I will raise you up
Are there people whom have no place in our community?
During the gospel reading on Sunday, Jesus is conversing with a large crowd who were all seeking for his help and guidance. As he was walking towards the house of the president of the synagogue, named Jairus, someone in the crowd touched him. He immediately responded as though he knew this person needed his help. There is always someone we know that may need our help, our guidance, our love. Are we able to identify when they need us? Our sons seek our help consistently, are we awake to know when this is, and then how to be the ‘Jesus’ in their lives. The women that touched Jesus was a victim of society. She was isolated from the rest of her society because of her circumstance. As Jesus embraced her, we too must seek to embrace those on the margins who are isolated because of their situation. Through faith we can help set these victims free and help them find Jesus within the hearts. Jesus can restore their health and wholeness just as the daughter of the president of the synagogue did as it was her courage and faith that helped her overcome her illness.
Warmth on a cold winter’s night is something we value and expect as we live in contemporary society. There are many, though, who do not have these luxuries. These are not just the growing homeless people but also those who financially cannot afford some of the luxuries, in particular, the elderly who live on the bear minimum. Last Friday evening, a group of young men from St Dominic’s attempted to understand what it would be like to live in these cold and miserable conditions. 110 students signed up for ‘Project Warmth’ to raise not only money but also an awareness of the sad plight of many people both national and internationally. It was great to see so many young men, and a few staff members, give of their time for this worthy cause. Thanks to Mr Culican for his organisation of this valuable experience.
We tend to relate meditation to adults. When in reality meditation is not just for adults. Children and adolescents also benefit. Research shows that meditation helps children become more focused, calm, quiet, settled and rested. By providing them with an opportunity to learn to relax and reflect, there have been many positive results. Ten to 12 minutes of meditation also enhances positivity and creativity thus reducing restlessness, nervousness and irritation. Our son’s wellbeing is paramount to all of us, therefore if we can introduce some time to meditate then we may live happier and more positive lives.
The EREA School Choice Parent Survey closes on the Friday 6th July 2018. As a parent, guardian or carer of a student at the College, EREA is interested to know the reason you chose St Dominic’s College, Penrith for your son. This survey is part of a wider study of school choice currently under way across Edmund Rice Education Schools Australia (EREA). Your feedback will help us as a member school of EREA plan well for the future. Your comments are important.
Last week, three of our football teams competed in the grand finals of the MCS Winter Football competition. The players were outstanding in their representation of the College with some excellent skills shown by all players. Congratulations to the Y7B (coach Mr Borg, manager Mrs Monteleone); and the Y8B team (Coach Mr Gerlach, manager Mr Easterbrook) who successfully won their respective divisions. Commiserations to the Y9 (Coach Mr Bourke, manager Mrs Hands) who had won the two previous MCS competition but fell short on this occasion. The determination and sportsmanship demonstrated by all teams was a credit to our College.
Mr Bourke, our loved Indigenous Officer and coaching guru, will be taking some professional leave for the next eighteen months. Mr Bourke and his wife will be travelling to England to experience the English lifestyle and gain a greater appreciation of the English education system. Having a son who has also experienced this, I know that this will be a great learning opportunity for him and his teaching vocation. On behalf of the College, we wish him and his wife, Sarah a safe and holy journey and look forward to his return in 2020.
The Semester One reports are in their final stages. They will be mailed out in the first week of the holidays. If you do not receive your son’s report, please contact the College. Over the past few years, as I speak with parents and students regarding their report, many indicate that they do not discuss the report with their sons. Some parents do not even show their sons. I would strongly encourage all families to use these reports as a learning tool. It is through reflecting on information, such as this, that families can make informed decisions about how to best support their sons and prepare for the semester ahead. Without this reflection, boys do not know where they are going with their learning. CANVAS now makes it even easier as parents receive immediate feedback in regard to their son’s assessments.
A reminder that Term 3 will commence with a Staff Development Day, therefore this is a pupil free day. I would like to take this opportunity to thank all the students for contributing to a successful term and for their continued efforts in raising the standards. I wish all families a safe and restful holiday and look forward to continuing the journey of learning in Term 3.
Dominus Mea
Let Your Light Shine
Mr. M Ronchetti
College Principal
