Religious Education Coordinator – Ian Anderson

As we come to the end of another year, we can give thanks for all the many blessings we have received. As we move towards Christmas, we should be constantly reminded of our preparation for the birth of Jesus. One great way of preparing is by going to Church. Making a habit of thanking God and including him in our week helps centre our hearts and focus on those things that truly matter. Normal Mass times are listed below and the Christmas schedule will be released on their website.

St Aloysius of Gonzaga Mass Times

Saturday Vigil: 5:00pm Cronulla

Sunday: 8am, 10:00am, 6:00pm Cronulla. 9:00am Bundeena

Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Saturday: 8:00am Cronulla

Friday: 12:00pm Cronulla

Reconciliation Saturday: 4:15-4:45pm Rosary Tuesday-Saturday: 7:30am

Adoration First Friday of the Month: 12:30pm-7:00pm Benediction First Friday of the Month: 6:30pm

Family2Family Christmas Appeal

This term, each Homeroom was partnered with a family through the St Vincent de Paul Society to keep in our thoughts during the Christmas season. These families are facing financial hardship and, without support, may not have been able to experience the joy of Christmas at all.

To help, the College organised a Gift Card collection. Over the past four weeks, our community has generously donated more than $2,600 in gift cards. Thanks to your kindness, families in our local area will now be able to celebrate Christmas with presents under the tree and food on the table.

Your generosity embodies the spirit of Mercy and continues to make a real difference. Thank you for your ongoing support of the College’s Mercy Actions.

SCS RE Test

Every year, Years 8 and 10 sit the Sydney Catholic Schools Religious Education Test. This test gives the College and Sydney Catholic Schools data about student growth and learning and school performance over time. The test is out of 50 marks. This year the College received their best results that we have on record. Our Year 8 and Year 10 students should be commended for their efforts in preparing for this task. Our highest achievers for each year are below:

Year 8 High Achievers Year 10 High Achievers

Alice Donohoe 46

Isabel Lamb 45

Jessica Tassone 45

Stella Bloom 43

Mia Murray 43

Emily Ryan 42

Mary Chen 42

Mia-Grace Schembri 42

Layla White 42

Nikita Sullivan 42

Lola Norton 41

Frankie Grocott 40

Kayla Hill 40

Sahara Hannon 40

Hayley Woods 40

ACYF 2025

On Saturday 29 November, I had the privilege of accompanying seven students to the Australian Catholic Youth Festival (ACYF) in Melbourne. The festival was a vibrant gathering filled with plenaries, workshops, expos, and even a pilgrimage walk. Each day, our group joined in the celebration of Mass and had the opportunity to participate in reconciliation and adoration.

ACYF united nearly 400 students from Sydney Catholic Schools and more than 6,000 young people from across Australia. Together, they shared their faith and celebrated what it means to be a young Catholic in the 21st century. Our students spent much of their time connecting with one another and with peers from the Sutherland Shire region—playing, praying, and rejoicing in the spirit of community.

Now that the festival is over, we can begin to shift our focus to the next World Youth Day which will be held in Korea in 2027, where millions of young people will gather from around the world.

May God bless you and your families this Christmas and bring you all back safely, ready for another year of learning.

Religious Education Coordinator – Ian Anderson