From the Director of Identity

Easter, ANZAC Day & Edmund Rice Feast Day

During the school break, the Catholic Church celebrated the most important feast day for our tradition, the Easter Triduum. The hope and possibility of the resurrection encourages all of us to understand that the joy of Easter comes after the pain of death. In our own lives, we often see this same pattern of new life from the ashes of what once was. In this year when we are focussing on the touchstone of Justice & Solidarity, it should call us forward to be people of hope. Edmund Rice was such a person and as we prepare to celebrate his Feast Day next week, we are reminded that a sign of this hope is service, one of our core values.

The Good Friday Cross
Deacon and soon-to-be ordained priest James Arblaster contacted Mr Gough last Term to see whether the College could assist with the construction of a new cross for the Easter services at St Francis Xavier Cathedral. Always willing to help, Mr Rule agreed to undertake the project. It was a highlight of the Easter celebrations to be at the Good Friday service to see the final product in situ. Besides the gratitude of Bishop Brian and all involved, it reminded me that this quiet service could often go unnoticed and so I wanted to highlight the work of Mr Rule who is one of the longest serving members of the College staff. He quietly goes about his work and has always been a person who has sought to live the ideals of the College. His recent work on making a cross for St Francis Xavier Cathedral and even the fact that he came down from Robertson for the Good Friday service shows his level of respect and honour for our ethos. Besides being an amazing teacher, Mr Rule is a sign of hope in the world and we thank him for his service.

Vietnam Veteran’s ANZAC eve service
On April 24, we gathered at the Vietnam Veteran’s War Memorial at the going down of the sun, to remember those who had served and died in the service of the country. This year, the College was invited to have our students represent the youth of the Illawarra and Vice Captain Elijah Hurley and SRC member Henry Jones. Henry shared the sentiments of Moina Michael’s poem “We Shall Keep the Faith” and Elijah spoke about the opportunity to carry on the legacy of those who died by being people who strive to live in such a way that it makes peace possible. We are grateful for their service and example.

Year 12 Liturgy
During the Term, each Pastoral Care group has an opportunity to participate in a mass or liturgy experience. On our return this Term, Year 12 were privileged to have a Q & A discussion with Fr Duane Fernandez about wisdom, truth, freedom and respect. At this point in their lives, the big questions are close as they prepare to leave our community and make their way. We thank Fr Duane for his continued support and Mrs Knowles for preparing the meaningful prayers.

ANZAC Liturgy
As we gather each year to commemorate ANZAC Day, we are reminded of the very human cost of war and this year we were privileged to have former students join us, along with Ian Birch, the President of the Vietnam Veterans Sub-Branch. A particular highlight was Corporal Sam Barlow, Class of 2008, who spoke about the importance of being courageous and to focus on peace. Mr Bates shared the story of his own Great Uncle, an ANZAC who fought at Gallipoli and the cadets helped us mark the occasion with appropriate formality. Patrick Sirianni played the Last Post and Mrs Knowles led the singing of the National Anthem. We are grateful to them and also to the following staff and students for their participation and work both on stage and behind the scenes: Mrs Lothian, Mr Sirianni, Balunn Simon, Elijah Hurley, Cruz Thomas, Zane Malia-Panozzo, Finn Rogers, Thomas Carolan, Elias Logue, Ben Binoy, Henry Jones, Jonah Kaiser, Tyler Oliver, Stirling Roper and Reuben Grundy.

We were honoured to pay respect to Mr Joe Davidson who has been a long time friend of the College, presenting at ANZAC Day assemblies. His wife, Lorraine and son Matthew joined Joe’s grandsons Will Davidson, Year 11, Harrison (Year 12) and Elliot Johnson, Year 10 to accept Gallipoli Rosemary. May he Rest In Peace.