From the College Principal

Newsletter 9 2023

Dear Members of the St Andrews College Community,

After spending two weeks in Belgium studying our schools results from the ECSI Survey (Enhancing Catholic School Identity) I enjoyed returning after the long weekend. The results of the survey I will share with the community once we receive the Report in August. Needless to say though our data is very positive in terms of our Catholic Identity and we are set up well for the future. I look forward to sharing the results with you when we receive the Report and the strategies that we will be undertaking to further develop a ‘Catholic Identity’ at the College.

There have been numerous learning opportunities happening within the College that are highlighted in this Newsletter. We are looking forward to sending two groups overseas during the holiday period. One group will be going to Japan while the other is going to Vietnam. We look forward to a comprehensive Newsletter Report from both groups upon their return. Unity Day is building quickly and I am looking forward to celebrating the many cultures we have in our community.  

Gospel Reflection: Matthew 9:36-10:8

The Gospel reading above speaks of discipleship. Just as Jesus has called and sent the first twelve apostles, he is also calling and sending us for a mission. In other words, discipleship entails a mission. We are called therefore to do something in the vineyard where “the harvest is ready but the labourers are few”.

During the time of Jesus, there were so many people who were in need of help. It is the same during our time, if not, more so. Just look around us or read the dailies, people everywhere are hungry for the Good News, hungry for physical food, and are in need of healing as well as comfort. Who will proclaim to them the Kingdom of God and tend to their needs?

The task of spreading the Word of God and serving the needy is not only for the priests or pastors. Every baptised Christian is called to share in the unfinished work or creation and redemption as priest, prophet and king (1 Peter 2:9). Just as Jesus was moved with compassion, may the Holy Spirit moved each one of us to move out of our comfort zones and reach out to the last, least and lost people in society.

The gifts of the Holy Spirit has been given to us freely, let us serve the people of God freely, without expecting reward or recognition. For it is Jesus whom we actually serve and it is Jesus who will bless us and give what is due to us whether at the present time and in the life beyond. It is therefore very timely at this point in our life to ask the question: What shall I do to heed the command of Jesus to go to the lost sheep, proclaim the kingdom of heaven and cure the sick, raise the dead, cleanse lepers, and drive out demons? And to do all these things for free?

Write a Book in a Day Tuesday 13th June:

It was a pleasure to see almost 170 students take part in this wonderful event. I have read every book produced on the day and I am delighted by the quality of writing, the themes put forward as well as the wonderful animations. It is getting bigger each year due to the enthusiasm that Mr Dewar and the team generate in the students. Thank you to Mr Dewar, Ms Hicks, Mrs Braisby, Mr Kolek,  Mrs Edwards, Ms Rozinski, Mr Finnerty and Mrs Welch for the work put in to ensuring the day was a success.

Debating Success:

Congratulations to all the teams as well as the adjudicators (many were past students), supporters who were Timekeepers and Chairpeople. It has been a really strong season again for St Andrews College with a number of teams progressing through to the Finals. As it stands the Year 10 team will be Debating tonight at Pius X College Chatswood for a place in the Quarter Finals beginning next Term. The Year 11 team were very unlucky not to progress through after being defeated last week. The 8A team is already into the Quarter Finals due to their undefeated status through the Rounds. 

Building Works:

At present we have the guttering being completed around the Junior Campus and that will be completed in a two week period. After that the Junior Campus Hall will be resheeted during the holiday period and this will be followed by the internal lining being installed and all the electricals being upgraded.

‘It’s All About Learning’

Enrolment for Year 11 2024 NOW OPEN

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

Fidem in Christo

Dr Stephen Kennaugh
Principal