From the College Principal

Newsletter 8 2024

Dear Members of the St Andrews College Community,

Today we welcomed two members of the CSPD Board to the College (Mr Scott Jenkins - Chair - Infrastructure & Property Committee and Mrs Maria Pearson - Infrastructure & Property Committee) to meet with myself, teaching staff, students and some parents. It was a significant opportunity to showcase what we are doing at the College as well as discuss some ways we can continue to grow. CSPD are very supportive of growth and both members of the Board were appreciative of the dialogue they had with all groups. We also had a quick walk around the Junior Campus to view our facilities and student engagement. I was most impressed. Keep up the good work.

It’s All About Learning

Gospel: Matthew 28:16-20
Jesus sends his disciples to make disciples of all nations.

Background on the Gospel Reading

This week we return to the liturgical season of Ordinary Time. This Sunday and next Sunday, however, are designated as solemnities, special days that call our attention to the central mysteries of our faith. Today, on the first Sunday after Pentecost, we celebrate the Solemnity of the Most Holy Trinity. This feast invites us to consider what we believe about God, who has revealed himself to us in the Trinity, one God in three Persons.The Gospel for this Solemnity is taken from the Gospel of Matthew. In its conclusion, Matthew’s Gospel quickly moves from the disciples’ discovery of Jesus’ empty tomb and Jesus’ appearance to Mary Magdalene and the other Mary to the commission that Jesus gives to his disciples in today’s Gospel.

The final commission, as this part of Matthew’s Gospel is sometimes called, is given on the mountaintop. Throughout Scripture, many of the most important events happen on a mountaintop, and Matthew used this motif often. Peter, James, and John saw Jesus transfigured on the mountaintop, and Jesus taught the crowds from the mountaintop in the Sermon on the Mount. In today’s Gospel, the eleven disciples go the mountaintop in Galilee, as Jesus had instructed them through Mary Magdalene and the other Mary. They see Jesus, and they worship and doubt at the same time. Jesus approaches them and commissions them to baptise and teach. It is a task for which Jesus had previously prepared his disciples; recall that Jesus had already sent the twelve apostles to preach the Kingdom of God and to heal. Yet earlier, the Twelve were sent only to the House of Israel; in this final commission, the eleven are told to go to all nations. The mission of Jesus is now to be taken to all people, and the task is to baptise and to teach.

Jesus commissions his disciples to baptise in the name of the Trinity; this is one of the clearest attestations for Baptism in the name of the Holy Trinity found in Scripture. Other New Testament references to Baptism describe it as being celebrated in the name of Jesus. As we read this Gospel on the Solemnity of the Most Holy Trinity, we are reminded that this central mystery of faith is meant to be lived. As baptised Christians, we share in the life of the blessed Trinity and seek to invite others to share in God’s love.

Staff Silent Retreat:

The Staff embarked on a faith formation experience of silence and prayer Thursday night and Friday (our pupil free day). It was a wonderful opportunity to reflect on the need for prayer and the power of prayer in our lives. How often do we prioritise silence and prayer in our lives?

Debating after Round 4:

We are now moving into Round 5 of Debating and we are really starting to gain some momentum. We were up against Nagle College on Monday night and had eight wins from 12 debates. What a great result. We have also had many students assist as timekeepers and chairpeople and a number of past students coming back to adjudicate. There is a wonderful culture in Public Speaking and Debating at the College and I appreciate the excellent work that Ms Mickaella Douglas has done in coordinating these competitions.

Unity Day Rehearsals:

Thank you to the many staff and students who have been busy preparing for Unity Day in the upcoming weeks. We really appreciate the hard work and coordination efforts that go into ensuring the day is a success.

Sporting Successes:

Congratulations to our teams as they move into Week 2 of the Winter Competitions. Some very comprehensive results all round. Keep up the training and hard work.

‘It’s All About Learning’

Fidem in Christo

Dr Stephen Kennaugh
Principal