WELCOME BACK

Welcome back to Term 2. I anticipate another very busy term ahead, full of many great and fun learnings and opportunities for our learners to engage in a range of experiences, both curricular and co-curricular.

As was announced last term, I will be replacing Mr Pete Cuskelly as Principal for the first six weeks of this term. I am pleased to be returning to a P-12 co-educational setting having worked at St Francis College, Crestmead, for 4 years early in my career, and at Xavier Catholic College, Hervey Bay, for 8 years as foundation Assistant Principal Religious Education from 2003 – 2010.

I have been immediately struck by the genuine culture that exists at Our Lady of the Southern Cross College. From the very first instance when I visited with Pete towards the end of Term 1, I have experienced an overwhelming sense of welcome and kindness, from both staff and students. There is really something special about this place and I think it comes down to a committed staff and committed families who are authentically invested in the education and holistic wellbeing of all students. It is very much ingrained in the culture that we enjoy life, but we take our learning seriously. Nuanced phrases such as 'what we do, we do well' and 'first time, every time' are consistent and timely reminders of the simple, yet very clear expectations that are to be upheld to ensure that quality learning and teaching are the priority.

Thank you for your welcome and please feel free to approach me for a chat. I am very quickly learning that I have many professional and personal links to many of the Dalby families. I fear that the 6 weeks will go way too quickly and that it is going to be very difficult to leave!

IMPERFECT IN OUR BELIEF

The events and messages of the Easter season continue to provide us with lessons that make sense for us in the twenty-first century. Last Sunday’s Gospel, the risen Jesus encountered disciple, ‘doubting’ Thomas, who was not convinced that the person who appeared before him was indeed the risen Lord. Thomas’ immediate response was to request to touch the wounds of Jesus, to prove his legitimacy. Pope Francis, in his reflections of this Gospel, spoke about Jesus’ merciful words to a doubting St Thomas, reminding us that the Lord does not expect us to be “perfect Christians”.

“We too struggle at times like that disciple: How can we believe that Jesus is risen, that he accompanies us and is the Lord of our life without having seen him, without having touched him?

“How can one believe in this? Why does the Lord not give us some clearer sign of his presence and love? Some sign that I can see better,” Pope Francis said.

“Here, we too are like Thomas, with the same doubts, the same reasoning,” he continued.

“But we do not need to be ashamed of this. By telling us the story of Thomas, in fact, the Gospel tells us that the Lord is not looking for perfect Christians. The Lord is not looking for perfect Christians.”

(Pope Francis, 24 April 2022)

What a great relief this is, coming from our Holy Father. Let us use these lessons to remind ourselves that, at times, the struggle in our faith is real. And this is okay. The Pope continued: “Dear brothers and sisters, it is better to have an imperfect but humble faith that always returns to Jesus, than a strong but presumptuous faith that makes us proud and arrogant.”

We pray that we may be like Thomas, and not ashamed to seek clarification when we are uncertain, or to ask the truth when there may be doubt. Our loving God remains steadfast, loving us and beckoning us, despite our imperfections.

SACRAMENTS OF INITIATION

Congratulations to all the students who receive the sacraments of Confirmation and Eucharist this week. It is wonderful that our candidates were confirmed by Emeritus Bishop Bill Morris. Thank you so much to the Parish of St Joseph’s for their work and preparation with our young people, particularly Fr Jim Cronin and Deputy Principal Mrs Cate Brennan, as well as other parents and carers who were most supportive in the preparation process. A special congratulations to our very own Ms Kylie Purbrick who was fully initiated into the Catholic Church alongside our young people. What a special blessing it is that Kylie shares this unique experience with many students from OLSCCC. I ask that you keep all new initiated members of our St Joseph’s Parish community in your prayers.

ANZAC DAY

Next week we gather as a community to commemorate ANZAC Day. This is always a wonderful celebration and a fitting reflection, paying our respects to the women and men who have served our country for our freedom. Many thanks to Mrs Cate Brennan and Mrs Carey Twidale for their organisation of the event. Many thanks to those families, staff and students who will be taking part in the local services including the dawn service, march and commemoration service.

At the going down of the sun, and in the morning, we will remember them. Lest we forget.

CROSS COUNTRY

On Wednesday, the entire College participated in the annual Cross Country event. Needless to say, it was a great day, full of lively participation and spirit. Many thanks to Mr Tim Lincoln for his seamless organisation of the event, and congratulations to the many participants and age champions.

Blessings for the coming weeks.

Ms Sharon Collins

Acting Principal