‘Woman, this is your son’

Near the cross of Jesus stood his mother
and his mother’s sister, Mary the wife of Clopas,
and Mary of Magdala.
Seeing his mother and the disciple he loved standing near her,
Jesus said to his mother, ‘Woman, this is your son.’
Then to the disciple he said, ‘This is your mother.’
And from that moment the disciple made a place for her in his home.
John 19:25-27

On Wednesday 24th May, ten students accompanied Mr Reutens and myself to the Solemnity Mass of Our Lady, Help of Christians. At the Mass, the Archbishop of Sydney, Anthony Fisher OP spoke about the Gospel reading (John 19:25-27) where Jesus and John became mother and son. Despite being in so much pain as he was dying on the cross, Jesus still thought of others. He was concerned about his mother who would be in a very vulnerable position as a widow on her own and John who would be a young man left alone. His Grace, reminded us of the connection of this Gospel with the importance of us as human beings to be in relationship with others and the need for community; immediate and extended family, peers and colleagues, school, church and other groups we belong to. This Gospel is significant in the life of the Church as it represents the moment when Mary becomes the mother of the Church, the mother of all of us.

The Class Chefs initiative provided an exciting hands-on learning opportunity for our Year 12 Hospitality students to take the lead and run a commercial kitchen of a fine dining restaurant. The students served parents, SCS & MMCC staff and students with a 3 course meal and non alcoholic beverages.

Mr Edmond Maher, SCS Director: System Performance summed it up well when he mentioned the special meaning for Christians to gather at the table. At the Last Supper, Christ set the example of giving himself to others, the importance of breaking bread and doing this in communion with others. During the evening our students gave everything they could so that we could share a meal together. Well done girls!

We would like to thank South West Connect, Regional Industry Education Partnership (RIEP) and Cucina 105 Restaurant Liverpool for the opportunity to take part in Class Chefs 2023. A big “thank you” to our Hospitality teachers, Hospitality students and everyone who came and supported the students on the night. Please enjoy the photos of the evening included in this newsletter.

Yearbook The 2020 Yearbook has been delivered to the College and will soon be distributed to students in Years 10 to 12. Mrs Orlando is currently in the process of distributing these to ex-students. Ex-students who have sisters at the College can obtain their copy from Mrs Orlando. All other ex-students can collect their copy from the College Office. The Yearbook Committee have been working hard and the 2021 Yearbook is close to completion. They will soon start on the 2022 Yearbook which we also hope to have ready for distribution this year. Thank you to Mrs Orlando and her team of students.

One of the most valuable skills in life is being able to see another person’s perspective.

If you’re going to someone’s house, think about how it might feel to be the host. If you’re creating a product, spend as much time as possible thinking like the customer. If you’re calling customer service, think about how it might feel to be on the other end of the conversation. If you’re a teacher, think about how it might feel to be a student and vice versa.

The more clearly you understand the viewpoint of your parent or child, teacher or student, customer or colleague, the better positioned you are to find a solution.

Gilda Pussich
Principal

I acknowledge the Cabrogal of the Darug Nation as the original inhabitants of Fairfield City, who are the Traditional Custodians of this Land in which the College stands. I also pay respect to the Elders both past and present and future of the Darug Nation. I acknowledge their rich culture and unique role here in the Fairfield region. Their heritage and traditions are important to us all, and part and parcel of the great history of Australia.