Last week we celebrated and commemorated two significant days in the Catholic calendar, All Saints’ Day and All Souls’ Day. I am always encouraged by the beautiful words of Pope Francis when he states that Catholics should ‘let themselves be encouraged by the Saints’ as they did not live lives by half measures rather sort opportunities to assist those in need. Like the saints, we too must be encouraged to seek these opportunities to support those in need in our community. The challenges of 2021 have taught us that we must support each other always if we are to be truly faithful to the message of Pope Francis. Many people struggled throughout the last four months, but it was the goodwill of so many ‘saints’ that encouraged us to see the light at the end of the tunnel. May we continue to be ‘saints’ to each other as we continue to live in this ‘new’ normal.
As we commemorated All Souls’ Day my prayers are with all families as their reflect upon the faithfully departed in their lives, especially those who have passed away during the lockdown period and we were unable to farewell them in person. I pray that all our families were able to spend some reflective time in remembrance of our loved ones.
Year 12 HSC
The 2021 HSC Written Examination will finally commence this Tuesday, 9th November. After more than four months of online learning, our Year 12 students will complete their final examinations throughout the month of November. Please keep all of our HSC students in your prayer as they endeavour to do their personal best after a very challenging year. May the students be rewarded for their commitment and sustained effort in their final results. May God bless them all.
To support the successful commencement of the HSC Written Examinations, Tuesday, 9th November will be an online learning day for Years 7 to 10. Year 11 students will have normal timetabled classes onsite. All students return to onsite learning on Wednesday, 10th November. I appreciate the inconvenience this may bring families, however, the Year 12 students need our support as they commence these significant exams after a very challenging year.
MOvember
As a College, we are proud of our Movember campaign that addresses Men’s health and our Fight against Domestic Violence, especially against women. The 2022 College Student Leaders have once again continued the legacy of past student leaders in the promotion of this campaign. This is their first opportunity to lead the community because of the restrictions created by COVID-19. Under the guidance of Mr Kilbourne and Mrs Birkett, they have been taking a proactive nature in rallying the troops in supporting both these most worthy causes. I look forward to the numerous initiatives they have planned to promote both Men’s Health and the fight against domestic violence. I encourage our community to support these initiatives.
Remembrance Day
On Thursday, 11th November Mr Rawding and a group of Year 11 students will lead our commemorative service for Remembrance Day. The sounding of the reveille (trumpet in the morning) across the College speakers will provide a great setting for all the College as we reflect on those who have fallen and paid the ultimate price of war. In the Beatitudes, Jesus refers to “Blessed are the Peacemakers; for they shall be called God’s children” always reminds me of those who serve our community for the sake of peace. This is a responsibility that has been bestowed on all of us. As we reflect on the significance of the day, let us always remind ourselves of the role we currently play in being the peacemakers of our world, today and for future generations.
Year 10
Over the next three weeks, Year 10 will have a roller-coaster of emotions as they complete their compulsory education. This week will be the last face-to-face learning for the Year 10 students before they commence their online assessments from Monday, 15th November. Following a week of assessments, Year 10 students, returning to St Dominic’s, will be involved in a transition program from Monday, 22nd November to Thursday, 25th November before they conclude the year with a Commissioning Liturgy on Friday, 26th November. The Year 10 Commissioning Liturgy will acknowledge all Year 10 students, especially those who end their compulsory secondary education with the College.
Annual Awards Ceremonies – Tuesday, 7th December
Considering the current Public Health Orders and the uncertainty of any future Orders, the College has decided to conduct the Annual Awards as we did in 2020, throughout the course of the school day. All Award recipients for Academic, Social Justice and Cocurricular Activities will be acknowledged and recognised in year-based meetings. At the writing of this notice, no parents will be permitted on site, however we are seeking clarification on whether vaccinated parents/carers/family members will be permitted to attend these Annual Award Ceremonies. We will keep the community informed of any progress in this matter.
Tuesday, 7th December
is the final day of the school year for students.
2021 College Fees
I know this has been a challenging year for all families. I would appreciate if parents could attend to overdue school fees as soon as possible. Whilst many families have contacted the College Fees Office, a number of families are yet to do so. There are numerous ways in which you can pay your fees and these have been highlighted in previous newsletters and also appear on the back of your invoices. Families who are having some difficulties with their school fees can simply contact the College to discuss any financial problems that may have arisen and make arrangements that they can commit to. The College has a very clear process to follow for any families who may be encountering financial hardship. I ask that you contact either Ms Powell or myself to discuss your fees, should you be unable to finalise your account.
Dominus Mea
Let Your Light Shine
Mr M. Ronchetti – College Principal
