Dear parents, friends, staff and students,

Tomorrow is All Saints’ Day. Over the past few years, our society has become increasingly interested in Halloween (traditionally All Hallows Eve), but for Catholics, the next day (All Saints’ Day) is one of our important feasts. All Saints’ Day encourages us to remember and value those who have died but have shown exceptional faith and actions whilst they were alive. For some of us, saints such as St Marcellin Champagnat (founder of the Marist Brothers) and St Teresa of Avila (Discalced Carmelites) play a role in helping us understand our focus and charism. We must be careful to understand that we don’t assume these are the only people in heaven. Heaven is attainable for all of us, but these people have given us examples of how we might get there. It is also a misconception by some people that we pray to saints. As Catholics, we do not pray to saints but we do pray through them, asking for intercession. There is only One God in three persons (Father, Son and Holy Spirit), and our focus and prayers always go to that Trinity. 

This week our Year 11 students have participated in their Senior Retreat. I visited two groups at Katoomba and asked them how the experience was for them. All reports were very positive with students suggesting it was not what they expected or was much better than expected. The retreats are an opportunity for the students to take a break from their studies and consider where they are headed in life. In a military sense, a retreat is used by an army that is often under pressure to withdraw to a safe place and evaluate what is happening and how they might move forward. In a school sense, we use this to help the students to see the broader picture. It has a clear spiritual focus but is also about relationships and perspective. Many students return from the retreat experience with a newfound calmness and clearer direction. A reconnector is then held toward the end of year 12 (after their trial HSC exams) to once again help them to reframe where they are heading. I thank the staff for the organisation but especially those who have given up days and nights away form their own families to help our students have this experience.

Today our diocese celebrated World Teachers’ Day. This is a recognition of the wonderful work that teachers (and support staff) complete to ensure that your children have the best possible outcomes for their learning and their overall development. I can confirm that our staff work exceptionally hard, and I am very proud of the community that they have built. It goes without saying that their efforts are substantially more effective because of the support and encouragement that comes for parents. Our ability to support you and your children is enhanced when we have a combined approach. On behalf of the community, I thank and congratulate all our staff but especially the teachers on their contribution. Happy World Teachers’ Day.

Wednesday next week we are hosting the Year 12 commencement evening at the College. This is where we explain the requirements of the final year of the student’s study for the HSC and reinforce what we are expecting for success. I look forward to this meeting with our Year 12 students and parents.

On Tuesday Nov 11 (week 5) we will be holding the final Parents and Friends meeting for the year. As always, this will be in I3 at 7 pm. I encourage parents to attend this meeting and listen to what is happening at the College.

Finally, I will be taking a short LSL break over the next two weeks to spend some time with my family. Ms Giles will be available as the Acting Principal during this time. Please feel free to continue contact with her during this period and I thank her for stepping into this role.