Our Term 2 College Assembly on Tuesday was imbued with the core values of our school and celebrated the learning, talent and achievements of our students. In was inspiring to hear students speak so passionately about matters of environmental and social justice, their experience on the recent Kildare Ministries First Nations Immersion and the Europe Study Tour. The musical talent of our students was also a highlight with wonderful performances by some of our VCE Music students and College Choir.

Below is my assembly address, in which I spoke about the celebration of Pentecost and the core value of Hope, which is our theme this year: 

On Sunday, Catholics and other Christians around the world celebrated Pentecost. Pentecost marks the moment when Mary and the apostles, while in Jerusalem, were filled with the Holy Spirit, giving them the courage and ability to share their message of hope with the world.

Hope is an essential part of the human spirit. It is the belief that no matter how difficult our circumstances may be, there is always the possibility of a brighter future. In our school, we see hope every day. It’s in the determination of students who strive to achieve their best, in the creativity of teachers who find new ways to engage and inspire, and in the support of our community that believes in the potential of every young person here.

However, hope is not just a passive state of mind. It requires action. Hope calls us to take steps toward our goals and dreams, no matter how small those steps may be. It is through our actions that hope is transformed into reality. When we work hard, when we support one another, and when we persevere despite challenges, we turn our hopeful visions into tangible achievements.

In the troubled world we live in, where uncertainty and challenges often dominate the news headlines, finding hope can seem daunting.  In recent years we have seen the rise in global conflicts and warfare, an increase in violence against women here in our own country, environmental crises, and social injustices both locally and internationally.  It can be easy to lose sight of hope when our world is so troubled, yet, it is precisely in these times of difficulty that hope becomes most vital.

It is hope that fuels our resolve to seek solutions, to make positive changes, and to believe in the possibility of a better world. By taking action, no matter how small, we contribute to a ripple effect that can bring about significant change. I believe that much of the damage and distress that we see in our world stems from a lack of respect.  A lack of respect for self, for others and for our environment. Each and every one of us can choose respect over hurtful and damaging behaviours. Each and every one of us can choose to call out unjust and unkind behaviour when we encounter it.  It comes down to our choices and our actions. It comes down to choosing to live our lives with strength and kindliness.

The story of Pentecost reminds us that we are not alone. Just as Mary and the apostles were empowered by the Holy Spirit, we too have within us the capacity to make a difference in our world. It teaches us the importance of coming together as a community, supporting one another, and working towards common goals.

In our school community, we can draw inspiration from Pentecost. Let us embrace the spirit of renewal and allow it to ignite our passions and our purpose. Let us work together to create an environment where every student feels valued and supported, where every teacher is empowered to inspire, and where hope thrives.

This week is Laudato Si’ Week, a week that focuses on how we can, through our choices and our actions, create a more sustainable and equitable world. One of the simple things that you can do this week is go along to the lunchtime activities and learn more about justice and sustainability.  

Later in this assembly you will hear about Reconciliation Week which will take place next week across Australia. True reconciliation requires us to acknowledge past injustices, to understand the ongoing challenges faced by Indigenous communities, and to take meaningful actions towards healing and unity.

For us to achieve this as a Nation, Reconciliation must live in the hearts, minds and actions of all Australian. So, let us commit to learning from and working alongside our First Nation communities, fostering a spirit of respect, understanding, and cooperation.

So, remember, that Hope is an action not simply a feeling. It means taking steps — however small they may be — one by one, towards the Better that we are hoping for.

As environmental activist Greta Thunberg said:

“When we start to act, hope is everywhere. So instead of looking for hope – look for action. Then the hope will come.”

A Prayer for Our Earth (from Laudato Si’)

All-powerful God, you are present in the whole universe
and in the smallest of your creatures.
You embrace with your tenderness all that exists.
Pour out upon us the power of your love,
that we may protect life and beauty.
Fill us with peace, that we may live
as brothers and sisters, harming no one.
O God of the poor,
help us to rescue the abandoned and forgotten of this earth,
so precious in your eyes.
Bring healing to our lives,
that we may protect the world and not prey on it,
that we may sow beauty, not pollution and destruction.
Touch the hearts
of those who look only for gain
at the expense of the poor and the earth.
Teach us to discover the worth of each thing,
to be filled with awe and contemplation,
to recognize that we are profoundly united
with every creature
as we journey towards your infinite light.
We thank you for being with us each day.
Encourage us, we pray, in our struggle
for justice, love and peace.

We Pray For

We ask for your prayers for members of our community and their families who have recently lost loved ones:

Joyce Cotter
Mother of Andrea Halliday (staff)
and Grandmother of Sarah Halliday (Class of 2022)

We pray that our loving God hold her gently in the palm of His hand.

Nicole Mangelsdorf
Principal