Deputy Principal Mission and Pastoral Care

A Bouquet of Achievement, Growth and Faith

During our closing Staff Liturgy at the end of 2022 I spoke of that year as being a year of unfurling after COVID. As a College community we unfurled and faced the wind so that by the end of the year our sails were full. I predicted that 2023 would move to be a year of blossoming; it seemed certain that the new year could only be a year of blooming and growth for our community. Now, 12 months down the track, I sincerely believe that this has been the case.

If I picked a bouquet of flowers that represented the blossoming of 2023 it would be huge, rainbow coloured and the smell would be divine. There would be sunflowers to represent the sunshine and joy of new programs and initiatives such as Dominic the Adventurer Award and the Friendology Pastoral Care program at Del Monte. Daffodils would represent Gioia House and the enthusiasm and bright optimism of our Action Girls as they delved into Philosophy, undertook multiple fundraising initiatives and participated in their Be Active Program. 

There would be irises standing as tall and proud as our Student Leaders across the College; our Year 4 leaders, Gioia House Captains, Student Action Team members and our Year 12 Student Leadership team. These students have acted with vibrancy and reminded the whole school community of the importance of servant leadership; to lead by putting others before yourself. Our bouquet has burgeoned in 2023 with the serene and symbolic lilies that have signified our spiritual life: Rosary Groups, Christian meditation sessions with Sr Jill Shirvington OP, prayer groups and our fortnightly lunchtime Mass. Our lilies have been fortified by those students who returned from World Youth Day in August to share their faith with us and those who trained as Eucharistic Ministers, Altar Servers and MInisters of the Word. 

It would be remiss if cherry blossoms were missing from our bouquet as they bloom so brightly in our school in Term 3. They bloom quickly, their beauty is fleeting but the place they hold in our hearts is strong. These blossoms are like the acts of service we have seen through our Salamanca Service Learning Program at the College. As year groups, Gioia House, Del Monte and the Senior campus have undertaken collective and individual acts of service throughout the year.

The end of the year is always marked by the blooming of the hydrangeas in the gardens around the Chapel. These generous and luscious balls of blooms are a fine reminder that as our students leave us at the end of each year they do so filled with new experiences and growth. 

May you and your family have a blessed Christmas. As we celebrate the birth of our Savior, may His peace and love surround you and your loved ones. Merry Christmas and blessings for the New Year. 

Melanie van der Meer
Deputy Principal Mission and Pastoral Care