From the College Principal

Newsletter 16 2024

Dear Members of the St Andrews College Community,

We come to the end of another exciting Term of learning and engagement at the College that culminated with our Year 12 Graduation Mass on Monday morning and Awards Ceremony Monday night. The student body who were supporting the Graduating Class were a credit to themselves, their families and the College. I am always grateful for the respect shown to others by our students. The Mass was a fitting way to celebrate as a community the contribution of the Year 12 group. The Graduation Ceremony and Awards at night were also a fitting celebration of contribution, growth and academic excellence. Thank you to the many staff who contributed to the organisation of the ceremonies. It is now time for the new Year 11 leaders to step up and start leading the College. They will be formally inducted at our St Andrews Day Mass in Term 4. The group have already attended the Student Leaders Retreat and have many plans to continue the strong student leadership we see at our College. 

Enjoy a restful break. Although staff and students from Year 12 will be conducting tutorials during the holiday break and providing detailed feedback to students, I hope you all get time to stop and spend quality time with family and friends, and I look forward to seeing you next Term.

Gospel Reflection: Mark 9:38-43,45,47-48
Jesus teaches that whoever is not against him is for him.

Background on the Gospel Reading

Today we continue to read from the Gospel of Mark. Recall that last week we heard Jesus chastise his disciples for their argument about who among them was the greatest. Jesus taught them that the greatest among them will be those who serve the least ones. In today’s Gospel, the disciple John questions Jesus about an unknown exorcist who was driving out demons in Jesus’ name. John’s question might have been motivated by jealousy. Previously in Mark's Gospel, Jesus healed a boy whom the disciples had been unable to heal. John’s question is further evidence that the disciples have not yet grasped Jesus’ words to them. They continue to compare themselves to others who seem to have greater healing powers, and they do not want to share the power of Jesus’ name with others.

Today the demon possession described in the Gospels might be seen as a form of mental illness, but the need for healing these syndromes was as real then as it is now. Exorcism was a common practice in first-century Palestine. Some people had the power to heal the symptoms of possession. One of the strategies used was to invoke the name of a person or figure who was believed to have the power to heal.

The disciples observed that the unknown exorcist invoked Jesus’ name and was successful in his healing efforts. This unknown healer recognized the power of Jesus’ name, yet he was not a follower of Jesus. In his reply to his disciples, Jesus acknowledges that deeds of faith can precede the words of faith. He also teaches that the disciples should not be reluctant to share Jesus’ healing powers with others.

Later in this Gospel, Jesus teaches us not to create obstacles for those who are just beginning to have faith but to encourage even the smallest signs of faith. The Greek word used here for sin also connotes “stumbling” or “causing scandal.” In vivid terms, Jesus teaches his disciples the consequences to those who would put obstacles before people who are on the road to faith.

Shakespeare in Space Production:

Thank you to Mr Lewandowski and the students for performing for us once again. The time and effort has been remarkable and it certainly showed in the performances. I really enjoyed the space theme in the Shakespearean context. Photos can be found further in this Newsletter.

Women in Shakespeare Program:

Thank you to Ms Rujicica who applied for and was accepted into this program on behalf of the College. Bell Shakespeare sought out 10 schools to participate in the 'Women in Shakespeare' program which will take place in Term 4, this year. The program is funded by the WeirAnderson Foundation. It is a program designed for female students in Years 8-10 and explores Shakespeare's female characters in the context in which they were written and in discussion with the female experiences of today. 

The program also includes a 2-hour workshop where the participating students will have artists from Bell Shakespeare come out to deliver this workshop. 

This is unlike any program seen before and is a fantastic opportunity to bridge perspectives from what is normally taught or focused on when exploring Shakespeare's plays, especially when it comes to the young women we teach today. They will be able to see themselves in what is presented and the comparison with our society in today's world. We are very excited for what is to come with this program and the future opportunities it brings to our English and Drama programs.

Year 11 Student Leaders Retreat:

I really enjoyed the opportunity to visit the Student Leaders Retreat at Kiah Ridge last week. I had a chance to challenge the students on the topic of student leadership, communicate with the group the College’s expectations, as well as answer questions the group had for me regarding anything to do with the College. I look forward to seeing how the student group realises their goals and dreams for the College in the upcoming year. The Year 11/12 Student Leadership Team will be leading the rest of the 2025 leaders in the upcoming retreat in Term 4 2025.

Holiday Building Works:

Over the holiday break, we will be completing lighting maintenance across both the Junior & Senior Campus as well as a Senior Campus upgrade to accommodate disability provisions in 2025, including a glass sliding door to the Bathroom, a concrete slab near the Basketball Court in preparation for picnic setting, and a ramp into the Common Room.

‘It’s All About Learning’

Fidem in Christo

Dr Stephen Kennaugh
Principal