今日吃瓜

Congratulations – we are there!

As the Term draws to a close, I am in awe and inspired by the remarkable way our community has navigated these complex times. The sum of the efforts and commitment of staff, students and families have ensured a successful term. I recognise how tired we all are but also in the opportunity these school holidays will provide for all of us to reflect and reset.

Speaking at the Year 11 Leadership Day today, I reflected on the power of coming together as one Marist family; how together we are strong. This strength lies in how we individually take responsibility for our learning, faith and wellbeing. I encourage all students and their families to reflect on their goals and aspirations these holidays; moreover, reflect on what they have learnt about themselves and how they learn. Setting goals are for everyone. I encourage families to discuss each student鈥檚 Semester 1 report. It is an important piece of information that provides a window into the progress of each student. Let that discussion provide the impetus for their goals for Semester 2.

In this newsletter, we again highlight and celebrate the gifts and talents of our students. Over the last two weeks, our Years 3-6 Cross Country Carnival was held, the cast of Matilda completed their final rehearsals, exams were finalised in the Senior School and sight words were learnt in Pre Primary. This is only a snapshot of what has been achieved!

Next Term as restrictions are lifted across Western Australia, we have the opportunity to resume school as we knew it pre Covid-19. This includes the re-introduction of College assemblies, sport, cultural and other events. We are still are very mindful of the expectations that are in place for the health and safety of our students and staff. We will continue to communicate Covid-19 related information on our website as it comes to hand and encourage good hygiene practices.

Congratulations to all students for the way you have made this Term so successful. Thank you to our teachers and staff for their commitment and reliance. We look forward to the opportunities of Term 3 together as one College

As the Term concludes, it is the perfect time to reflect on the 2020 journey so far. There is no denying the challenges that we all have faced, yet as a community, we were able to come together to celebrate our , our , launch our through our participation in and support Australian Marist Solidarity through .

Marist Youth Ministry – Connect

On Tuesday 30 June, our Years 11 and 12 students were able to participate in the first Marist Youth Ministry (MYM) Connect afternoon. This allowed students to connect via Zoom with students from St Joseph鈥檚 College Northam and Bunbury Catholic College. The afternoon was led by the Marist Youth Ministry Team, Daniel, Ella and Br James Hodge. Students had the opportunity to reflect on how they live out solidarity in their communities. Thank you to the students, staff and MYM team for their leadership of this afternoon.

Student-Led Prayer

Student-Led prayer is a new initiative by our Faith and Liturgy Captains, Tegan Connelly and Georgia Whitely. These students have created a number of different prayers and reflections for students. Each Friday morning there is a theme and staff and students are invited to stop and reflect on how God is moving in their life. This is a fantastic initiative, the students should be proud of the way they have led their fellow students with prayer through this time. I look forward to seeing this recommence in Term 3.

Champagnat Week

In Week 8 students and staff came together to celebrate the feast of Marcellin Champagnat in a variety of different ways. I am pleased to announce that we have been able to raise $10,000 for , which will support many vulnerable young people in the Philippines and other Marist Solidarity projects.

As a Catholic school, we are committed to supporting the most vulnerable in our local and international communities. Our Catholic social teachings call us to seek a 鈥減referential option for the poor.鈥� This means placing the needs of the most vulnerable at the heart of our decision making. I want to thank families and our community for their contributions.

As you head to the holidays, I want to share with you the words of Pope Francis from a homily at a recent Mass for the Feast of St Paul and St Peter. Pope Francis stressed the importance of unity within our society by spending less time complaining and more time in prayer. 鈥淚t is pointless, even tedious to waste our time complaining about the world, about society, about everything that is not right, complaints change nothing. Instead of casting blame, the early Christians prayed.鈥� For all the challenges we have faced this Semester, let us give thanks these holidays and take time in prayer as we continue to grow together as a 今日吃瓜 community.

Have a safe and happy holidays.