Dear parents, friends, staff and students,

Last week we entered the church’s season of Advent. This is the period of preparation for the birth of Jesus which we celebrate at Christmas. When we prepare for any celebration whether it be religious or secular, we will often find ourselves cleaning the space, planning the event and the hospitality that is attached as well as ensuring our guests feel welcome. Preparing for the arrival of Christ into our lives at Christmas should involve the same preparation but on a spiritual level. Ensuring our focus is free of clutter, our hearts are prepared for the love that Jesus brings and that He is welcomed into our hearts are an essential part of the preparation (Advent) season. In the first reading last week, there is a small line at the end which states:

“We are the clay, you the potter, we are all the work of your hand”. Isaiah 64:8.

In beginning our preparation and in the continual process of welcoming Jesus into our lives, how have we allowed ourselves to be moulded into Christ’s messenger on earth? This may be a simple way to reflect and prepare for the celebration of His coming.

Last week, we were informed that two students had been nominated for ArtExpress for their major works in Visual Arts. This week, we have been notified by NESA that two other students have been nominated for ‘Shape’ which is the exhibition of the best HSC works in Design and Technology. Whilst I am not at liberty at the moment to name these students, we are once again very proud of the work that has been contributed by our Class of 2020 and this continues the great success of this cohort. We will inform the community of further results as they come to hand.

Last Tuesday we distributed to each student at the College a pin to mark the Campbelltown 200 year anniversary. It was on December 1, 1820 that Governor Macquarie founded Campbelltown. We were privileged that our students were able to join in this celebration even as it was scaled back dramatically due to COVID.  We have also been given some lilies that we hope to plant in the labyrinth garden once it is established. Thank you to Campbelltown Council for enabling us to be a small part of this celebration.

On Friday, our Year 7, 2021 students were able to come onsite for an orientation day. Whilst this was a very different day (again due to COVID restrictions), it did give the students a view of all their new peers and they were able to meet some of their teachers. We were also able to begin the process of introducing our newest members into what our community is about. Thank you to the staff and to the new students for their enthusiasm and efforts in making a limited orientation day such a success.

Over the past few months, Bishop Brian has been celebrating Sunday Mass and livestreaming it. These Masses each Sunday and can be accessed here.

Mr Steve Lo Cascio