From the College Principal
Newsletter 16 2023
Dear Members of the St Andrews College Community,
Congratulations on a very productive Term 3. Judging by the opportunities that have been offered and the degree to which they have been taken up by the students it has been a very successful Term. We wish Year 12 all the very best as they enter into their final preparations for the Higher School Certificate, and pray that they achieve their intended goals. Thank you to our dedicated staff for all of the extra marking and feedback that is going into Year 12 as well as Years 7-11. The feedback loop makes a most significant impact on learning.
We wish all members of the St Andrews community a safe holiday and welcome you all back on Wednesday October 11 as we have two Staff Development Days on the Monday and Tuesday to use for writing days for the new syllabus that is being implemented starting 2024 in some subject areas. All schools in the Diocese have these days.
It’s All About Learning
Reading Reflections:
First Reading – Isaiah 55:6-9: Seek God while He’s close; abandon wickedness. Turn to the merciful Lord. His thoughts surpass ours, as heaven is above earth. His ways and thoughts are beyond ours.
Responsorial Psalm – Psalm 145: Daily I’ll bless and praise You, O Lord, forever. Your greatness is beyond measure. You’re gracious, merciful, slow to anger, kind, and just. You’re near to all who call upon You.
Second Reading – Philippians 1:20C-24, 27A: In life or death, I magnify Christ. Life means fruitful labour. Caught between longing for departure to be with Christ and staying for your benefit. Live worthily of the gospel.
Gospel – Matthew 20:1-16A: The kingdom of heaven is like a landowner who hires labourers at different times. Those who worked only an hour received the same wage as those who worked all day. The landowner’s generosity teaches that God’s ways are not based on human standards of fairness.
What if I wish to give this last one the same as you? Or am I not free to do as I wish with my own money? Are you envious because I am generous?
Matthew 20:14-15
Themes for the 25th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year A
The readings for the 25th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year A highlight God’s generosity. In the first reading we are told that God does not think the way we think. The psalm praises God’s compassion, justice, and mercy. The second reading reminds us that we must labour to imitate Christ. And in the gospel Jesus tells the parable about the workers in the vineyard and the generous landowner who paid them all the same wage.
- Fair Compensation: This theme revolves around the concept of fairness in compensation for work done. It explores the idea that equal effort should result in equitable rewards.
- Generosity and Grace: The gospel presents the idea of showing generosity and grace even when it’s unexpected. This theme underlines the value of extending kindness to others without a fixed set of conditions.
- Challenging Conventional Norms: The text challenges the conventional understanding of work and rewards. It emphasizes that sometimes, established norms should be reevaluated to ensure a just and compassionate society.
- Equality of Worth: This theme highlights the inherent worth of all individuals, regardless of their contributions. It suggests that everyone deserves respect and consideration, irrespective of their roles.
- Jealousy and Comparison: This theme delves into the issue of jealousy and the tendency to compare oneself with others. It reflects on how such feelings can arise when others receive equal treatment despite differing efforts.
- Divine Perspective: The gospel offers a divine perspective on matters of compensation and worth. It suggests that human notions of fairness may differ from how God perceives these concepts.
Year 12 Graduation Mass/Awards and Formal:
Congratulations to all of our Year 12 Graduating Class. Thank you to the community for all the support that you showed the Year 12 student group in your attendance, your participation and your reverence during the Mass. Thank you to all the staff who assisted in the ceremonies and events with set up, planning and detail. All events were a real testament to the respect held for the Year 12 group.
Year 9 Access Artists Workshops:
Thank you to Mrs Harris and the Art Team for organising our visiting artist to work with the Year 9 Art students. The artist spoke of not only the calibre of the student work but also their respect and manners that she doesn’t see in many schools. With future meetings planned for Term 4 we look forward to seeing some further growth for our Art students.
CSPD Teacher Scholarship Program:
We have had numerous students already apply for this most generous scholarship. As part of our College Strategic Directions we employ a number of our past students to work as Teacher Assistants while they are at University. It is proving a real success. We will continue this program in 2024 and beyond with a number of students already identified as potential teacher assistants.
Multipurpose Court Renovations:
We are in the process of organising the renovation and repainting of all basketball/multipurpose courts. Hopefully this will happen in the school holidays. I know how much the students love playing on the courts.
‘It’s All About Learning’
Fidem in Christo
Dr Stephen Kennaugh
Principal