Dear parents, friends, staff and students,

This week’s gospel reading is from Matthew 25: 14-30. It is the parable that Jesus tells where the master gives three of his servants some talents before he travels abroad. When he returns, he calls the servants in and asks them what they have done with the talents. The first two servants had invested the talents and doubled their money. The third servant buried his talents and is only able to give back to the master, what he was given to start with. Each of us are given talents when we are born. For some, these talents are obvious and highly popular. For others, the talents might be a little more obscure or may be less sought after. Regardless of this, the gospel reminds us that we have an obligation to use what talents we have in order to get improvement. We have the ability to contribute positively to the world in which we live and we do this most easily by using the talents that we have been given. At the start of the year, I encouraged the students to have a growth mindset. This was trying to look for how they might achieve a goal rather than just assuming they are unable, or the task is too difficult. This gospel reinforces the idea that we shouldn’t be afraid to use our talents but further, we actually have a responsibility to use them and to use them well. 

During this year, I have been referring in newsletters to our Annual Improvement Plan priorities. One of these is focussed on building a sense of belonging by creating links between the College and the wider community. This week I attended a forum with the local state member of the Legislative Assembly, Mr Greg Warren, hosted by MacArthur Workplace Learning Program (MWLP) on Monday. On Tuesday, Mr Huntly and I attended the Continuous Catholic School Improvement Colloquium with Catholic Education, Diocese of Wollongong and on Wednesday evening, the official opening of the University of Notre Dame study centre at Oran Park. Our Year 9 students participated in YAM and Year 11 in U-Turn the wheel. Tonight, the Year 12 formal will be celebrated with parents and those who are now alumni. Next week we have the Marist Student Leaders’ gathering and on Wednesday, the parent library evening. Whilst some of these things (and similar) are ‘normal’, we should not forget that each event builds connections with those outside our college. Thank you to those who continue to work toward these relationships and help us to improve a sense of belonging with our students. 

As stated above, on Wednesday, we once again are hosting a parents’ library evening. This has occurred a few times this year and is very relaxed and non-threatening. The invitation is extended to all parents to come onsite and learn about what our students are doing in share in opportunities to grow in a love of literature. Please join us for the evening commencing at 6.30pm in the College library.

Ite in Veritate

Mr Steve Lo Cascio