From Br Steve Hogan fsc
It is hard to believe that another year is over and that this is the last Newsletter for 2024.
Last Sunday was the First Sunday of Advent, a time of preparation and anticipation for the coming of Christ. Advent like Holy week is so hope-filled and aspirational 鈥� it is the foundation of the Christian tradition to be people of hope. Hope that the USA and China will resolve their trade disputes; hope that we can come together to implement resolutions to reduce global warming; hope that there will be peace in countries of war so that people can have stability and enjoy the progress that peace brings; hope that in our country and State, freedoms can be maintained and rights and responsibilities respected; hope that those concerns in our families will be resolved and the new year bring peace, good health and wellbeing for all.
Earlier this week I received a quarterly publication from the Lasallian Office in Hong Kong. I would like to share the reflection from Br Herman which he wrote to his students at the end of their academic year in 1964. I have edited it so that it is inclusive of boys and girls.
鈥淲hile you are in school, for five, or six, or more years, you are among people who are interested in you, in your success in this life, and the next. You may not always see it that way, but it is true. Those in charge of you at school are trying their best to guide you safely through the difficult years of your early life. Pay good attention to the good advice given you; it will help you to live a good happy life.
It is our fondest wish that all of you should grow up to be great and famous men and women 鈥� and surely some will. But what we wish even more is that all should grow to be good men and women - with determination to do what is right whatever happens; with courage in doing good; with sympathy for other people鈥檚 troubles and strength and patience in their own; with hatred of injustice to others, but with patience when injustice touches themselves; with acknowledgement of others people鈥檚 rights without being too anxious about their own; with strength to fend for oneself.
All this looks like a rather formidable task, but in its accomplishment, you are not alone. God is your helper. Without His help, you cannot succeed, but with His help you cannot fail. That each and every one of you should be a success in school and after school is our fondest wish.鈥�
I would like to conclude the year by recognising the incredible talent and achievement of our students both in the more recognisable fields of academics, music, dance, drama, and sports, but also in the fields of speech and debating, service and mission, velour, and virtue. In recognising these fine achievements of our students, I am particularly conscious of, and give recognition to, the dedication and expertise of all members of staff. This year we have already received notification of a significant number of students HSC work being selected for OnStage, Callback, ENCORE, ArtExpress, and Shape, Design Technology Awards. The Oakhill graduate is grounded and future ready, articulate and confident, polite and respectful 鈥� qualities sought after.
The College celebrated the specific achievements of Year 10 at their Awards Ceremony on Friday 6th December and Years 7-9 at their Awards Ceremony on Wednesday 11th December. At the Awards ceremony on Wednesday 11th December the College will also recognise the staff who have contributed many years of service with Lasallian Service Awards. In particular, I mention Mr Peter Butler who will retire this year after 40 years of service at 蜜桃影像.
I would like to take this opportunity in this final Newsletter for 2024 to thank Mr John Puleo, the Board Chairperson, for his Chairmanship of the Board and his support and guidance of the College this year. I would also like to thank the College Senior Leadership Team, Ms Deborah Gillis (DP), Mr Aaron Hickey (AP Pastoral Care), Mr Gavin Russell (AP Curriculum), and Mrs Elke Forrest (Business Manager), the Academic and Pastoral Heads, Deans, Co-ordinators and teachers. I acknowledge the hard work of our administrative staff and our grounds and maintenance staff who work tirelessly to ensure the College is maintained to the highest standards. I acknowledge Mr Anthony Toro, Acting Head of Sport in his role this year in promoting participation, sportsmanship, the attainment of excellence and above all, enjoyment in sport at 蜜桃影像. And finally, I wish to thank Mr Christopher Goodman and the Mission team, Ms Jaimee Bocasan and Ms Roxanne Leopardi, for their work in looking after the soul of the College and all who reside within, and for forming us to be men and women of service.
To all students of 2024, thank you for your hard work, mental toughness, discipline, and determination to succeed at whatever the task, whatever the pain, and to accept both success and failure that are always part of one鈥檚 journey. This year is a chronicle, a testament, to both your attitude and your achievements as men and women of justice, tenderness, and humility, striving for excellence in all you do, letting your light shine by being the best self that you can be.
I鈥檇 like also to take this opportunity to thank all the volunteers, parents, and friends of our 蜜桃影像 community who have given so generously of themselves for the benefit of the College such as the Parent and Friends Association and uniform shop helpers, the Rugby Club, those who attend drop-off and pick up for sports practice, drama, music, debating and the Show Team. To all those who attend the sidelines of courts and fields, theatres and stages 鈥� thank you. This list goes on and is enormous 鈥� to all, thank you.
May the good Lord bless you and your family.
Wishing you a happy and Holy Christmas and a restful summer.
Because a thing is difficult for you, do not therefore suppose it to be beyond mortal power. On the contrary, if anything is possible and proper for man to do, assume that it must fall within your own capacity.
(Marcus Aurelius)
Live Jesus in our hearts. Forever.
Br Steve Hogan fsc
Principal
