Dear Parents & Carers,

At our End of Year Mass last week, Father Bosco and I reflected on the Advent Wreath which appears in our Church during the Christmas season. The wreath contains four candles, one for each week of advent. We encouraged students to reflect on each of the four virtues that the candles represent during their holiday break. These virtues include Hope, Peace, Joy & Love. 

We asked students to consider how they can be people of hope this Christmas. Hope filled people are positive, optimistically looking to the future. They show appreciation for others and their enthusiasm is infectious. 

Peaceful people start by forgiving others. They seek to let go of past wrongs and let people know that despite what may have happened in the past, they are still valued. They are calm and good listeners.

Joyous people are fun to be around. They have a good sense of humour, enjoy celebrating the successes of others and look to build people up rather than be overly critical. Joyous people consciously look for positives in their day.

We all need love and to feel loved. We encouraged students to recognise the ‘small love’ they receive daily from their family. To acknowledge the things that they usually take for granted; the preparation of a meal, cleaned clothes, a gentle hug, encouragement and so forth. We also asked students to express how they feel in word and deed and show appreciation for their loved ones over Christmas.

If we commit to putting these virtues into practice over the Christmas break, it will lead to not only us being truly happy but also significantly contribute to the happiness of those around us. 

For my part, I would like to say thank you for your support, patience and kindness throughout the year. It certainly has been a busy year that has tested us all. I do however feel proud of what we have achieved and the resilience we have built in our community. I pray that the Christmas break brings you and your family many blessings.  

“May Christ's peace and hope be with your family now and in the days ahead. May His love warm your hearts, may He give you a spirit of wisdom.”

Best wishes

Mr Simon Abernethy
College Principal