Jesus said,”... I have come so that you may have life, and have it abundantly…”  Jn10:10  

Last Friday, the College celebrated its first Multicultural Evening in some time. What had originally been an evening to enjoy the culture of our Pacific Island Nations students and families has grown into this celebration of the rich cultural diversity of our school. 

This is what I saw and heard on my first Multicultural Evening at St Patrick’s:

I saw dads cradling young babies before the performance.
I saw aunties, uncles, elders and grandparents with beaming smiles, hearts bursting. 
I saw new families’ expressions of anticipation. 
I saw brothers proudly announcing their sisters. 
I saw teachers with their own families eager and enthusiastic.

I heard a proud young woman speak the truth - the hard truth about how culture is often lost, in her speech entitled “Lost in Translation”.  
I heard the cheers and applause as each culture took to the stage - each culture equally resonating with and respected by the hundreds of people present.

I shared food.
I shared laughter.
I shared awe.

I saw the faces of the dancers shining, proud of their heritage.
I saw faces lit up with so much joy it seemed to be flooding the whole hall.

And despite the almost unbearable humidity, 
I saw a packed hall. 
I heard the support, 
I felt the respect.  

This is our community.

As the new Principal of St Patrick’s who is of Maltese heritage, I felt overjoyed by my first Multicultural Evening. The phrase overflowing abundance comes to mind.

The words, the smiles, the laughter, the dancing, the music all spoke to me of pride, not the arrogant pride that can divide, but a pride in their culture, pride in their identity and pride in this school that unites and holds together all of this diversity.
We are all God's creation.

And what a magnificent creation we are. 

How blessed am I to be part of this community! 

In the midst of  the everyday with all that this brings, let's find a time and space to express our gratitude for our lives and the lives of those around us. 

May God continue to bless you abundantly in the coming weeks, 

Take care,  

Mary Leask

College Principal