Newsletter 18 2021

Dear Members of the St Andrews College Community,

Thank you for the purposeful, respectful and safe way the community is engaging in the return to school. The sense of purpose and intent in learning has been admirable, the respect for each other and the environment in which we return has been a credit to you all, and the adhering to the safety measures we have put in place has added to a sense of calm. As we move into the last few weeks of Term it is important to continue to keep achieving these high expectations and form even better habits. Remember, “Hard Work Beats Talent When Talent Doesn’t Work Hard”.

Thank you

‘It’s All About Learning’

Gospel Reflection:   Mark 6:1-6

Jesus is rejected in his hometown

This Gospel immediately follows upon last week’s stories of the raising of Jairus’s daughter and the healing of the woman with a hemorrhage. It sets the context of our Gospel readings for the next two weeks in which Jesus will extend the work of his ministry to his disciples.

The Gospel describes what many believe to have been the typical pattern of Jesus’ ministry: teaching in the synagogue followed by acts of healing. In his hometown of Nazareth, the people are amazed by what they hear, but they also cannot comprehend how someone they know so well might move them so powerfully.

In this Gospel, we learn some interesting details about Jesus and his early life. Jesus’ kinfolk know him to be a carpenter, an artisan who works in wood, stone, and metal. He probably learned this trade from his father. Family members of Jesus are also named. Mark describes Jesus as the son of Mary, which is an unusual designation. Adult males were more typically identified with the name of their fathers. It is unclear why Mark deviates from this custom.

Brothers and sisters of Jesus are also named. Scholars are divided on how to interpret this. As Catholics, we believe that Mary was and remained always a virgin, thus we do not believe that this Gospel refers to other children of Mary. Some have suggested that these family members might be Joseph’s children from a previous marriage, but there is little evidence to support this. Others explain this reference by noting that the words brother and sister were often used to refer to other types of relatives, including cousins, nieces, and nephews.

This Gospel tells us that Jesus is hampered from performing miracles in Nazareth because of the people’s lack of faith. Jesus is said to be surprised by this. He did not predict or foresee this rejection. In this detail we find a description of the very human side of Jesus.

This passage unfolds a continuing theme of Mark’s Gospel: Who is Jesus? His kinfolk in Nazareth might know the carpenter, the son of Mary, but they do not know Jesus, the Son of God. Mark is foreshadowing Jesus’ rejection by his own people, the people of Israel. He is also reflecting on and trying to explain the situation of the community for which he wrote. While many of the first Christians were Jewish, Christianity took hold and flourished in the Gentile community. Mark’s community was mostly a Gentile community, who may have been experiencing persecution. By showing that Jesus himself was rejected, Mark consoles and reassures his first readers. He also prepares us to accept this possible consequence of Christian discipleship.

Year 8 Reflection Day:

Congratulations to all staff and students on a great day. It is so important to give ourselves time to stop and reflect on our spiritual selves. Thank you for the students who engaged so well in the day.

Nominations for Major Works:

Congratulations to the students who have been nominated for higher honors for their outstanding work in their HSC Subjects across Music, Design and Technology, Industrial Technology, Drama and Visual Art. This is a wonderful recognition of the hard work you have put into your projects. We are not allowed to inform the students of their nomination at this stage due to NESA Guidelines.

Year 12 Higher School Certificate:

You may have seen the College feature on Channel 9 News throughout the day on Tuesday. If you didn’t get a chance then here is the link. I would like to commend our Year 12 Class of 2021 on their resilience, dedication, and attitude. It is a credit to you all. Keep up the great work.

Congratulations to Gould on being announced House Cup Winners for 2021:

It was a privilege to present the House Cup to Gould for the 2021 school year. The Captains were very proud of the achievements of the House and keen to show off the Cup to the students after the presentation. Well done to all Houses on your participation throughout the year. It was very close in the end and every merit and participation point counts.

Building Works:

We are continuing to develop the Junior Campus facilities by enhancing the viewing options in the Hall/Gymnasium. We are currently in the process of installing three new screens and projectors in preparation for the Year 12 Graduation and future events and assemblies.

Enrolment for Year 7 and 11 2023 

NOW OPEN