From the College Principal

Newsletter 18 2024

Dear Members of the St Andrews College Community,

Congratulations to our Year 12 students who have completed their Higher School Certificate Examinations. We now look forward to the results being released as well as the ATAR ranks. Our Year 11 students have done a great job in leading the College, with our Year 7-10 students responding positively to their final Term. I have enjoyed watching some of the rehearsals for CAN. The talent in the younger years looks even stronger than usual. Already being the end of Week 4 now we often make the mistake of wishing the Term goes quickly as we look forward to greeting Christmas. My challenge to the community is to be present in the moment. Be reminded of your successes and celebrate the challenges you face. We often learn more from our challenges and disappointments than our successes.

Bible Reading Reflections: 

The 32nd Sunday in Ordinary Time Year B features readings that emphasize faith, sacrifice, and trust in God. These themes help us reflect on our relationship with God and others.

• Trust in God’s plan: In 1 Kings 17:10-16, the widow trusts Elijah’s word from God and is blessed with food. This shows that trusting God’s plan brings blessings.
• Generosity in poverty: The widow in Mark 12:38-44 gives all she has. Her generosity shows that true giving comes from the heart, not from excess.
• Sacrifice: Hebrews 9:24-28 speaks about Jesus’ sacrifice. Jesus’ offering of himself is the ultimate act of love and service.
• Humility: Jesus criticizes the scribes in Mark 12:38-44 for their pride. Humility is important in our relationship with God and others.
• Faith in God’s promises: The widow in 1 Kings 17:10-16 acts on faith. Believing in God’s promises leads to unexpected blessings.
• Jesus as the mediator: Hebrews 9:24-28 describes Jesus as the mediator between God and humanity. This emphasizes the importance of Jesus in our salvation.
• True wealth: The story of the widow’s mite in Mark 12:38-44 shows that true wealth is not measured by money. It’s about giving and trusting in God.
• Obedience to God: Elijah asks the widow to make bread in 1 Kings 17:10-16, and she obeys. Her obedience leads to God providing for her needs.

Year 12 Information Evening:

Thank you to all the parents and students who attended the Year 12 2025 Information Evening on Tuesday. Evenings like this serve many purposes including an opportunity to touch base with the College Leadership Team as well as the Leaders of Learning and the Leader of Wellbeing. The information shared on the evening will be shared on Compass and multiple platforms for future reference and referral and we welcome any questions parents and students may have. It is important that we hear your voice in such a critical year. Thank you to Ms Kalifa, Ms May and Mrs Parker for their presentations as well as the many staff that attended. It is another example of your dedication.

Congratulations to our Sporting Teams:

Our boys Football and girls Basketball have all been training hard this season and have produced some excellent results. The Intermediate Girls Basketball coached by Mr Alata are progressing through to the finals and we wish them all the best.

Fidem in Christo

Dr Stephen Kennaugh
Principal