessed here.

This Sunday is Father’s Day. A very warm and special thank you to all the fathers in our community whether they are with us or have somehow left us. We keep them in our prayers and thoughts. Happy Father’s Day this Sunday.

Mr Steve Lo Cascio