A Blessed Community

Dear College Community,

As I write my last newsletter of the year, I am very pleased to reflect on the wonderful celebrations we have had these last weeks, with the Year 12 Graduation Mass and Ceremony, the Year 10 Presentation Ceremony and the Year 12 Formal. These were outstanding events where we recognise and celebrate the gift that these beautiful young people are to our community. I would like to thank all those who helped prepare for and ensure that these grand events, marking important milestones for our students, were carried out with just the right balance of flourish and dignity but also a relaxed sense of joy. This week it was the turn of the Year 7, 8 and 9 students to impress staff with their excellent behaviour at their various excursions venues on their ‘big day out’. What a blessed community we are!

2018 has been an exciting year with student enthusiasm and participation highlighting every aspect of our College life. As I think over some of the significant events that have taken place I feel very proud of our students and staff. Our College Masses and liturgies; participation in great learning opportunities; volunteering and competitions like the RACI Titration Stakes Chemistry Competition and Robocup; our musical and artistic events; the sporting achievements; camps and excursions, to wonderful destinations including New York, have all been wonderful. SFX definitely is a school of opportunities for all!

Next week will be the Third Week in the season of Advent. This is a very special time in the Church’s calendar: a time of waiting and anticipation for the joy that the birth of the baby Jesus brings. Advent helps focus our attention away from the distractions of the busyness of our lives and instead moves us to a place of peace and love. As the year draws to a close and the holiday period commences I hope that families are able to engage in this time of watching and waiting for Jesus at Christmas and feel the joy that this simple, yet powerful story brings to each of us.

Prayer for the Third Week of Advent
Come, Lord Jesus!

Light that never fades, dispel the mists about us,
– awaken our faith from sleep.

Guard us from all harm today,
– may your glory fill us with joy.

Give us unfailing gentleness at all times,
– toward everyone we meet.

Come to create a new earth for us,
-where there will be justice and peace.

For those students who are leaving our College and forming their pathways into the world; we wish them all the very best for their future journey.

It has been a wonderful privilege to be the Acting Principal this year. I would like to thank everyone who has made 2018 a rewarding and memorable year for me and our College Community.

I wish you all the very best for Christmas and the New Year.
Colleen