This weekend is the Feast of the Ascension. As I have said in newsletters in previous years, this feast is very significant because it reflects the divine nature of Jesus Christ. His divinity is reflected by the fact that He rose from the dead under His own power and authority and He ascended to heaven. Over the previous few weeks, and continuing into the next few, we hear stories in the Gospels about God being present in the lives of ordinary people. From His walking with the disciples on the road to Emmaus to the presence of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost, God remains with us. The Ascension, whilst a major belief within Christianity, does not change the reality that God is with us day in and out in our normal lives. The nature of the Trinity helps us to understand that our creator and redeemer remains with us always through the Holy Spirit. By coming to earth in the person of Jesus and then ascending into heaven, we understand that Jesus was truly human and truly God.

This weekend we also celebrate Mother’s Day. This coming Monday we will welcome guests into the College for a Mother’s Day breakfast. I look forward to those who are able to join us and thank them. A very warm congratulations and thank you to all mothers who give love and support to your children.

Today our diocese farewelled Bishop Peter Ingham with his funeral at St Francis Xavier’s Cathedral in Wollongong. Bishop Peter passed into eternal life on April 26 and was buried at the Cathedral following a funeral service today.

Grant, Lord, we pray,

that as our faith is built on the Risen Christ,

so too may our hope be steadfast,

as we await the resurrection of your servant Peter from the dead.

Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son,

who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit,

God, for ever and ever.

Our intention is to begin classes in the new STEM building this coming Monday. Following this, students will vacate a number of other blocks so that refurbishments might commence on them. These changes will involve amendments to bus drop off and pick up spots and some restrictions on car parking. I thank each of you in advance for your understanding as these changes are implemented.

The Tell Them From Me (TTFM) survey for parents is currently open. This survey is again split into students, parents and staff and will focus on our achievements as a college. The survey will remain open for the next three weeks and takes around 10 – 15 minutes to complete. I encourage honest feedback, both positive and constructive, to assist us in evaluating our achievements and helping to develop plans for the future. Please begin the survey by clicking here. 

Next Tuesday evening we will be hosting our next Literacy Evening in the College library. All parents are warmly invited to attend this evening which commences at 6.30 pm. We would love you to join us on the evening.