From the Principal

Newsletter 4 2023

Dear Members of the St Andrews College Community,

It’s been a busy couple of weeks both inside and outside of the classroom. After having a very successful Open Day on March 1 we have been inundated with applications and already have almost 300 applications. In the midst of enrolments and Year 7 2024 Interviews we have also had a very successful Public Speaking season once again. Our Music, Art  and Acceleration Programs are proving to be both challenging and rewarding for the students in them. We are busily preparing for our Japan and Vietnam Trips, and our performance program is starting with the Jazz Night April 28. Next Week our Student Leaders are planning Leadership Week. I am looking forward to seeing what they come up with. Student Leadership is one of the most powerful tools in maintaining a positive school climate. We are fortunate at St Andrews College that we have many students who play an active role in Leadership. I presented to the Junior Assembly today a reflection on Leadership and Choice. I have shared it with each Leader of Wellbeing so you will be able to access it on the Google Classroom. I would welcome any reflections parents, students and staff have on the presentation.

‘It’s All About Learning’

Family Gospel Reflection: John 9:1-41

Jesus heals the man born blind and reveals himself to him as the Son of Man.

Make a family connection by following the information below:

When infants are baptised, parents, with the help of the godparents, assume responsibility for raising the child as a follower of Jesus. The process of maturation in the faith is much like the example found in the story of the man born blind. The man is cured of his blindness, a symbol of his sin. Each time he meets someone after the healing, the man comes to a deeper awareness of who Jesus is. In a similar way, we who are baptised continue to mature in faith as our relationship with and knowledge about Jesus grows.

Invite each member of your family to draw a timeline of his or her life. On the timelines, ask family members to identify significant moments in their lives, especially their life of faith. Invite each person to reflect upon who Jesus was to him or her at each significant moment. How has each person’s relationship with Jesus changed or matured? Then read together today’s Gospel, John 9:1-41. Note how the relationship between Jesus and the man born blind changes and grows throughout the Gospel. Pray together that your relationship with Jesus will continue to grow and develop, becoming ever deeper. Conclude by praying together the Lord’s Prayer.

2023 Commissioning Ceremony for new Leaders and Staff:

It was a pleasure to accompany Ms Cusack at the Commissioning Ceremony last night. Thank you to Mr Finnerty and Fr Kevin Redmond for their presence. We are very fortunate to have such a committed staff serving our community.

Year 11 Retreat:

Thank you to all the students who participated in the Year 11 Retreats last week. When I visited Mulgoa I could see how much they were enjoying the opportunity. Thank you to Mr Hoare, Ms Tan and Mrs Utoikamanu for the planning of the Retreat and to all staff for their facilitation of such a worthwhile life experience.

Year 7 Camp:

Although it was hot I know the students who I spoke to at Camp said that they had an excellent time. It is a wonderful opportunity to get to know each other outside of the school environment as well as push themselves a little as they move into High School. At present we are in the process of electing Year 7 students to the SRC. The Camp provides an insight into the leadership qualities students have and demonstrate. Thank you to Mr Carlos and the teaching staff for facilitating an excellent experience for our graduating Class of 2028.

Public Speaking:

We had another very successful year in Public Speaking with many students putting their hand up to trial for the team. The talent just keeps getting better across the whole competition and our students represented us with pride and passion. Three of our students went through to the Zone Final and I was fortunate enough to see them all recite their speeches. What a privilege that was.

Building Works:

At present the new portable classrooms on the Junior Campus are almost complete. They look great and the feedback I am getting from staff and students is that they are great for learning. Once all six are online we will take offline the last three and fully renovate them as well. Hopefully this is next week.

Year 7 2024 Interviews:

We start these next Monday and by the number of applications already in we will most likely have an even greater waiting list than the two hundred we had for this year. We are looking forward to getting to know all applicants well through this process and we will start sending out offers next week based on the criteria we have to follow outlined by the Diocese.

Enrolment for Year 2024 NOW OPEN

We have already accepted many applications for 2024 so please get them in soon.

Fidem in Christo

Dr Stephen Kennaugh
Principal