We’re in Lent

Lent has well and truly begun, bringing with it many opportunities for our College Community. The season commenced last week with our annual Shrove Tuesday celebrations followed by Ash Wednesday liturgies and Community Masses on our Senior and Junior campuses, marking the beginning of this sacred time in the Christian calendar.

Shrove Tuesday

Shrove Tuesday was celebrated with great enthusiasm across the College, featuring in-class activities and a delicious pancake sale at break time. Hundreds of pancakes were cooked and enjoyed, creating a wonderful atmosphere.

A heartfelt thank you to the P&F Association, our canteen staff, and our Student Leaders who generously volunteered their time to make this event a success. Their efforts not only allowed us to share in the joy of this pre-Lenten tradition but also helped raise awareness and support for Caritas Australia's Project Compassion.

Ash Wednesday

The following day, our College Community gathered to observe Ash Wednesday, a day of reflection and renewal. Across our campuses, students and staff participated in liturgies and received the ashes as a sign of repentance and commitment to the Lenten journey. Our Year 7 students, who were on camp, also took part in a special liturgy, ensuring they remained connected to this important spiritual tradition.

Ash Wednesday Liturgies at Junior and Senior Campuses

As Lent continues, we encourage all students and families to embrace this season with open hearts, engaging in acts of kindness, prayer, and service. There are many opportunities available within our College Community to deepen our faith and support those in need through Project Compassion and other initiatives. This week the Junior Campus Student Leaders (JCLs) have hosted a soccer shoot-out and are looking forward to ‘Wear it Green’ for St Patrick’s Day on Monday.

Project Compassion donation boxes are available around the campuses and electronic donations can be made via the QKR! App.

Wishing you all a meaningful and blessed Lenten journey.

Introduction to Adoration

As part of the Lenten events occurring throughout this season, all students and staff are welcome to join for an Introduction to Adoration, an experience of peaceful, contemplative prayer in the Edmund Rice Chapel with Fr Matthew Newman.

Altar Serving Training

It is great to see so many students keen to be part of our altar serving team from across our college! Training for new and returning altar servers is happening this Monday, led by Dylan C, Jonathan B and Fr Matthew.

If your son is interested, there’s still time to join, just contact me via DM or at the college before Monday at midday.

Looking forward to seeing our new altar servers in action soon!

St Vincent De Paul Group in Action

We’re off to a buzzing start with nearly 100 students and staff signed up and ready to serve! Each week, our St Vincent de Paul Group prepares meals for Vinnies SA, with food served by Fred’s Van every Thursday evening.

Students preparing meals for Vinnies SA as part of the SVDP Group

Congratulations to Jai Klose (Year 12) and Ms Andrea Reed (Staff) for their outstanding service to the group in 2024, recognised recently at a Community Assembly for making the honour roll.

Ms Andrea Reed and Jai Klose (Absent) recognised on the SVDP Society Honour Board

Art Spotlight

Christ in the Desert
(Artist: Ivan Kramskoi, Oil on canvas, 1872)

Kramskoi’s Christ in the Desert portrays Jesus during his 40-day fast, alone in the wilderness, deep in contemplation. His hunched posture and the barren landscape evoke a sense of isolation and struggle, reminding us of the trials of our lives. The painting challenges us to reflect on resilience, faith, and God’s presence.

Mr Anthony Callisto
Director of Identity and Mission