The Kingdom of God is like …
When I read the story of Adam and Eve, I am reminded of the temptations that are placed before us and the decisions that we sometimes make that puts us outside God’s will. Father Patrick at mass on Sunday, explained the story differently but with the same message. Rather than blaming others, like Adam blamed Eve and God for giving him Eve, we need to take ownership of our misgivings, our mistakes, our decisions, our actions. By justifying our actions, it blocks us against God’s forgiveness, God’s love and mercy. We need to go beyond our pride and prejudices and become accountable for all that we do and say. Adam is alive today in our lives unless we become a true and faithful friend of Jesus. Until we accept our short comings, we will continue to blame God for our lives. Are we still like Adam “it wasn’t me”.
Adam and Eve, hid from God after they had sinned. God, however, did not abandon them but sought them out and showed them mercy. Though they had to accept the consequences of their action, God promised that ultimately the forces of evil will be overcome. In Christ, God continues to seek out and offer us forgiveness. If we accept forgiveness, and resolve to follow God’s will, we will always be welcomed into the Kingdom of God.
In the latest addition of the Catholic Weekly, an article caught my attention because it reaffirmed the importance of having open lines of communication between home and school. The article was by the Council of Catholic School Parents NSW/ACT and commenced by referring to Pope Francis and his comment about challenging parents to reclaim their roles as educators of their children. At the College, we constantly refer to developing a healthy and positive partnership with parents in the raising of our sons. In order to do this, effective communication is the key. The article provides a number of avenues for parents to utilise in keeping them up to date with things happening at the College. A key platform for parents is the Parent-Teacher interviews as they present a great opportunity to have an open and honest discussion about academic progress, any behavioural issues and any social challenges encountered along the way. If you would like to read more, please refer to the June 10th edition of The Catholic Weekly or visit www.ccsp.catholic.edu.au for additional information to support parents.
On Tuesday 12 June, the College is proud to welcome a renowned multi-media artist Khaled Sabsabi. Both St Dominic’s College and Caroline Chisholm advocated for Khaled to attend and provide our students with an insight into photography and his work. In reading through Khaleb’s biography, it was exciting to note that he has been part of over 45 solo or group exhibitions across the world. The list of individual recognition is extraordinary with numerous art prizes and art scholarships. His message of ‘bringing into focus an understanding of how diverse conversations could be connected through traditions and stories of people, connects perfectly with the College and the EREA Touchstone of Inclusivity. We are honoured to host both Khaled and Caroline Chisholm. Special thanks to Mr Steve Lewis (Art Coordinator) and Mrs Karen King (Caroline Chisholm College) for providing our students the opportunity to work with Khaleb and promote the visual arts.
As I review the College calendar, it is clearly obvious that our students are busy addressing numerous assessment tasks. I strongly encourage all parents to be aware of the due dates of their son’s assessments and to develop a time management plan to ensure all assessments are handed-in on time. If there is a need to hand-in an assessment task late because of illness or any other misadventure, please ensure that you follow the clear guidelines for any late submission. Good planning and dedication will assist all our students as they complete these tasks so that teachers can finalise their Semester One reports.
The talent at the College is evident in so many different areas and is constantly being nurtured and advocated by the College. On Tuesday and Wednesday of Week 6, Leo Abdo and Alessandro Massignani represented St Dominic’s in the Combined MCS Football team at the NSWCCC Football Tournament. They both played supporting roles in successfully winning the tournament. Though they were not selected for the NSWCCC team they play an important role in the success of the team. Congratulations to both Leo and Alessandro for representing St Dominic’s with distinction.
This Thursday, all our Rugby League teams will be represented in the semi-finals of the MCS competition. May all our teams play to their ability and with great sportsmanship. Good Luck.
This week I will be absent from the College as I will be attending the EREA Annual Principal’s Conference. This year theme “Principal’s Wellbeing” will, hopefully, provide me with insight into how to best support the College and myself. In my absence, Mr B. Walsh will be the Acting Principal.
Please keep in your prayers:
As Mr Toni Thompson continues to recover in hospital, please continue to pray for him and his family, in particular Mrs Carmen Thompson.
Please pray for all our families who have lost a family member or friend recently in particular pray for the Xavier College community who recently mourned the loss to illness of a young lady in year 9. Eternal rest, grant unto her O Lord
and let perpetual light shine upon her.
May she rest in peace. Amen.
May his/her soul and the souls of all the faithful departed,
through the mercy of God, rest in peace.
Amen
Dominus Mea
Let Your Light Shine
Mr M. Ronchetti
College Principal
