Senior College Retreat Day
A beautiful day marked the Senior College Retreat. Facilitated by two members of the Passionist Youth Retreat Team, Tom Warren (Year 11s) and Claire O’Donoghue (Year 12s). It was a crucial formative opportunity for our Senior College students as we face a world challenged by unprecedented instability and partisanship. Tom and Claire directed attention to our college value of hospitality, and the demands it places on each of us to welcome, support and to enable the flourishing of all humanity.
It was also a great day for re-meeting with friends; a day filled with activities, reflection, and challenges in preparation for the new academic, social, and personal new year. Our students were impressive – being active and engaged participants, taking every advantage of the opportunities provided.
The Catholic Ethos
Maintaining the Catholic ethos of the College is not an easy task. Parents and staff support the ethos when they enrol their child or when staff are employed. It doesn’t ask applicants to be Catholic, merely to affirm that a parent, student, or staff member is aware of a) the meaning of Catholic ethos, and b) what obligations this brings.
A somewhat deft explanation might be that the Catholic ethos is a set of values and behaviours that reflect the teachings of the Catholic Church and the example of Jesus Christ. These values and behaviours include the visible and invisible signs of a living Christian community.
Visible signs
A cross or crucifix ought to be seen in every room
A prayer space in home rooms (including a Bible)
A chapel for the celebration of significant events
Offerings made for Christian charities
Fundraising for major health and community projects
Common prayer at assemblies, meetings, and pastoral care
Breakfast Club
Toasties when lunch has been forgotten
Social Justice Group
Services of the Word
Celebrations of the Eucharist
Invisible signs
Listening, compassionate ears
Project Compassion
Archbishop’s Samaritan Fund
Learning from Retreat Days
Counsellors
Learning support
School song
Some staff and students being received into the Church
Welcoming all faiths into community
Respect during religious services
What signs do you notice about the College that speak to you of its Catholic ethos? What signs or symbols would contribute to a deepening of your understanding of the College as a Catholic school?
Mr Peter Douglas
Director of Faith and Mission