From the Chaplains

Welcome back to Week 1 and the last term of 2023. It is unbelievable that we are now in the last quarter of the year!

As the season progresses and the promise of a scorching summer awaits us, we have already felt the effects of climate impact in Victoria and the far-south coast of New South Wales. Our prayers and actions continue in areas of climate care and nurture of the planet as God’s stewards. 

We also pray continually for the people of Israel and Palestine, for Ukraine and Russia and all places where conflict and violence are causing death and suffering of the innocent. 

The Year 12s began their HSC this week and we remember all students across NSW who are feeling the pressure this time usually brings them and their family. 

October 11 also marks the UN International Day of the Girl Child, inviting us to acknowledge the great gap in the rights of girls across the world. 

As we begin this last term, may we know the strength that comes from the synergy in community, through support of and engagement with each other.   

I hope and pray this will be a blessed term for each of you as you embrace the busyness of school life and manage all aspects of your lives. 

We continue to pray for all of you. Please reach out if you need a chat or a coffee with our Chaplaincy team.   

I will close with the words of Psalm 34: 

‘I will bless the Lord at all times; 

His praise shall continually be in my mouth.  

My soul makes its boast in the Lord,  

Let the humble hear and be glad. 

O magnify the Lord with me, 

And let us exalt his name together. ‘ 

Blessings and peace.

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Reverend Punam Bent

College Chaplain