Welcome back _ What will the term bring for our sons
Welcome back to Term 4. Each term brings new hope and challenges for all our students but I am confident that every student can meet the challenges while at the same time bringing hope to their lives. As we are half way through the semester, students are well under way with their assessments therefore a diligent approach to their studies will assist them in the final assessment tasks for the year. I would also encourage parents to engage with their sons learning as means of supporting them in their hopes for the future. I hope all students achieve their goals they have set out to achieve from the beginning of the year. May God bless all our students throughout the term as they continue to develop into fine young gentlemen.
World Mission Sunday is the one Sunday in the year when the entire global Church comes together in support of mission. We are all called to mission. Just as Jesus came to serve, we too are encouraged to serve and support churches, hospitals, schools and vocations especially in those countries where the Church is new, young or poor. World Mission Sunday is an opportunity for all of us to share our faith, show love and solidarity to our family in faith overseas. Through our prayers, we support missionaries everywhere in spreading the Good News.
Pope’s message for World Mission Sunday 2018
“Dear Brothers and Sisters, Every man and woman is a mission; that is the reason for our life on this earth. To be attracted and to be sent are two movements that our hearts, especially when we are young, feel as interior forces of love; they hold out promise for the future and they give direction to our lives. More than anyone else, young people feel the power of life breaking in upon us and attracting us. To live out joyfully our responsibility for the world is a great challenge. I am well aware of lights and shadows of youth; when I think back to my youth and my family, I remember the strength of my hope for a better future. The fact that we are not in this world by our own choice makes us sense that there is an initiative that precedes us and makes us exist. Each one of us is called to reflect on this fact: “I am a mission on this earth; that is why I am here in this world” (Evangelii Gaudium, 273)
It is with great sadness that I announce the retirement of a beloved teacher Mr Wakefield who has been part of the St Dominic’s College community for the past 18 years. During this time Mr Wakefield has actively supported students in not only mathematics, especially the Ext 2 maths students, but also through his teaching of religious education. The College will be farewelling Mr Wakefield officially during the Annual Awards Evening. On behalf of our community, I would like to sincerely thank Mr Wakefield for his extraordinary contribution to educating the young men of St Dominic’s College.
Last Thursday the College paid tribute to Mr Chris Hobbs, former student and teacher of St Dominic’s College. Over 200 former and present staff and students attended the service. Saying farewell to someone is never easy however the College was able to honour the man that became an icon of the Penrith region. Thank you to all those who attended especially those students who were influenced by Chris is such a positive manner. Special thanks to Fr Walter for celebrating mass with us; Mr Wilson and Mrs Svensson for the beautiful music and Mr Culican his organisation of the service. Chris Hobbs will live in our hearts, forever. May he rest in peace.
Our Year 11 students actively participated in the Senior Retreat during Week 1 of Term 4. Unlike anything they have experienced previously, the Senior Retreat provides an opportunity for our young gentlemen to experience an opportunity to contemplate life and the role God may play with their lives. There has been some honest and robust discussion which has been healthy for all especially for the boys to understand that everyone has a view and though it may be different to mine, they have a right to express their views. Over the course of the next twelve months, the College hopes to provide further opportunities for students to engage with their faith and spiritual journey. Thank you to all the students for their honesty and participation. Special thanks to all the staff for providing their stories to make the experience for our students even better.
The Year 11 Parent/Teacher Evening will be held on Wednesday 7th November. This evening is another great opportunity for parents of our Year 11 students to meet with their sons teachers and discuss their HSC Preliminary Course and prepare for their HSC year. Some students would be considering their options, so this time is most valuable in assessing their progress. HSC Preliminary reports will be distributed this week.
HSC Examinations commenced last Thursday with all students indicated they have prepared well. Please keep all our Year 12 students in your prayers as they continue with their HSC examinations throughout the course of the next month. This can be a stressful time so please pray for the wellbeing of all our students and hopefully we can celebrate and share many success stories with the community later this year.
Outstanding Fees. Could parents please 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 some financial hardship. I ask that you contact either Ms Powell or myself to discuss your fees should you be unable to finalise your account.
MCS Term 4 Representative sports commence
The MCS Cricket and Basketball competitions commenced last Thursday. Representing the College is an honour and brings with it great responsibility. These include playing in a spirit of fair play, respecting the opposition, wearing the College uniform (to and from the venue) with pride, respecting the umpires of referees. It is these qualities that help St Dominic’s stand tall and proud in keeping the traditions and reputation of the College, intact.
Good luck to all our teams in their respective sports.
Dominus Mea
Let Your Light Shine
Mr M. Ronchetti
College Principal
