“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,
Last Sunday the Catholic Church in Australia celebrated the solemnity of St Mary of the Cross MacKillop. Mary MacKillop’s story is one of faith and commitment. She was born to poor Scottish immigrants, had seven siblings and a father who was regularly absent. She commenced working at age 14 when she became governess to her cousins in Penola, South Australia, providing them with basic education. The young priest there at the time, Father Julian Tenison Woods, was so impressed by Mary’s work with her cousins that he encouraged her to work with the poor children of the town, commencing a very strong and rewarding relationship between the two. Along with Tennison Woods, Mary founded Australia’s first order of nuns, the Sisters of St. Joseph of the Sacred Heart, only six years later, as well as establishing St. Joseph’s School in a converted stable in Penola, providing a free education to children from the area. Mary endured a great deal of conflict and obstacles in her life, incurring the wrath of local bishops and priests for many years. Pope Benedict XVI recognised Mary as a saint and she was canonized that October 1995 – Australia’s first saint.
It is impossible to capture the great work of Mary MacKillop in such a brief article. Mary was instrumental in shaping the development and growth of Catholic education in Australia. In many ways her work can be placed alongside the work of Blessed Edmund Rice in their focus on education for the poor and marginalised, and not only dedicating their lives to serve this great need, but inspiring others to follow their lead in this dedication with the establishment and growth of their respective religious orders.
“Whatever troubles may be before you, accept them bravely, remembering Whom you are trying to follow. Do not be afraid. Love one another, bear with one another, and let charity guide you all your life. God will reward you as only He can”. Mary MacKillop
It is very hard to believe that our Year 12 students have only about three months until they graduate. Much thought is being given at the moment by our Year 12 students to what life after school might look like. It is also the time of year where it is easy for some Year 12 students to lose motivation as the finishing line draws nearer. I would encourage our Year 12 students and their parents to make full use of the services here at the College to ensure that the next few months are fulfilling and successful. Students can access our Careers Adviser, our VET Co-ordinator, the College Counsellor and the Heads of House, as well as individual members of staff to discern their pathways and directions, to discuss their concerns and issues and to set a good course until the end of the year.
Similarly, our Year 10 students are starting to consider their future pathways as they approach their senior school studies. Again, I would strongly advise our Year 10 students and parents to make full use of our services and staff at the College so any discernment and decisions regarding senior school are made with good knowledge and understanding.
I have been conducting the enrolment interviews for Year 7 2022 for the last few months. It is always a pleasure to meet with students and families who wish to join the Eddies community. I am also pleased to see a very positive trend emerge in the reasons given by these families when I ask them why they want their boys at St Edmund’s. The reasons given tend to fall into four main categories – the academic program offered by the College; our sense of genuine inclusion and diversity; our values and priorities and lastly, the first-hand experiences that prospective parents have had with either our current students or our old boys in the community, and the desire to have their sons experience the same spirit and develop the same sense of character. We have seen a positive development in our growth in enrolment numbers in particular year groups over the past few years and I truly believe this is because, as a College, we are committed to and genuinely live out our vision beliefs of being a College of vibrant spirit, strong character and tailored learning. This does not mean we rest on our laurels. In fact, it means the exact opposite – that we continue to strive to provide our students with the best possible environment in academic, cultural, social and sporting life.
I have had some messages from the community recently that our boys are not wearing masks when they are out and about in NSW (e.g. Queanbeyan, Googong, Jerrabomberra, Bungendore, Yass, etc). Although it is not the College’s responsibility, I have reminded our boys about the importance of wearing masks in public places in these areas. I would ask our NSW parents to remind boys that if they are over 12 years old, they must be wearing a mask in public places in NSW and I would ask our ACT parents that if you know your sons are visiting public places in nearby NSW areas, that they must be wearing a mask as per NSW Government requirements. https://www.nsw.gov.au/covid-19/rules/changes/face-mask-rules
Ever generous God,
You inspired Saint Mary MacKillop
To live her life faithful to the Gospel of Jesus Christ
and constant in bringing hope and encouragement
to those who were disheartened, lonely or needy.
With confidence in your generous providence
and through the intercession of Saint Mary MacKillop
We ask that you hear our needs and grant our requests.
We ask that our faith and hope be fired afresh by the Holy Spirit
so that we too, like Mary MacKillop, may live with courage, trust and openness.
Ever generous God hear our prayer.
We ask this through Jesus Christ. Amen.
Saint Mary of the Cross MacKillop, pray for us
Blessed Edmund Rice, pray for us
Live Jesus in our hearts, forever
Joe Zavone
Principal
Christus Lux Mea