Welcome back to the 2020 school year.  It was lovely to see so many smiling faces yesterday as our families returned to school.  A special welcome to those families and students that are new to our school. Each year, our school focuses on a Holy Spirit Value each week and this week we commence the school year with the Value of Mercy.  The Founder of the Sisters of Mercy, The Venerable Mother Catherine McAuley, is displayed prominently on the side of the Lynch Family Hall.  She was a guiding light with her testimony of faith, holiness and hope as she ministered to the poor and disadvantaged.  Our school was joined by the Sisters of Mercy in 1971 and their charism of mercy and justice is just as important to us today.  Pope Francis said:  ‘People today…need us to bear witness to the mercy and tenderness of the Lord which warms the heart, rekindles hope, and attracts people towards the good.’

Our senior leaders will be involved in leadership activities this week to determine how they can be shining witnesses of God’s love and mercy in the way they lead in our school during the coming year.  They will be identifying the values and factors that will enable them to be good role models in their leadership role.  I look forward to working closely with students chosen to represent our school as leaders.  

Next Wednesday morning, our school community will gather for our Opening Mass.  In addition to celebrating the beginning of a new school year, we will commission our student leaders at the end of the Mass.  Our Year Six students have a very important role in developing school spirit as leaders and role models to the younger students.  The Opening School Mass will commence at 9am in the Lynch Family Hall. Everyone is welcome to join us for the Mass as well as a cuppa after the Mass.  I look forward to seeing you all there.

SAINT JOHN BOSCO is the patron saint of apprentices, editors and publishers, schoolchildren, magicians, and juvenile delinquents. His feast day is this Friday – January 31.  He was born in Piedmont, Italy and grew up in extreme poverty. After ordination, he devoted his whole life to educating young people, especially the poor.  He founded the Salesians, men and women who continue this work with youth throughout the world.  

I hope you all have a lovely start to the school year.

God bless

Caroline Fuller