Never too old to learn – is a great comfort for me
From the Principal
The news has been dominated over the last week or so by the tragic events in Turkey and Syria following the devastating earthquakes. To all within our community who may have been affected by these terrible events, we pass on our prayers and offers of assistance. We also pray that the miracles of people being pulled alive from the rubble continue. Lord have mercy.
The start of the school year is always a busy and exciting time, but what a truly amazing fortnight it has been, packed to the rafters with activities and events. We had the Year 7 Camp at Weekaway Recreational Camp, Benloch Valley, we conducted Year level Information sessions, we had a wonderful celebration of the High Achievers of the Class of 2022, we witnessed the commissioning of new staff who commenced their employment at St Aloysius this year and we concluded the fortnight with the celebration of our School Mass, and today we welcomed Mercy Education Board Directors, led by Georgina Smith – Chair and Mercy Education staff led by Christopher Houlihan Chief Executive to our College….. wow! I wish to thank our staff and acknowledge them for their ongoing commitment to our students’ learning and their support to our mission.
I also would like to thank all parents who joined us at St Patrick Cathedral yesterday evening, where we acknowledged the first Year 7 co-educational cohort. The Most Reverend Martin Ashe Auxiliary Bishop of the Archdiocese of Melbourne was the principal celebrant, accompanied by Concelebrants, the Reverend Thang Vu, College Chaplain, Reverend Max Vodola, Reverend Barry Tobin and Reverend Jo Dirks. We thank them all for their presence and for celebrating with us, what is a truly momentous occasion in the history of our college. I wish to pay particular thanks to our College Choir who sang with umph and gusto!
Next Tuesday, 21 February, is Shrove Tuesday, followed by Ash Wednesday. Ash Wednesday is the first day of Lent (and is always 46 days prior to Easter Sunday), with Lent being a time for Christians to reflect, to repent and to (traditionally) fast, or to give up something. The 40-day period of Lent represents Christ’s time of temptation in the wilderness, where he fasted and where Satan tempted him. When we receive ashes on Ash Wednesday, we are saying that we are sorry for our sins and that we want to use the season of Lent to reflect and repent, so we will be prepared to celebrate Easter with great joy.
Finally, as we have now completed three weeks of this academic year, we should take inspiration from the wise counsel of Venerable Catherine MacAuley: 'if a prudent, cautious beginning is made, there is every prospect of success.'