This fact is evidenced in a variety of ways. One of these is
the visual and written record of the year in the pages
of this magazine.
Underpinning this success however is the comprehensive
nature of the College forged through the practical
application of the teachings of Christ within the faith
tradition of the Catholic Church.
The founder of the Christian Brothers, Blessed Edmund
Rice, was motivated in all that he did by a heartfelt
knowledge of a personal God. He was driven to pass this
on to all those he worked with and for, through his
words and deeds.
Much has been spoken and written in recent years about
the effectiveness of Catholic Schools in the light of
declining Church attendance, particularly among young
people, whilst enrolments in Catholic High Schools
across Australia continue to show a steady increase.
This year the Catholic Bishops of NSW and the ACT
published a pastoral letter entitled “Catholic Schools
at a Crossroads”. This document attempts to identify
what will be needed for these schools to continue to
contribute to the mission of the Church in the context
of our 21st Century Australian society.
At the College we strive to give expression to our
Catholic Faith through a number of ways including:
• The sacramental and liturgy experiences we have
been able to provide. The services of our chaplain, Fr
John Roberts, have been invaluable in this regard. Fr
Honorio Hincapie’s involvement with our senior students
in particular has supplemented Fr Robert’s work. Our
Liturgy Co-ordinator, Ms Helen Knowles, has developed a
number of meaningful and relevant liturgies at class,
year group and school levels.
• The classroom Religion Studies courses across
Years 7-12, which have focused, at age appropriate
levels of depth, on the knowledge of those teachings and
traditions central to our Catholic faith. Such knowledge
is essential to a developing understanding of our place
in a world of people from many faith backgrounds.
• The senior retreat programme which continues to
provide the most significant spiritual experiences in
the lives of many of our Years 11 and 12 students.
• The developing Christian Service Learning/Social
Justice programmes as the practical expressions of the
Christian message. They provide that experiential
learning so necessary to enable boys to connect with
what they are being taught.
Ultimately though, all of these experiences need to take
place within an environment built upon the development
of positive relationships within and between staff,
student and parent groups. This is the fertile soil
within which the seed will grow. Whilst we may not
always succeed in this task, as long as we continue to
seek such relationships we will be rewarded.
That we are very much educationally comprehensive is
inextricably linked to our being as a Catholic school in
the tradition of Edmund Rice. Two hundred and five years
after Edmund opened his first school to clothe, feed and
teach street kids in Waterford, we are committed to
giving contemporary expression to the same philosophy of
education of the whole person.
In expressing our comprehensive character we continue
to:
• enable access to all regardless of financial
circumstances.
• reach out to, and support, those at the margins
of society in our area.
• provide an extensive curriculum across all
learning areas to cater for the full range of abilities
and interests of our students.
• assist those students experiencing difficulties
through professional counselling, learning support and
careers advice.
• enhance the opportunities for students to express
themselves in debating, public speaking, the creative
and performing arts as well as on the sporting field.
• focus on the development of leadership,
relationships and service of others through peer
support, student representative councils, Christian
service learning experiences, social justice activities
and the outdoor education programme.
Throughout this annual you will find many
representations of our Catholic tradition and
comprehensive philosophy. That we are able to go so far
towards meeting the high standards we set for our
College community owes much to the expertise and
dedication of all our staff – both teaching and
ancillary, the general co-operative nature of our
students and the support of our parents. I would like to
express my gratitude to all of these and in particular
to:
• Br Christopher Peel who has spent six years here
as Deputy Headmaster, including a six month term as
Acting Headmaster this year. Br Peel has worked in this
most difficult, and at times most frustrating role, at
all times endeavouring to maintain high standards,
whilst working tirelessly with those students who have
experienced trouble in meeting them. I wish him well in
his new role as Principal of Hennessey Catholic College,
Young.
• Mr Sam Tadros who, as Director of Studies, is
largely responsible for the oversight of our timetable
and curriculum development. Sam’s appointment to replace
Br Peel as Deputy Headmaster is well deserved and the
College will continue to benefit from his expertise and
dedication in this new position.
• Mr Brian Ireland who has filled the role of
Director of Administration for many years. Brian ably
supported Br Peel this year during his six months as
Acting Deputy. Brian will bring his broad interest and
academic background in curriculum to a new area of
service to the College from next year as Director of
Studies.
• Ms Jennifer Hodson and Mr Darren Jeffery who have
completed our executive team this year as Director of
Marketing and Administration, respectively. Jennifer and
Darren have brought a variety of experience and
expertise to the College and will continue to do so over
the coming years.
Finally, I must recognise the contribution of all who
have supported the production of the 2007 annual. Whilst
this has been developing very much into a co-operative
effort of many staff, there is a major co-ordinating
role which must be acknowledged. In this regard I
particularly thank Jennifer Hodson, Lyn Hall, Jakem
Schott and Dot Mathers for their efforts in providing
this valuable record of our 82nd year serving the
families of the Illawarra.
David Lear
Headmaster