From the College Principal

Newsletter 14 2025

Dear Members of the St Andrews College Community,

As we move into the final two weeks of Term 3, we celebrate the efforts that students and staff have put into their subjects through assessments and feedback. Year 12students  have received their feedback from the Trial HSC and are busy focusing on areas to consolidate and develop. Year 11 have entered into their final assessment block as they move into Year 12 early Term 4, and Years 7-10 are undertaking their summative tasks to complement the formative tasks they complete throughout the Term. The feedback provided is essential to meet our aims of growth for every student. This also forms the basis of class allocations, dropping or retaining classes in Year 11, and students meeting the standards set for our Acceleration Program. Next week, Year 12 will conclude their formal classes in preparation for their Graduation Mass, Awards and Formal. I am looking forward to sending the group off in a fitting way. They deserve it.

Gospel Reflection: John 3:13–17
As Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, so must the Son of man be lifted up, so that whoever believes in him may have eternal life.

In John’s Gospel, Jesus’ death on the cross as well as his resurrection and return to the Father are one event. For him, the cross is a sign of exaltation. The serpent that Moses lifted up in the desert to offer healing to those injured by snake bites prefigures Jesus’ being lifted up on the cross, bringing salvation.

The eternal life God offers through Jesus is not life without end but life lived in the unending presence of God. That is why it can begin now in this life. The world to which God sends the Son is not a place, but those people who are at odds with Jesus and God. Jesus is sent to this world as a gift. Only believers accept the gift.

Finally, God’s judgment on the world is not a future cosmic event but a present reality. God sent the Son out of love for the world. However, the world has to decide to accept him. Those who accept him have eternal life at the moment of the decision. Those who reject him don’t.

Thank you, Year 12:

To all Year 12 students and their Leadership Group that has so ably steered the College student body - thank you. You have consistently come up with initiatives, set high standards for the student body, consulted with your peers, and represented the College with distinction. You have set a high standard for the newly appointed student leaders to meet. We all look forward to celebrating with you your Graduation Mass, Awards and Formal.

Year 12 2026 Student Leadership Team:

Thank you to all Year 11 students who put their names forward for leadership in 2026. We entered into a nomination process that required each student to write a letter of Application to me as the College Principal. Then we interviewed each student before completing a final vote from staff and peers. All three parts of this process are taken into consideration when deciding the final team. It is becoming increasingly difficult to decide the team due to the calibre of the student applicants. Mrs Cooper will share the team with the community. Congratulations to all who participated in this process. You are a fine group of young men and women. 

Sport Representation:

Thank you to the staff for volunteering to coach teams and to the students who have trialled over the past few weeks. I look forward to going out and watching some of the games over the season

Fidem in Christo

Dr Stephen Kennaugh
Principal