Dear parents, friends, staff and students,

This Sunday’s Gospel (Matthew 14:22-33) tells us of the story where Jesus walks on water. This story is one that is constantly referred to even by non-Christians as a sign of the power and authority of Jesus. The event comes after Jesus had been preaching and had then gone to be by Himself. What is often not recalled in this story, is that when Peter sees Him from the boat, he steps out of the boat and himself walks on the water toward Jesus. When he realises what he is doing and feels the force of the wind on his face, he begins to sink and calls out to Jesus to save him. The irony here is that we consider it a miracle that Jesus walked on the water but often forget about Peter. Peter’s ability however was only possible whilst he was fully focussed on Jesus. As soon as he lost that focus, he also lost the ability to do more than is humanly possible. For us to achieve great things, we must also ensure that our focus is on Jesus and with that, we can also be part of a miracle.

On Tuesday the church celebrates the Feast of the Assumption. This is the solemnity where we recognise that Mary was taken to heaven, body and soul. It is particularly important to our community because both of our charisms (Marist and Carmelite) consider Mary as a central figure in our quest to reach Jesus. Mary presents us with a figure that is human but perfect. She enables us to envisage what is possible and is instrumental in leading us to Jesus.

Today our whole Year 11 cohort were given the chance to consider and discuss the nature of leadership as a part of their transition into Year 12. These days are an important part of the process of leadership that formally begins in Year 10 with the House Leaders. The students are then given the opportunity in Year 11 to be Youth Ministry Leaders and then in Year 12 for membership on the Student Representative Council (SRC). I had the pleasure of participating in this day and asking the students what type of leaders they want to be and want to have. I am encouraged by the standard of these fine young women and men and know that our college will be in good hands as the new SRC are chosen and developed.

Next Tuesday August 15 (week 5) we will be holding our Term 3 P&F meeting. As always, this is held in room I3 (at the top of the turning circle) and begins at 7 pm. This term our guest speaker will be Mr David Teuma (ICLT Coordinator). Mr Teuma will be speaking about technology use at the College and in particular Artificial Intelligence. As always, all parents and caregivers are welcome and encouraged to attend.

Finally, a reminder that next Friday (August 18) will be our Term 3 Staff Development Pupil Free day. This day will focus on Wellbeing and Pastoral Care and will involve the whole staff. Again, I recognise the disruption that these days may cause and I thank all parents and students for your support.

Ite in Veritate

Mr Steve Lo Cascio