This week marks the beginning of Lent, the forty days that Jesus spent reflecting in the desert. As a College we celebrated the beginning of this holy season with an Ash Wednesday Liturgy in the Church. We mark ourselves with a cross made of ashes on our foreheads demonstrating that we are made from dust and from dust we shall return and that we make a commitment to turn away from sin and return to the Gospel. During Lent it is common to “give up something” to make more room for God in our lives, we can also take something on to recommit ourselves to God. As a staff we are invited each Lent to attend Friday morning parish mass together, we invite any students who wish to attend with us during this season.

Lent also signifies our Caritas fundraising. Fundraising for Catholic organisations is one of our commitments as a Catholic school. In particular, Caritas has been providing aid to those devastated by the earthquake in Syria. Each week during Lent, each of the Houses will be fundraising for Caritas in a House Competition. Students will focus on a video story from Caritas to see the wonderful work that is happening around the world. On Friday we will kick off the fundraising with specifically donating to the Syrian earthquake cause.

Next week we will celebrate the College Opening Mass on Tuesday. Parents and community members are invited to attend and be part of this great event highlighting our theme Walking Together. We will also welcome our new staff and induct our College Vice Captains and Year Level Captains. 

It was great to see so much school spirit at our College Swimming Carnival, a mighty victory for Nagle again and the fantastic support shown from the students, led by their House Captains.

The Year 7 students and teachers returned from camp after a stunning three days in Collaroy building friendships and memories together. A huge thankyou to the teachers who facilitated this, without their generosity these opportunities would not exist for our students.

College photos are completed for the year, if you would still like to order your College photos, you are able to do so through Compass. 

In the next fortnight we look forward to hosting Troubie for the McAuley House who will explore their House Charism of Catherine McAuley’s life story. 

As new sporting, academic and spiritual opportunities present themselves through the year, it is a timely reminder that a students experience at school are enhanced by moving yourself out of your comfort zone and trying new and interesting things!

Mary Wright

Assistant Principal Mission & Ministry