From the Principal

Prayer 

Heavenly Father,
you entrusted your Son Jesus,
the child of Mary,
to the care of Joseph, an earthly father.

Bless all fathers and father figures
as they care for their families.
Give them strength and wisdom,
tenderness and patience.

Support them in the work they have to do,
protecting those who look to them,
as we look to you for love and salvation,
through Jesus Christ our rock and defender. 

Amen.

(author unknown)

Venerable Nano Nagle, pray for us.

Dear Parents, Carers, Students and Staff,

This Sunday, we celebrate Father’s Day, a time to honor, cherish, and express our deep love for our fathers and all the father figures in our lives, both those who are with us and those who have departed. These remarkable men have played pivotal roles in guiding and shaping us into who we are today. As Pope Francis beautifully articulated, “Every family needs a father—a father who shares in his family’s joy and pain, hands down wisdom to his children, and offers them firm guidance and love.”

Earlier this week, we had the privilege of celebrating our fathers with a beautiful and heartfelt Mass led by Fr. Rafael Silva Galicia from Holy Family Church, Maroubra. The service was made even more special with an inspirational reflection on fatherhood by Mr. Andrew Pelizzari, whose words touched everyone deeply, leaving not a dry eye in the room. We are incredibly grateful to all who joined us for this meaningful occasion.

Later in this issue, you’ll find some wonderful photos capturing the moments of joy and connection shared between our fathers and their daughters during the Mass and Breakfast. These images reflect the love, respect, and appreciation that were at the heart of our celebration, reminding us all of the invaluable role these men play in our lives.

Archbishop of Sydney Awards for Student Excellence

The Archbishop of Sydney Awards for Student Excellence is an annual recognition by the Archbishop of Sydney that honours outstanding young men and women in our Catholic schools. This prestigious award serves as an important reminder of the positive impact that young people have on their school and local communities. It specifically recognises those who exemplify Christian values and actively contribute to the faith life of their school. The recipients of this award are practising Catholics who participate responsibly in the life, mission, and work of the Catholic faith community. The award not only acknowledges the exceptional students but also affirms the vital role of their families in nurturing their faith and applauds the commitment and dedication of their teachers.

Last Friday, 23 August, Charlotte Hextell, our 2024 Faith and Mission Prefect, was proudly presented with the Archbishop of Sydney Award for Student Excellence. Charlotte was chosen for this distinguished award because she consistently demonstrates her passion and commitment to her Catholic faith through her compassion, care, and generosity towards her fellow students. Her active involvement in the Catholic life of the College and her Parish makes her a truly deserving recipient.

We extend our warm congratulations to Charlotte on this remarkable achievement. We also express our gratitude to Sophia Pollicina for her eloquent reading of the citation during the ceremony at St Mary’s Cathedral, to Estelle Nunes for her beautiful solo performance, and to Sophia Ghantous, who assisted the Archbishop with the presentation of the awards. Their contributions made the ceremony even more special and are a testament to the talent and dedication within our school community.

NEAA Student Conference

Last week, I had the distinct privilege of attending the Nagle Education Alliance of Australia (NEAA) 2024 Student Conference at St Rita’s College in Clayfield, Brisbane, alongside Mrs. Claudia Carbone, Ms. Monica Ribeiro, and four of our Year 10 students—Neve, Andrea, Marina, and Sophie. This conference was an invaluable experience, focusing on critical discussions around equity and justice.

I am incredibly proud of our students for their enthusiastic participation and their willingness to engage honestly and meaningfully with these important issues. Throughout the conference, they demonstrated exceptional leadership and represented our College with grace and integrity. Their involvement not only highlighted their commitment to the principles of justice but also served as a powerful reminder of the impact young people can have when they take an active role in shaping a better future.

I want to extend my heartfelt thanks to these students for being outstanding ambassadors of our College. Their contributions were truly inspiring, and I look forward to seeing how they will continue to lead and advocate for positive change in our school community and beyond.

A detailed report from our students on their experiences and insights from the conference is included in this issue, offering a glimpse into the significant work and learning that took place.

Year 11 Preliminary Examinations

Let’s keep our Year 11 students in our thoughts and prayers as they prepare to begin their Preliminary exams on 11 September. This is a significant milestone in their academic journey, and your support and encouragement during this time are greatly appreciated.

And finally…

Congratulations to our Year 12 students who have completed their major works across various HSC courses. The final projects and major works have been truly impressive, showcasing the incredible talent and dedication of our students. We extend our best wishes to those who will be completing their performance components in the coming weeks. A heartfelt thank you goes out to all their teachers for the tremendous support and guidance they have provided.

I look forward to seeing many of you at the Showcase of Year 12 Major Works and Performances next Tuesday, 3 September:

• 5:00pm – 6:30pm: TAS and VA Showcase in the NNLC Maker Space
• 6:15pm – 7:15pm: HSC Music Showcase in Classroom PW03

These events will be a wonderful opportunity to celebrate the incredible achievements of our students.

As our Year 12 students continue their preparations for the HSC, let’s keep them in our thoughts and prayers, offering them our unwavering support as they strive to reach their goals and their personal excellence.

With Term 3 swiftly moving along, I want to remind all students, especially our Year 12s, that it is never too late to make a difference. Whether it’s in their studies, sports, music, hobbies, or relationships with family and friends, I encourage every student to adopt a growth mindset, continually stretching and challenging themselves. Remember, “If you are all that you should be, you will set the world on fire.” With hard work, determination, and positive thinking, students can achieve results beyond what they ever imagined.

As always, thank you for your continued support and cooperation.

May blessings be upon you and your families as we continue through this term, and I wish each and every one of you a blessed and beautiful Father’s Day.

Mrs Antoinette McGahan