Deputy Principal Mission and Pastoral Care

Archbishop’s Student Leadership Forum 2024

Our student leaders recently attended the Archbishop’s Student Leadership Forum 2024 in the spiritual home of Sydney’s Catholic community. College Captain Remi Apostolopoulos said afterwards, ‘It was truly a unique experience to engage with like-minded young leaders from Catholic schools across Sydney. In the incredible setting of St Mary’s Cathedral, under the guidance of the Archbishop, we explored political, ethical and social issues whilst building meaningful connections.’ 

Year 7 Spirituality Day – Building Community

On Monday 18 November our Year 7 students participated in a Spirituality Day. Titled ‘Building Community’, the Spirituality Day was facilitated by the Young Lasallians Youth Ministry Team along with Years 9-11 students from our College. The program invited students to discern the importance and value of their communities and how they can positively contribute to building communities influenced by Catholic values and our shared Dominican Charism. 

The students built community and connections through play, games, problem solving, singing and prayer. It was a day of high energy and quiet reflection, and an exploration of faith as a way of growing connections and building community.

The staff team were thankful for the help of Years 9-11 students who undertook two hours of training to become small group leaders for this Spirituality Day. A huge thank you to: Louise Guigni, Amelia Woods, Sienna Di Santo, Aria D’Amico, Davina Rajkumar, Mia Bek, Ruby Dib, Madeleine Cottre, Sabine Santa Maria, Alexis Gittani, Dahlia Chen, Florence Ata, Laura Romeo, Scarlette Young-Pointer, Lila Ferko, Celine Nguyen, Allegra Gibson.

Year 8 Reflection Day – Change your words, Change your world

On Monday 11 November, Year 8 participated in a Spirituality day that encouraged them to find their own Christian voice and speak and act for a better world. The students explored the way our Catholic Tradition identifies teachings that help us to build ‘the kingdom’ here on earth as it is in Heaven. They explored through story, prayer and song the Catholic Social teaching principles of:

• Dignity of the Human Person
• The Common Good
• Subsidiarity and Participation
• Stewardship
• Preferential Option for the Poor
• Solidarity

The day ended with a beautiful prayer service in the Chapel where students offered their own prayers and commitments to be the change they want to see in the world. 

Melanie van der Meer
Deputy Principal Mission and Pastoral Care