This week’s Gospel (Luke 16:19-31) tells us the story of a man who lived in a fine house and each day passed by a homeless man who lay at his doorstep. After they had both died, the wealthy man begged for water from the poor one to quench his thirst, but this was not possible. The simple message is that we have all been told of the expectation to look after those around us and if we ignore this responsibility, the consequences are on us. As I refer further into this newsletter, in the speech that the College Captains gave at their Graduation evening, they picked up wonderfully on this theme. Our lives must consider those around us and how we might positively impact their lives. A statement that is often attributed to St Teresa of Avila; “Christ has no hands-on earth but yours”. Our actions will not only help others but will also have implications for our own lives as well.

As many of you would be aware, this week we farewelled our Year 12 class of 2022. These students celebrated with a pizza and ice-cream picnic on Tuesday afternoon followed by breakfast on Wednesday morning and the Farewell Mass and their Graduation and Awards on Wednesday evening. The Awards ceremony was attended by guests from Catholic Education, Wollongong, Campbelltown City Council, Campbelltown Catholic Club and our own Parents and Friends’ Association.  It was a proud moment for our community to witness the final events for these young women and men and was energising to once again be able to share this with parents and friends being allowed onsite after an almost two-year hiatus. The students were formally piped into the ceremony by Tiam-Li Mackenzie (Year 11) and were treated to a performance by our Polynesian students. Both special treats were met with excitement and appreciation from the rest of the College. Our major award winners were announced and for the first time, the Grad Mass and Awards were live streamed to those family members who were unable to be present on the night. Thank you to the many staff who were involved in these events for year 12. Their efforts, experience and desire for a memorable farewell were evident. The students now move into their final Higher School Certificate exams at the start of next term, and they finish completely with their Formal in mid-November. We wish them all the best for their upcoming exams.

At the Awards evening, The College Captains, Gabriel and Eseta, spoke of the joy that life brings through encounter with others. Gabriel spoke of the way encounter reveals others but also creates ourselves. He reminded us that the Gospels are an invitation to community, tolerance and compassion and he suggested that we should all be committed to ‘walk in truth’. Eseta acknowledged that every person is an instrument to each other’s growth. She spoke of involvement in the rich diversity and culture of the College and encouraged ‘encounter’ as we grow. Eseta also reminded us that a good leader doesn’t look up or forward, they look around. The depth and authenticity of the farewell speech was evident and was a clear indication of the high quality of students that are graduating from the College. Thank you to our student leaders.

A number of our Year 12 students will be coming in during the holidays to work with their teachers in preparation for the HSC exams. Thank you in advance to the staff who have given up their holidays to give the students that extra little bit of support.

Finally, as this is the last newsletter for term 3, I wish all our community a safe and relaxing break and trust that you will return with energy and a positive outlook.

Ite in Veritate