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Principal’s Message: Term 2, Week 6, 2021

“If we walk in the light, as he is the light, we have fellowship with one another.” 1 John 1:7

To the family and friends of St Edmund’s College,

I must offer my congratulations to all involved in last week’s Cabaret.  From all accounts it was an amazing evening of entertainment and I am so sorry that I missed this year’s performance. All feedback has been overwhelmingly unanimous in its positivity, with much praise directed towards our very talented students – vocals, dance, band and orchestra, drama, video production, house performances and so on.  I thank Mr Nigel Palfreman and his team not only for co-ordinating such a fabulous evening of entertainment, but in taking the time and making the effort in motivating our boys to take centre stage and have the confidence and resilience to shine in the spotlight. In talking to other teachers about Cabaret, I kept on hearing one common theme – how great it was for all of our boys to be supporting their fellow students in their performances; creating a very strong sense of belonging and identity. Once again, congratulations to all involved and thank you for your significant and tangible contribution to the Eddies community.

The issue of vaping in schools has been emerging over the past few months.  Had I been asked a few months ago if vaping was an issue at St Edmund’s College I would have confidently said no.  But things have changed in the past few weeks and we now need to deal with this emerging issue, as do most other high schools across Australia.  Surprisingly, vaping does not seem to be an issue with our older students.  It is disappointing that some our younger high school students seem to be involved in vaping without realising the consequences of this harmful and horrid activity.  I need to state firmly that vaping at school or whilst in school uniform is strictly forbidden and we will not hesitate to take swift action on this issue – action involving definite consequences and educative reflection.  I urge parents to take the time to carefully read the following two articles about the harmful effects of vaping on young people and to please discuss this with your child:

https://www.abc.net.au/news/2021-05-24/rising-popularity-in-puff-bar-nicotine-ecigarettes/100160650

https://www.abc.net.au/news/2021-02-19/teachers-urge-parents-to-talk-about-vaping/13172532

Pentecost
Along with Christmas and Easter, Pentecost ranks among the great feasts of Christianity. It commemorates not only the descent of the Holy Spirit upon the Apostles and disciples, but also the fruits and effects of that event: the completion of the work of redemption, the fullness of grace for the Church and its children, and the gift of faith for all nations.

“And when the days of Pentecost were drawing to a close, they were all together in one place. And suddenly there came a sound from heaven, as of a violent wind coming, and it filled the whole house where they were sitting. And there appeared to them parted tongues as of fire, which settled upon each of them. And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in foreign tongues, even as the Holy Spirit prompted them to speak” (Acts 2, 1-4).

The Holy Spirit gave the apostles the gifts and fruits necessary to fulfil the great commission – to go out and preach the Gospel to all nations. It fulfils the New Testament promise from Christ (Luke 24:46-49) that the Apostles would be “clothed with power” before they would be sent out to spread the Gospel. Pentecost is considered the birthday of the Church – Peter, the first Pope, preaches for the first time and converts thousands of new believers. The apostles and believers, for the first time, were united by a common language, and a common zeal and purpose to go and preach the Gospel.

The Holy Spirit is normally depicted in the form of tongues of fire (as in the account above) or as a dove.  I recently came across a beautiful image of the Holy Spirit as a goose, a depiction that was new to me.  Here is the description accompanying this image, “It’s Pentecost.  We celebrate God sending the Holy Spirit onto his Church.  We pray that as this image is shared around the world that the Holy Spirit flows with it and empowers and influences.  In Celtic tradition the Holy Spirit is represented as a bird, but not the peaceful and serene dove landing on Jesus at his baptism.  The wild goose tells a different side of the Holy Spirit.  To begin with, wild geese are not controllable, you can’t restrain a wild goose and bend it to your will.  They are raucous and loud, unlike the sweet and calming cooing of a dove, a goose’s call is strong, challenging, strident and unnerving – and just a bit scary.  In much the same way the spirit of God can be demanding and unsettling and at times even a little scary.”

Image (C) Mary Fleeson 2019 Lindisfarne Scriptorium

Prayer for Pentecost
Spirit of our Loving God,
May Your fire revive us.
Spirit of our Loving God,
May Your blessing embrace us.
Spirit of our gentle God,
May Your mercy enfold us.
Spirit of our mighty God,
May Your wisdom inspire us.

Blessed Edmund Rice, pray for us
Live Jesus in our hearts, forever

Joe Zavone
Principal
Christus Lux Mea