With Advent now upon us, and the lighting of the first candle on the Advent Wreath in last Sunday’s Eucharist, we are very much reminded about the proximity of Christmas and the closure of 2021. And what a year it has been!

The wonderful thing about Advent is that it brings with it, not just the dawn of a new Liturgical Year, but also the notion of rebirth and a reminder about the importance of hope. 

Luke’s Gospel has the compelling declaration: “[s]tay awake, praying at all times for the strength to survive all that is going to happen, and to stand with confidence before the Son of Man” (Luke 21: 36). This is a call to hope itself and a belief that things will improve in time. Of course, this notion is founded in the love of Christ and embedded with the knowledge that God is with us, God supports us and God is by our side in the most challenging of times. Given the COVID-19 impacted year we have experienced, what better time than for Advent to enliven us and strengthen our faith.

END OF YEAR PRESENTATION & AWARDS

With the delay in the construction of the College Hall, and the virtual inability to use an external site, the College has altered its approach to various Award & Prize Giving in 2021. Certificates and various awards will be distributed across next week.

Major Awards (Years 7 -11) will be distributed on Monday Week 11 (13th December). Unfortunately at this stage parents/carers whose children will be receiving major awards will not be able to be on site.

With differing restrictions governing Year 12 Graduations, students in Year 12 2021 will receive various awards and Major Awards at their Twilight Graduation on Monday evening 13 December, with double-vaxxed parents/carers able to come on site. Please contact the College Office if you have any queries.

CHRISTMAS-THEMED MUFTI DAY

On this coming Monday 6th December, students will be able to opt in to a Christmas-themed Mufti Day. Students who wish to be involved will be required to provide a gold coin donation. These funds will go towards fundraising efforts for Year 11 and the 2021 St. Vincent de Paul Christmas Hamper Appeal.

Students taking part will need to wear appropriate clothes and jewellery {i.e. outfits must be modest and adhere to the College dress policy (ensuring all students wear enclosed footwear) including their College backpack}.

STAFFING 2022

In my final newsletter for the year I will be acknowledging any staff who will be leaving us in 2021. Equally, new staff to the College will be named. More detailed introductions about them will be provided in early 2022.

DEBATING

Well done to our Year 8 MISA Debating team who were Runner’s Up in this year’s MISA Debating Competition. The team has virtually been undefeated for two years, and once again, did themselves and the College proud in this year’s Grand Final. We encourage all students involved to take part in Debating in Year 9.

Prayer

I thank Marist Brother Peter Carroll FMS for the following Advent reflection: