To the family and friends of St Edmund’s College,
Year 12 Formal
I must admit there are times in my life when I display “grumpy old man” behaviour. My wife would argue that this is perhaps more often than not, but I like to believe that I only display this on rare occasions. One of the times when I know I do exhibit grumpy old man behaviour is around the time of the Year 12 Formal. This year’s formal would be the 33rd Year 12 Formal I have attended since I started teaching! I start to worry about the cost to students and parents of buying suits, the expense of arranging vehicles for the all-important arrival, the safety of the after-events, the anxiety for some in having to invite a guest and all the other emotional cost that goes into a formal. I also start remembering the long nights and the loud music. But then, every year as I arrive at the venue, I always remember that the formal is not about me. The Year 12 Formal is one of those rare opportunities for students to dress formally for a special occasion (and worry about how they are dressed, which is not a common concern nowadays), to ensure the appropriate behaviours and customs in looking after their guests and, especially for young men, experiencing the important rite of passage or ritual that marks the end of their schooling. So in remembering all of this, the grumpy old man attitude disappeared, and instead I was greatly heartened by the good behaviour, the right attitude, the impeccable grooming, the suits and the smiles. I congratulate our young Year 12 men on their behaviour and demeanour last Friday evening. They were perfectly behaved and seemed to really enjoy themselves. I was greatly encouraged by their courteous behaviour, especially where many of them introduced their partners to me at the beginning of the evening, and then shook my hand at the end of the night. Even more encouraging was to witness the final few minutes of the evening. The event did not just end for students as individuals– the evening ended with our Year 12 young men uniting together to join in their war cries and College song. They ended the evening as one group of Eddies boys. Young men need rituals and appropriate rites of passage to give their life experiences meaning, context and process. So whilst part of me is still concerned with the financial and emotional cost that comes with the Year 12 Formal, the greater part of my understanding is that such events are very necessary in appropriately marking the significant transition from one stage of life to another.
Services Request
We have been overwhelmed with the great generosity of our wonderful community in responding to my request last week for the donation of goods and services for the benefit of the College and its students. If you are in a position to donate goods or services, please let us know at principal@stedmunds.act.edu.au. To those who have already offered a contribution, I sincerely thank you and will be in contact with you personally to discuss arrangements. Please refer to last week’s Vortex if you are still interested in the specifics of the request: https://sec.act.edu.au/principals-message-week-8-term-3-2018/
Darwin/Tiwi Islands Immersion Experience
Last Sunday’s Second Reading was from the letter of St James, an important reading which concerns faith and deeds, “… faith, if good deeds do not go with it, is quite dead”. James commands his readers to not only be hearers of the word but doers also and he identifies one of the marks of true religion as caring practically for those who are in need. This reading forms the core of our Mission program here at St Edmund’s and is articulated in the EREA Touchstone, Justice and Solidarity, “We are committed to justice and peace for all, grounded in a spirituality of action and reflection that calls us to stand in solidarity with those who are marginalised and the Earth itself”. We must not be content in simply being aware that there are people in need in the world – our faith means little if we sit back and do not actively participate in contributing to the betterment of life for those who are less fortunate than us. We undertake many works of mercy at the College for those in need, and this is no better exemplified than by the group of students and teachers who this week are participating in the Darwin / Tiwi Islands immersion experience. This group will provide retreat opportunities for students in various schools in the region and spend time in indigenous communities. I know you join me in giving them our very best wishes for this significant formative experience. They are, in James’ words, strengthening their faith through good deeds.
Loving God,
Bless our students and colleagues who are travelling to spread Your Love and Word.
Help all of us to walk with You on the right path of faith and deeds,
to live out Your mission in today’s world
so that together we may bring the Good News to the ends of the earth.
Open our hearts and our Christian communities to the needy, the afflicted and the oppressed.
May we radiate the Living Christ and transform our lives in the hope of the Resurrection.
This prayer we make to you who are living God now and forever.
Amen
Blessed Edmund Rice, pray for us.
Live Jesus in our Hearts, forever.
Christus Lux Mea
Joe Zavone (College Principal)