From the Principal
Newsletter 4 2022
Dear Members of the St Andrews College Community,
Following on from our Open Days we have been conducting Enrolment Interviews prior to sending out our placement offers on April 1 (next week). I have been so impressed with the manner in which the prospective Year 7 enrolments have been engaging with the staff and I when greeting and interviewing them. It bodes well for 2023 and beyond. We have had over 250 applications already and many are coming in daily. We should have a waiting list of approximately 150 students as a result. If you or a friend is planning to send your child to the College please put in your application ASAP to avoid disappointment.
I have been impressed with the student work ethic in our Accelerated Classes as well as other classes. Work ethic is a major determinant in success so please keep up the focus, the routine, and the focus on your health to ensure the performance is maintained.
‘It’s All About Learning’
Gospel - Luke 15:1-3; 11-32:
Points for Reflection: The Parable of the Prodigal Son
- Our Father in heaven is represented by the father in the story above. He is compassionate to a fault as far as man is concern. He lovingly welcomed the younger son when the latter returned. There was no demand for explanation. On the other hand, He comforted the older son when the latter got upset about the “undue” feast given to the younger son.
- The younger son committed at least three sins namely:
- a) He insulted his own father by asking for his inheritance to be given to him. Normally, the heir waits for the father to distribute the inheritance on his own accord or after his death.
- b) He moved out of the family and squandered the money given to him. An inheritance is a gift. It is not earned. In some cultures, an inheritance should be passed on to the next generation.
- c) He got involved with sinful activities such drunkenness and sexual activities.
- To be sent to a piggery to work there is an indication of how low the descent of the younger son. A pig is considered a very dirty animal.
- A life of destitution is a direct result of squandering money.
- The elder brother can be justified for getting angry with his father. After all, he has been a good and obedient son. Yet, it is important for him to respect the decision of his father and to accept back his own brother.
Important lessons from the parable:
- We must never take for granted our family especially our parents. In time of need, it is to them that we turn to.
- No matter how low we have fallen, we must always remember that God our Father in heaven is always ready to welcome and forgive us.
- God does not prevent us from leaving Him. He respects our decision-making process.
- The younger son can learn about faithfulness from the elder son. The latter can learn forgiveness, humility and acceptance from the former. The brothers need each other so they need to live in harmony.
Year 7 Student Leaders Inducted:
After being elected SRC Representatives when the student group returned from Camp at Collaroy, the group went on the Student Leaders Retreat last week with the representatives from Years 8-12. The whole Retreat was run by the Year 12 Captains and leadership group. Today at Assembly on the Junior Campus they were formally inducted and presented with their badges of Office. Congratulations. The Assembly finished with a morning tea for the students and their parents. Thank you to all the parents who were able to make the Assembly. It is very much appreciated.
PDSSSC Sport:
Congratulations to all the teams who made it through to the Finals in Volleyball and Basketball. What a strong showing from St Andrews College.
CSDA Public Speaking:
Congratulations to Makoi Malual (Year 9) who has made it through to the Grand Final and finished third in her age group. What an achievement. We are very proud of you. Thank you to the Year 12 Captains who supported her during the Grand Final. It was an inspiring speech. Makoi presented the speech at the Assembly today and it was met with thunderous applause. Well done Makoi.
Enrolment for Year 7 and 11 2023 NOW OPEN
Fidem in Christo
Dr Stephen Kennaugh
Principal