Tuesday 13 February marks the 10th Anniversary of the National Apology to the Stolen Generations, by then Prime Minister Kevin Rudd. I recall all the girls at the College gathering in the MSC to watch this momentous event for our country. It provided hope in a belief that we would be moving further towards reconciliation and that the disproportionate statistics weighing against Aboriginal people in health, mortality, incarceration and education would be corrected.

Unfortunately it is well documented that in 2018 there are more Aboriginal children in state care, and the Closing the Gap initiatives have largely fallen short. Inter generational trauma, poor health, high mortality rates, poor education outcomes, incarceration and employment factors still impact Aboriginal communities.  We still have a long journey ahead. May our country continue to find ways to correct these wrongs so that all Australians have good prospects and a healthy life in this blessed country. The reflection at the end of the editorial asks for our Lord’s help in this endeavour.

Through the week, Mr Ashcroft and I attended the NSW CCC Awards for sport. Two of our students were recognised as one of two best performers in the state for their sport. Congratulations to Amy S for her achievements in Australian Football and to Jorja B for her achievements in Softball.

We also celebrated the High Achievers assembly. It was wonderful to welcome back the girls who achieved Band 6 in their courses or an ATAR of 90 and above. Michaela, Dux of the College,  provided some wonderful advice for the girls through her address and then later all the girls were very helpful when they spoke to the Year 12 cohort about what the next three terms will be like for them leading up to the HSC.

We marked the beginning of Lent with Ash Wednesday this week. The liturgy was a good start to the liturgical season and the links with the Benedictine value for the Year of Communio made a good connection for the girls. All in the community will be asked to bring money for Project Compassion throughout Lent. During Chapel, I will go through the theme for Project Compassion with the girls and reflect with them on the significance of the Lenten season.

We have a few important dates and events coming up that I would like to draw to your attention. Firstly, Saturday 24 February is our Open day. It begins at 10am. If you would like to visit or know of anyone who may be considering St Patrick’s for their daughter, it would be highly advisable they come along to our Open Day.

Wednesday 7 March is our International Women’s Day Breakfast. It begins at 6.45am and we have two ex-students speaking about what they have done since leaving St Patrick’s. It is always an inspirational morning so I encourage you to attend.

Friday 16 March we have the Blessing and Opening of the new buildings which you are warmly welcome to attend.  Saturday 17 March we have the Emerald Gala Dinner Dance at The Cube. This is always a great night and this year will not disappoint. Please come along and have a great night with other parents and community members.

Throughout this term we are also farewelling Bishop Peter Ingham and welcoming the new Bishop Fr Brian Mascord to the diocese. We wish both men the very best as they begin very different paths in their lives. To Bishop Peter, who has faithfully served the diocese so well, we will miss his gentle and loving manner. A man who loved people and cared for all in his flock. To Fr Brian Mascord, we look forward to working with him in his ministry. Wollongong is a wonderful diocese and I am confident he will be a great leader. Let us keep both men in our prayers.

Wishing you a wonderful fortnight ahead.

Blessings

Sue Lennox - Principal 

God of justice and forgiveness,
Guide us as we continue on our pathways to Reconciliation.
Grant us the courage to speak out against the injustices
that our Indigenous brothers and sisters continue to suffer.
Help us to see with new eyes,
to listen to the stories of our Indigenous brothers and sisters
and to feel with a heart of compassion.
Help us to build right relations with each other based on truth and justice.

Taken from a liturgy produced in collaboration with the National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Catholic Council (NATSICC)

SAVE THE DATE - EMERALD DINNER DANCE - 17 MARCH 2018