Newsletter 8: 21 June 2024

Dear Colleagues

Spreading peace and smiles

Last Friday, Pope Francis held a special audience with more than 100 celebrity comedians, in what was titled “A Meeting with Artists from the world of humour”. It was a remarkable gathering, quite unlike anything initiated by a Pope or indeed other Church leader. In addressing the audience, including comedic luminaries such as Jimmy Fallon and Julia Louis-Dreyfus, Pope Francis said:

“In the midst of so much gloomy news, immersed as we are in many social and even personal emergencies, you have the power to spread peace and smiles. You unite people, because laughter is contagious. You manage to make people smile even while dealing with problems and events, large and small. While communication today often generates conflict, you know how to bring together diverse and sometimes contrary realities. How much we need to learn from you!”

As we conclude these final weeks of the first semester, with all the attendant pressures of finalising vital feedback to students and parents through careful assessment and reporting, as well as many other deadlines and issues, may we continue the spreading of peace and smiles in a most constructive and life giving way as further witness to the joy of the Gospel we share in our work as Marist educators.

There was certainly an abundance of joy evident this week during the Australian Marist Netball Carnival at Netball Central Homebush, in Sydney. Over 160 girls from across the country participated with Sacred Heart College Adelaide the eventual victors over a courageous Woodlawn College team in the final. The Marist sports carnivals have been running for many decades and throughout that time have been orchestrated, led and facilitated by generous teachers and staff from various schools. This year the Netball carnival was hosted by Saint Patrick’s Marist College Dundas. The drive and support of Principal Paul Ryan ensured the carnival became a reality whilst the significant, capable, and generous leadership of the Saint Patrick’s Head of Sport, Ryan James made the event a smoothly run success. Ryan was ably assisted by a great team from Dundas who are pictured below. The spirit among the competitors, their enthusiasm and respect for one another was inspiring. Congratulations to all involved.