This week’s reflection is taken from the introduction to yesterday's Feast of the Sacred Heart Mass that the whole school celebrated in Quambi. Our feast day is an important occasion for the College and provides an opportunity to reflect on the theological foundations of the school and our mission of hospitality, justice and mercy.

Congratulations to everyone involved in the celebration: in the preparations beforehand, music, reading and in the liturgy processions. Special thanks to Fr Wahid as our celebrant and to Mr Weir as overall coordinator.

Prophetic Voices – Leading with Vision and Courage

Last week, alongside 70 other principals, I was privileged to spend three days at the RACV Club, Healesville, attending the annual Principals Association Victorian Catholic Secondary Schools (PAVCSS) annual conference. The conference explored the theme, “Prophetic Voices – Leading with Vision and Courage” and we were very privileged to be led by renowned scripture scholar, Dr Barbara Reid (Catholic Theological Union, Chicago).

Dr Reid explored the concept of leadership as espoused in the Gospels using the themes of lead as prophet, as bridge-builder, as co-creator and as servant. Her input was engaging and thought-provoking and provided a unique opportunity to reflect on our vocation as faith leaders in Catholic schools and how the words and witness of Jesus of Nazareth might inform our practice in the 21^st century.

Instrumental Music Evening

Congratulations to the large number of students who performed as part of last Tuesday evening’s SHC Instrumental Music Night. It is always extraordinary to see the talent, effort and courage of the students performing. But also humbling to witness the support and encouragement that students receive from the College’s wonderful team of instrumental music teachers.

Mid-Year Examinations

Next week sees the commencement of mid-year examinations for students with Year 10 and 11 starting on Wednesday and Year 8 and 9 joining them the following week. These examinations are an important part of the assessment program for students, and provide a mirror on how an individual’s learning has progressed thus far in 2024. I encourage students to devote an appropriate amount of time for study and revision over coming days and to view the examination experience as important preparation for senior examinations to come.

Bereavement  -   Your prayers are asked for the Murray family who are mourning the loss of Ben Murray, grandfather of Patrick, Year 9.  Our thoughts are with you at this sad time.

Yours in Mercy,

Dr Darren Egberts

Principal