In this week’s Gospel (Mark 7: 1-8,14-15,21-23) Jesus chides the pharisees about paying lip service to what is right. He explains that what is in a person’s heart and how that is shown to the world is what is important. As humans living in social communities, we are often expected to temper our words to ensure that we do not embarrass or offend another’s sensibilities. Whilst this is important for social harmony, it is just as important that we are clear and authentic with what we say and how we behave. This does not mean that we say what we want, when we want or about whom we want. Authenticity is about speaking from the heart, but that heart needs to be well-informed and considerate of other’s perspectives. In His comments, Jesus was exposing superficiality and those who do things so that others will see them and be impressed. When we interact with others, our heart should be strong but reflect compassion. St Marcellin used the phrase that he hoped his brothers would have ‘strong minds and gentle hearts’. As Christians, this is what we aim for.

Last Friday we held our Term 3 Staff Development Day where Dr Andrew Fuller presented to the staff, questions and strategies around student and staff wellbeing. On Monday, our staff met at our regular staff meeting to expand on this idea and link wellbeing to our learning and teaching and, in particular, to how we can encourage and promote aspirational goals within the students. As many of you may already be aware, our theme for this year revolves around the notion of ‘getting off the couch and into the game’. Being aspirational and setting goals that push our talents to their limits is necessary for improvement. The staff reflected on what we can do as a college, as faculties and as teachers to support this. It is essential however for students to remember that we are only able to establish frameworks and give opportunities. There is a requirement for them to take up these opportunities and to themselves work to achieve to their potential. There is still time this year for students to make a significant difference to their learning. The first step is to decide to do this.

On Tuesday evening I attended the Campbelltown City Council farewell evening for the students who will be participating in the sister city exchange with Koshigaya in Japan. We had five students selected in this cultural group last year and four this year. Congratulations to Jason Dennis, Sarah Filipo, Eva Grados Isabelle Villena. Our students are fine representatives of our school and I wish them all the best as they embark on this program during the September holidays.

From the start of next term, we are looking to increase our social media presence by starting to post short stories and photos on Facebook. When this commences, we will post our address and encourage parents and friends to follow and like. Our intention is then to make short regular posts and change the newsletter to a fortnightly distribution. I would appreciate any feedback on this. You are welcome to do this by emailing our college account at info_mccc@dow.catholic.edu.au.

This Sunday is Father’s Day. A huge thank you and best wishes to all the dads in our community and we keep you in our thoughts and prayers for this special day.

Ite in Veritate