The College year draws to a close; as do the years for students all over the world. I sit in an air-conditioned office, word processing on a very good quality laptop and writing for an audience who live in a country that can pride itself on its standard of living and the freedom of its people. This is not the case in our “Global Village,” for the 80% of the population who live in “Third World” countries.

The College’s continually growing association with the not for profit organisation YES Arusha continues to maintain its strong bond. This involvement gives our community the opportunity to be a part of Christ’s living spirit which is alive today. The idea, that the person who gives benefits more than the person who receives was a message Sir Bob Geldof conveyed to the then Prime Minister of Britain Margaret Thatcher in 1985. As a young person I didn’t quite understand this but the older I get the more wisdom I see in this statement.

I was watching morning television news and saw a extract from a speech made by Prince William at a memorial service for Vichai Srivaddhanaprabha in Leicester. I was struck with awe at the emotional outpouring for a bloke who owned a Football Club. Why did I think that? Maybe because he was rich and the history of the world points to the old adage “the rich get richer and the poor get poorer.” Yet fans adore players not owners, but here we have a Thai billionaire that had gained the respect and love of the people in the biggest city in England’s East Midlands. So it was this morning that Prince William said Vichai Srivaddhanaprabha “did not let his wealth disconnect him from the community around him.”

The power in the statement has hit me, we can sit in our First World lifestyle and feel that we are superior to everyone because we have a fat bank balance. When you think deeply - without arrogance or prejudice - are we just supremely lucky to have been born in Australia? The outcome of that thought linked with our Christian Values opens up the world to us. Jesus teaches us that it doesn’t matter if you are an “poor widow with two copper coins” or the owner of a football club we can make a difference in the lives of others.

At this time of year, we are called to show our love for one another. If you have visited the College Office recently you will see the efforts of our families to accumulate a vast array of items destined for St Vinnies. These will bring, our compassion to those less fortunate than us in our local community. The generosity of the OLSCC family glows like a beacon throughout the year. Our compassionate heart is beating strong.

On Sunday we come together as a community to celebrate the year and look forward to Christ’s birth and the Spirit of Christmas. The Christmas Fair keeps reinventing itself, starting form a “pop-up” market in the car park to what it is now. Its origins came from a group of our students committing themselves and those to follow on a journey of Education and Support for two Tanzanian boys. Kelvin and Baraka are now in Secondary School, they are shining lights that represent the power of compassion.

YES Arusha continues its journey and work. Our new phase of support; the provision of Scholarships to students entering Secondary School is in its infancy. If you and your family are looking for a way to connect with our “Global Community” please contact me. Our year 8 Class hold a Prayer Gathering each year to bring awareness of the lives of those less fortunate. Come along next Thursday at 9:30 in the College Performing Arts Centre and see our young people living their faith.

As you walk around our College this weekend and in the future rejoice in the efforts of the problem solvers. Our Christian values are being lived everyday within our community. Look for the good around you and it will put a smile on your face and warm your heart. It is our spirituality that drives so many of us forward grasping the opportunities that present themselves. “Aspire not to have more, but be more.” The lasting advice of Archbishop Oscar Romero.

Steve Gillespie