The Gospel from this weekend (Mark 12: 38 – 44) reflects on the widow who donated two small coins whilst she prayed in the synagogue. This was compared to the rich man who contributed substantially more, but Jesus explained that her gift was far more valuable. The two small coins were all that she owned and therefore it was a greater sacrifice than the ‘leftover’ money that the wealthy were giving. Of course, their gift was still welcome but when we give something that requires us to sacrifice or surrender what is important, it means much more. We can use this philosophy in many parts of our lives. When we pray, attend school, complete paid or unpaid work or interact with our family and friends, we are often called to sacrifice something in order to improve. Sometimes the sacrifice may bring specific rewards, for example payment for a job, and sometimes the rewards are far less tangible or quantifiable. Either way, the notion that we have sacrificed something is important within a caring society. Our students have now been back at school for two weeks following remote learning and have only another 5 ½ until their Christmas holidays. This can be a time where their own sacrifice of time to catch up or progress in their schoolwork will reap rewards. It may be an opportunity to sacrifice in a more social and spiritual way to ensure those around them who may be struggling are cared for. As a Catholic community, we recognise that the value of the gift is really about the sacrifice associated with it and the impact on others.

In keeping the idea above in our minds, we have now reached the moment where we need to ensure we return to routine. I have walked through the yard on a number of occasions and again I am energised by the smiles and the welcome that I receive from many of our students. For most, the return has been a welcome return ‘home’. Some students however, have found it hard to return to our high standards and community expectations when they have been in a different situation for four months. For these students, I remind you that there are limits around unacceptable behaviour and consequences for these. We will certainly look to support where we can, but we will not lower the expectations we have around respectable interactions with those around us. If parents are noticing any behaviours or approaches to schoolwork that concern you, please make contact with your child’s teachers or Year Coordinator. 

Earlier this week we had the pleasure of working with our student representative council. Following this we made decisions to appoint students to various portfolios and main leadership positions. These specific positions were announced to the students and we have the pleasure in announcing them further on in this newsletter. I look forward to working with the SRC, congratulate them on their appointment and thank them for accepting these positions of responsibility.

Last week I explained that our Year 12s were unable to have their normal graduation ceremony and had received their portfolios via our front office. During this week, we received the latest COVID safety directives. I have sent a joint letter to all parents explaining what we are now permitted to do and wrote a specific letter to Year 12 and their parents regarding their formal. Once again, I can assure all parents that we place the health and safety of all students at the forefront of our thinking and decisions and whilst some of these may be disappointing (for us as well), we will always aim to follow the directives and err on the side of caution in order to protect your children and our staff. Please always feel free to contact the College should you have any concerns or issues.

Next Tuesday, November 9, we will be holding our next Parents and Friend’s meeting for 2021. This meeting will be the final one for the year and will once again be held via zoom. I encourage parents to join into this meeting. It will begin at 7pm and can be accessed by:

Join from PC, Mac, Linux, iOS or Android:

https://dowcatholic.zoom.us/j/62597895255?pwd=Y283OHRjRmtMcE9yUXo5UFZSYUF1dz09
Password: s8DY7NO9

As always, a very big thank you to the staff, students and parents for your flexibility and ongoing support during remote learning.