Newsletter 5: 3 May 2022
Dear Colleagues,
“Above all, let us not forget to thank: if we are bearers of gratitude, the world itself will become better, even if only a little bit, but that is enough to transmit a bit of hope. The world needs hope. And with gratitude, with this habit of saying thank you, we transmit a bit of hope. Everything is united and everything is connected, and everyone needs to do his or her part wherever we are. ”
Pope Francis1
Thank you!
First term concluded for most Marist schools on Friday 8 April at approximately 10pm at Saint Mary’s Cathedral in Sydney following the Mass to celebrate 150 years of Marist education in Australia. The Cathedral was full and over 2000 Marists joined the liturgy from around the country online. The overwhelming sense of gratitude among those gathered made a Thanksgiving to remember. Archbishop Anthony Fisher OP led the celebration and spoke eloquently and warmly of the significant contributions by Marists to Catholic education in a variety of ways, and traced the motivations and inspirations to Saint Marcellin and his faith filled discipleship to Jesus. Thank you to all who made the effort to be present on this day, at the Mass and the unveiling of the sculpture of Brother Ludovic. So many travelled huge distances to be there and your presence was greatly appreciated.
The MSA Trinity Catholic College Lismore Flood Appeal has continued to benefit from the generosity of many Marists across the country. The total amount raised is now in excess of $150,000. Thank you for your generous contributions and efforts in this regard. As the whole region rebuilds from the devastation, we Marists must remain attentive to meeting the needs of the Trinity Catholic College community.
Since the last MSA Newsletter, the pending retirement of a long serving and valued Marist leader was announced. It is with a deep sense of gratitude that the contributions to Marist education by Mr Dave McInnes are acknowledged. Dave has worked in Marist schools for all bar a few years of his four decades in Catholic education. Renowned for his ability to relate with young people, Dave first came to prominence in Sydney as a gifted classroom teacher, inspirational sports coach, and a generous contributor to any effort of outreach or solidarity. These traits were not only evident at school but equally in the close community of Maroubra and surrounds where he volunteered thousands of hours to assist young people through Rugby League and Surf Life Saving. Dave’s ability to build community is evident in the popularity of every school he has led as a Principal. For individual students, his capacity to build self esteem and confidence has always been apparent. Significantly, during his time at Pagewood, the College’s Annual Reports indicated Year 12 students gaining entrance to University increased significantly, whilst those gaining places at TAFE and other further education consistently improved. Dave has been a much loved leader in recent years at Saint Teresa’s Catholic College Noosaville. Dave will conclude at the end of 2022 in order to spend more time back in NSW with his growing extended family. Thank you Dave for all you have done to foster and flourish Marist life and mission so faithfully. Please note the advertisement for the position of Principal of Saint Teresa's included at this link.
Attention is drawn to the Australian Marist Solidarity Sesquicentenary Initiative "Day in the Life challenge" being led by Bec Bromhead and the wonderful team at Australian Marist Solidarity. Schools are encouraged to engage in this initiative, which will prove vital in the foundation of the new Marist School in East Timor whilst also being a most valuable learning experience for our Marist students. Thank you in anticipation for your encouragement and engagement. We hope to exceed the target of $150,000.
With the Federal Election fast approaching on 21 May, attention is drawn to the important work of the National Catholic Education Commission (NCEC) under the leadership of Ms Jacinta Collins. The election priorities for Catholic schools are well articulated by NCEC and are encouraged to be shared among parents and staff members. The most recent media release was issued during the last school holidays and is included HERE for your reference.