Issue 7 SJC News 2021

COVID-19 has shown us in a brutal and tragic way how interconnected all humans are. Lines on maps, sea borders, racial and religious segregation all have proven insignificant in the face of the global pandemic. I was further reminded of this interconnection of people across the world on 5 May, the official feast day of Edmund Rice.

On 5 May leaders of our schools and communities from around the world gathered (online) to celebrate. Coordinated by Australia, led by Ireland, and involving leaders from Africa, India, South America, North America and New Zealand, this gathering was a reminder of our connection to the world. It was an opportunity to pledge prayerful support to communities where COVID is rampant including India and Sth America. It was also a timely reminder of the privileged position we are in here in Australia.

While we remain close to COVID-free in Australia it is important that we don’t become complacent and that anyone who has had a COVID test should remain home and isolate. At this stage, advice is that others are free to go about their normal lives including attending school.

I am delighted to report that the official celebration of Edmund Rice Day at St Joseph’s was a success. We experienced an engaging and meaningful liturgy, strong participation in activities, and raised almost $40,000 to assist communities in need. We sent our first donation from it with $4,000 sent to St Joseph’s Kensekka to provide funds to keep the school operating for Term 2. Parish priest, Fr Emma has asked me to convey to you the prayerful thanks and profound gratitude of everyone in Kensekka.

Year 12 is a demanding year for students, and I’m pleased to note that our Year 12 boys are working really well together with their teachers. Last week each Year 12 house group spent three days away together on renewal. Feedback was overwhelmingly positive with boys engaging in reflection, prayer, and interaction. The renewals were an important opportunity to re-energise as we approach the second half of the year. At this stage, we have high expectations of what this group is capable of achieving this year.

In recent months we conducted nine tours of the College for families considering enrolment. These tours were conducted by students from Years 8 to 12 and consistent feedback from families was how impressive our young men are. I’d like to thank and congratulate all students involved. Demand for Year 7 places at the College in 2022 has been strong and we look forward to formally enrolling students in the coming weeks.

Earlier this week we hosted our annual Mother’s Day breakfast. Attended by about 200 mums of our year 7 and 8 boys it was a wonderful opportunity to celebrate and acknowledge the gift that our mothers are to us. Dozens of staff were on deck from 6:00 am preparing breakfast in what was a great affirmation of the strength of the St Joseph’s community.

I’m pleased to confirm that the next two building projects for the College, the infill of the lower floor of the Peter Chanel Centre and the construction of a pavilion on Carey Oval are almost ready to commence. We expect work to begin on the former before the end of this term and the latter shortly afterward.

Stay well and God bless