In reflecting on the readings from this coming Sunday, I am struck by a few images that present some food for thought. In the first reading (1 Kings 19:4-8), Elijah uses the phrase “Lord… I have had enough”. Jesus then says in the Gospel. (John 6:41-51) “I am the bread of life”. This carries on the theme from last week where Jesus explains that He is the nourishment that we need to reach eternal life. The theme is simple, but the practice may not be so clear. We know that when we are tired and drained, we might look to Jesus for energy, but how does this result in us gaining nourishment? The second reading (Ephesians 4:30 – 5:2) provides the link. It states what we need to do to get back our direction or focus. “Never have grudges against others or lose your temper, or raise your voice to anybody, or call each other names, or allow any sort of spitefulness. Be friends with one another, and kind, forgiving each other as readily as God forgave you in Christ”. When we do these things, we restore calmness in our lives and can then re-energise to move forward.

Yesterday was the Feast of St Mary of the Cross McKillop. St Mary is important as the first Australian saint and was foundational in the evolution of Catholic education in Australia. St Mary made many meaningful and philosophical quotes, but I would leave you with one of my favourites: “Do all you can with the means at your disposal, and calmly leave the rest to God”. 

With the above in mind, or Year 12 students have been undergoing their Trial HSC examinations. I have said to the students in the past that I do not wish them good luck before exams because their results are not determined by luck but are decided by preparation. When they do all that they can, they are in the best position to produce work of a high standard. Once the preparation and performance are complete, they can ‘calmly leave the rest to God’.

On Wednesday evening, our Year 10 students and their parents attended the Year 11, 2025 subject selection meetings. These are the next stage in their subject choices that are aimed at ensuring they choose subjects that are appropriate to their interests, ability, and future direction. These have proven to be valuable in helping to get students into the correct courses. Thank you to the students and parents who attended but especially to the many middle leaders who gave up their evening to assist and to Mr Teuma and Ms Miller for their organisation.

On Thursday and Friday, our Year 11 students attended their Leadership Days. These days are designed to assist the students in their thinking of what leadership is and how it works and helps them in contributing to the process of determining the SRC for 2025. At the conclusion of the day, the students and staff were asked to vote for students who will progress to the next round of the leadership process. Thanks to Ms Pearce and the staff who ensure that this process is clear and well-organised.

On Sunday, our College Captains and I will attend the annual Campbelltown Catholic Club Mass which this year will be held at Mary Immaculate parish, Eagle Vale. The Catholic Club has been a long-term supporter of Catholic education in the MacArthur and specifically to our own College. They have made a significant financial contribution to the upgrade of our college canteen that we hope will occur before the end of this year. I thank the club for their support and will be proud for us to be represented at their annual Mass. 

In week 5, Tuesday Aug 20, we will be holding our Term 3 Parents & Friends meeting. As always, all parents are invited to attend this meeting and if time permits, we will visit our latest refurbished buildings. The meeting, as always, will start in I3 at 7pm.

Ite in Veritate