Over the past fortnight, I have been concerned at the amount of discussion related to violence and poor decisions made by individuals of our community. When one student is feeling unsafe, then the entire community must rally together to support this son of St Dominic’s College so that he feels supported.
The College also needs to educate those who have harmed so that they learn and understand the impact of their choices with the intention of improving their behaviour for the future.
By walking together and noting our differences, we can come to some understanding so that we and our sons can be enlightened to continue with our partnership and develop into strong gentlemen with a conviction to peace.
The Gospel reading from Sunday demonstrated that the disciples were also constantly challenged by their community.
Like the disciples, there is a battle within us between doing good and evil.
This encounter reinforces the thought that we are entrusted in proclaiming the God News and endeavour to be fully alive by serving others, not harming others.
St Francis peace prayer is reminder on how we should live our lives in service of others.
We need to give thanks to God for the good within us and humbly seek His mercy.
During this time of the year, the reflection below supports our farewell to the graduating class.
Whilst there is obvious excitement and joy linked to celebrating the end of their formal education, there is also much nervous energy. Year 12, like the eagle, is set to leave their familiar surroundings, and use the skills, knowledge and values acquired to become valued members of our society. This does not mean an end to their learning because learning is a life-long process. It will mean, however, an end to a secure and safe environment where teachers and mates genuinely cared for them, supported them, and challenged them when needed.
The eagle gently coaxed her offspring toward the edge of the nest. Her heart
quivered with conflicting emotions as she felt their resistance to her
persistent nudging. “Why does the thrill of soaring have to begin with the
feat of falling?” she thought. This ageless question was still unanswered for
her. As in the tradition of the species, her nest was located high on the shelf
of a sheer rock face. Below there was nothing but air to support the wings of
each child. “It is impossible that this time it will not work?” she thought.
Despite her fears, the eagle knew it was time. Her parental mission was all
but complete. There remained one final task – the push. The eagle drew
courage from an innate wisdom. Until her children discovered their wings,
there was no purpose for their lives. Until they learned how to soar, they
would fail to understand the privilege it was to have been born an eagle.
The push was the greatest gift she had to offer. It was her supreme
act of love. And so one by one she pushed them, and they flew!
Only with confidence do we advance boldly in the direction of our dreams.
Only with courage do we tackle life’s challenges with the
faith we can handle them.
Rivalry week was a fantastic example of college spirit with many students involved in a range of activities over the course of the week. The week brings together all the great achievements of our students as we finalise and announce the House winners for 2019. The College assembly on Dommies Day demonstrated, very clearly, the extraordinary student talent evident through the film presentations and the Lip Sync performance. Even the staff showed some style in the Lip Sync challenge. The assembly finished with Surawski being crowned the 2019 Br Jeff Regan House champions. Congratulations to all our House Coordinators and the House Captains, in particular to Mrs B Birkett and Jacob Zalac from the Surawski House for their continuous efforts throughout the past twelve months. Special thanks to Mr Jansz for the coordination of our House system.
MCS Term 3 sports have concluded over the past two weeks with some mixed results. The Y7 (Coach: B. Rawding; Manager: D. Mackinnon) and Y9 (Coach: B. Ahern; Manager: B. Godsell) Touch Football teams were successful in winning their competitions, while the Y8 (Runner’s –Up: Coach: C. Cook; Manager: N. Zammit) and Year 10/11 team (Fourth: (Coach: C. Meek; Manager: E. Lans) were competitive but fell just short. Our U14 AFL team (Coach: S. Kennedy-Gould; Manager: J. Hands) had a very successful season but were beaten by a strong St Greg’s team on the day. However, the Opens AFL team (Coach: J. Hall; Manager: D. Lister) successfully retained the premiership with a sound win over St Greg’s. Congratulations to all the teams for their continued support of sport at the College.
It has been a very busy but rewarding term. I would like to take this opportunity to wish all families a restful break and that all members of our community take the opportunity to have some quality time together. I would like to thank all the students for their contribution to College spirit and for the way they have worn the winter uniform. Also, a reminder that students are to wear their summer uniform for the start of Term 4. Thank you to staff and students for a great term.
We will commence Term 4 with all students commencing classes on Monday 15th October with the pupil free day on Friday 19th October. Students will be expected to be in their summer uniform.
First Day Next Term for students_ Monday 15th October
Staff Wellbeing Day (Pupil Free Day) – Friday 19th October
Dominus Lux Mea
Let Your Light Shine
Mr M. Ronchetti
College Principal
