We are currently in the Christian season of Advent.

The early history of Advent had a focus on fasting, and penance, and a lot of sermons telling people to clean up their act! Advent is derived from the Latin word adventus, meaning “coming,” which is a translation of the Greek word parousia. The message was clear – Jesus Christ was to be born, and it was important to greet the anniversary of His birth with clear consciences and clean souls.

In our churches today we still celebrate Advent, but the focus is changed. The four candles that are lit in successive Sundays leading to Christmas symbolise Hope, Faith, Joy and Peace. Our focus should be on these things – on a present and future-focussed mindset that requires us to believe, reflect, celebrate and aspire. In the hurry of our today it is easy to forget the challenges we have overcome through hope and faith. When I wrote the Christmas Message in 2019, we were at the tail end of a drought and the bushfires that dominated that summer had come very close to our door. We were also less than three months from a pandemic that would change the way we lived. We always have a need for hope, and for faith, and we draw on that strength when we need it.

That said, we seldom, if ever, stop to intentionally desire faith or hope, or joy, or peace. In our world today they can seem so far away, or at best occasional. Let's not allow that - let's go and get them. I want all in our community to find these things over the summer and feel their warmth and welcome.

Thank you very much to all in our College who have been so unwavering in their support of our mission here. We are so blessed to have such a strong community of aspiration, faith, and learning. I am very excited about the potential of 2023 and the significant growth we are experiencing. None of this could happen without the students, staff and parents of our College and I thank you so much for bringing so much energy, focus and enthusiasm to our every day.

I pray that all members of our wonderful community have a peaceful and positive journey into Christmas and return healthy and recharged for 2023.

Take care

Chris Gabbett
Principal

What are your gifts that you share with others? This year's Year 6 students have been focusing on strengths and talents or gifts that they have so that they can be aware of how they are then able to utilise these to help others. As they continue their education in a secondary setting, it is these gifts that we want them to share with others as they mature. This was also our theme for End of Year Mass and Rite of Passage for them.

The gospel story from Matthew, “You are the light of the world. A city built on a hill cannot be hid. No one after lighting a lamp puts it under the bushel basket, but on the lampstand, and it gives light to all in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father in heaven." is all about your gift is like this light. It is visible for everyone to see and you don't hide it. You allow it to come to the fore and benefit others. Your gift is given to you from God and as such this gift should be used to help others whether it be the gift of speech - speaking up for others or the gift of craftsmanship to build. As an athlete, the gift to be able to run fast means you can raise awareness through your efforts for those that are less fortunate - who can't compete like you but your are their inspiration to keep doing what they are doing. If you don't use it for others then you are not utilising your gift from God. As the opening song (Light the Way by Andrew Chinn) was played, everyone was reminded of their light and how they can be a light for others.

As part of mass the Year 6 students were called one by one to receive their Rite of Passage certificate from their Prep buddy and be congratulated by their teacher for finishing their primary education. It is the beautiful to see the lovely relationships that the Year 6 students and their buddies have created over the year. The highlight would have been the preps singing the song "On my way" for the Year 6 students in the Cafe.

During the ritual in the Cafe Year 6 students and their parents exchanged letters as a sign of their gratitude and support for the time so far.

Congratulations to all Year 6 students on completing your primary education. We hope that you will use your gifts and talents well as you travel through secondary education.

Let us be gifts for others!

The College Administration Office will be open during the holidays from 9:00am to 3:00pm from Monday, 5 December through until midday on Friday, 16 December. The office will reopen on Tuesday, 3 January 2023. 

The Junior reception will be closed over the holiday break. 

Everyone is invited and welcome to attend Christmas masses at the MacKillop Centre. 

The two times that mass will occur are:

• Saturday, 24 December at 4:00pm
• Sunday, 25 December at 8:30am

Merry Christmas and happy New Year!