From the Principal
Dear Members of the St Andrews College Community,
Catholic Schools Week started last Sunday and as a result we had our College Open Day on Wednesday 9 March. We will have another Tour on Monday morning for the families that were unable to reschedule their appointment due to the postponement of the Orientation Day from Tuesday to Wednesday. We will have over 300 students and parents visiting the College with the view to enrolling their son or daughter. To date we have already had over 150 applications returned to us so there will not be many spots left after Monday’s last Tour. Thank you to staff and students who aided in the success of the day. Unlike most other schools I know, we have our Open Day during scheduled lesson time. It gives the parent/child a more accurate understanding of how the College operates rather than putting on a show at night. Our student leaders were wonderful ambassadors as Tour Guides and demonstrated the quality young men and women we have at our great school.
We have had a great deal of success in learning both inside and outside of the classroom of late. Enjoy reading about these successes in our Newsletter.
‘It’s All About Learning’
Gospel - Luke 9:28B - 36:
Points for Reflection on the Transfiguration
- Previously, Jesus goes up to a mountain all by Himself to pray but in the Transfiguration story he took with Him three of His apostles. Prior to this event, Jesus announces His impending suffering and death. The apostles, particularly Peter, got confused and even tried to disagree with Him. The Transfiguration event therefore was an experience to reassure them of Jesus’ divinity.
- Going up to a high mountain to meet the divine is not something new to the Transfiguration story. In the Old Testament, God met Moses on Mount Sinai and Elijah on Mount Horeb. According to tradition, the Transfiguration event happened on Mount Tabor.
- Prayer is the key to understanding the Transfiguration event. We encounter God in prayer and there is no proper place to pray except in a place where there is silence, a place away from the crowd. Praying is not always asking God for something but more importantly, being with God.
- Jesus being with Moses and Elijah is a manifestation that He is the fulfilment of the law and the prophets. Remember that Moses was the law-giver and Elijah was the greatest prophet.
- The apostles were frightened when they were enveloped by the cloud. This is what happens when someone encounters the divine – a feeling that one is so small and unworthy before someone who is so great and mighty.
- In the Transfiguration event, the voice of God the Father was heard for the second time. The first time was during the Baptism of Jesus. The Father reiterated that Jesus was His chosen Son and then added a command: listen to Him. This is an assurance to the apostles so that they will not doubt who Jesus is and that they should all the more keep faith in Him by listening to Him.
NSW State Athletics Championships:
Congratulations to Tatupu twins who achieved significant success at the recent State Athletics Championships. Julio came 1st in Hammer Throw, 4th in Shot Putt, and 8th in Discus while Dominic came 2nd in Hammer Throw, 2nd in Shot Putt, and 7th in Discus.
Congratulations to Esther Peter who competed in the 400 metres. Esther finished 5th in a time that qualifies her for the National Championships. Both Julio and Dominic also will compete at the National Championships. Congratulations and best wishes. We are very proud of you all.
CCC Volleyball:
Congratulations to Romeo Atengco of Year 10 who trialed for the NSW CCC Open Boys Volleyball earlier this week. He was selected in the Opens Team when he was eligible for the Under 16 team, What a great achievement.
CSDA Public Speaking:
One of the most highly represented schools in the Sydney area with six students progressing through to the Semi-Finals. Congratulations to Ellie Siber (Year 7), Lexie Iskander (Year 8), Makoi Malual (Year 9), Joshua Sammut (Year 10), Wasim Farah and Hayley O’Connor (Year 12). The standard is certainly getting better each year and our talented representatives certainly matched it with the field. Congratulations to Makoi Malual (Year 9) who has made it through to the Grand Final to be held tonight. Congratulations to all students who trialled for the competition, as well as the students who made the final selection. You all make us very proud.
Enrolment for Year 7 and 11 2023 NOW OPEN
If you have a friend or family member looking to enrol for Year 7 or 11 2023 (students currently in Year 6 and Year 10) please contact the Office ASAP for an Enrolment Pack to avoid disappointment. Please be quick to enrol to avoid disappointment as we had over 100 students we had to place on a waiting list for Year 7 2022.
Fidem in Christo
Dr Stephen Kennaugh
Principal