As I write this editorial, we are experiencing hazardous weather conditions with very poor air quality and soaring temperatures never before recorded this early in the summer season. We have had three critical weather warnings in the last week alone. To be honest, I am fearful of what the coming months will bring. Added to this, we have many in our country who are experiencing the worst drought conditions ever. Even our families living in the Wollondilly area are feeling the effects of the conditions, as are those in the more regional areas of New South Wales. We have heard from some high-profile people that these conditions are due to the wrath of God because of the recent decisions made around same sex marriage, abortion bills and other current issues. If we were to believe this, we could conveniently abrogate our responsibility for all the bad things that happen, to God. We could disregard the water restrictions, because God will provide, we could continue to burn fossil fuels, because God will provide, we could access all the Earth's resources without regard for their limitations, because God will provide. One doesn’t have to be Einstein to know that all our actions have consequences. Our current weather circumstances are consequences of the actions we have taken leading up to this point. To ensure the ongoing sustainability of the earth and our own existence, we need to take a more adult view which is one that takes responsibility for our actions. Benedictine spirituality is very much about being stewards of our world. To use wisely and prudently so that all, both now and future generations, have access to the resources.  A change is needed and it needs to be a long term change. The drought will break, and the weather will settle, but many in our communities will have suffered enormously. Let’s be there for them so they don’t feel alone and let’s do our bit to change our way of life so we are more mindful of our impact on the earth.

On 1 December, we will enter the Church’s liturgical season of Advent.  The purple on the Jacaranda trees always reminds me of this time as the colour of the Advent season is purple. Advent is a time of preparation for the coming of the baby Jesus. Whether you are religious or not, we are all very familiar with the notion of the Christmas spirit and that this time is the season of giving. Whilst there is a commercial aspect of Christmas, we are urged to think beyond our own needs and extend our thoughts to others with kindness and compassion.

In that vein, all pastoral classes are currently collecting items for our annual Christmas hampers drive. These hampers are organised by St Vincent de Paul and distributed to families who are struggling in the Macarthur area. We will fill 60 hampers this year. The need is very great and I encourage you to ask your daughter if she has been able to bring in an item for her homeroom. The procession of hampers is part of our closing mass which will be held on Thursday 5 December at 9.30am. You are very welcome to join us then and later for the awards ceremony.

Over the year you may have followed the work of the girls in the History Club and their representation at various local functions and events dressed as the local nurses from the previous wars. This activity has stirred the hearts of many in our community and further afield. Whilst our parent Mrs Zapirain has been instrumental in making or collecting authentic military uniforms, the person behind the creation of the activity and the one who has organised much of the connections with local people and prepared the students has been Mrs Fran Musico Rullo. Her work in this project has been a real gift to the College and the local area. As such, Fran has been nominated in Education HQ’s competition under the Teaching Category of Australia’s Unsung Heroes.  We were delighted to learn that Mrs Musico has become one of the five national finalists. I encourage you to follow the link below and vote for Fran in this award. Irrespective of the outcome, we acknowledge Fran Musico as a well-deserved teacher for this award. She inspires our girls and brings passion into all that she leads. We wish her the very best.

https://educationhq.com/unsung-heroes/unsung-heroes-teacher-vote/  

Catholic School Parents Australia have created an excellent Parent Engagement Tool for parents with children in primary and secondary schools.  The link is below for you to investigate. You will find some excellent material to help your child with transitions and wellbeing. It has great resources and ideas on how to support your child as she/he grows up to adulthood. It is a free service and I encourage you to view its content. http://www.parentengagementcspa.edu.au

Finally, I will leave you with a reflection on Advent taken from the booklet “The Way” created by the Wollongong Diocese.

Blessings

Sue Lennox - Principal 

May Jesus,
who is the way,
be a lamp unto your feet
and a light for your path
as you journey towards
the mystery of the
Christmas miracle.