PRINCIPALS REPORT
I was filled with joy in attending the range of Easter services at my local Parish in Camden over the weekend. The Church was overflowing at each Mass, with parishoners looking to share their faith and rejoice in the Passion of Jesus Christ. His death and resurrection was an act of love for each of us and is a powerful message of Hope. We are each invited to answer His call to love one another and be people of service to others. I spoke at our Easter Liturgy about students, regardless of faith background, getting to know Jesus and his story and the wonderful benefits this can have for our life. In a world where society appears to becoming more individualistic and divided, Jesus' teachings provide the perfect response and guide to living a life of meaning and purpose, one where the common good of all is the priority. Easter Liturgy
The John Therry community participated in our Easter Liturgy on Thursday 28th March in the College Hall. The death and resurrection of Jesus, son of God, is the basis of our faith and so it was important to come together and prepare for the Easter weekend as a community. The student leaders involved in the stations of the Cross, our liturgical dancers and band and choir all working together made this a most memorable occasion. I thank all involved in bringing this special event together.
Chrism Mass
On Tuesday 26th March, Bishop Brian invited school representatives to celebrate the Chrism Mass with representatives from across the Diocese. This most important Mass is celebrated annually with the Bishop and Priests involved in blessing the Holy Oils that are used throughout the year, and recommitting to their priestly commitments. I thank Vivienne and Alyssa for giving up their time to represent our community at this significant event.
Campbelltown City High Achievers Ceremony
It was a pleasure to attend the Campbelltown City Council High Achievers Ceremony on Monday 25th March to acknowledge students right across the region who achieved Band 6 results in the HSC. It was impressive to see just how many high achievers there are from across the Campbelltown region, with John Therry having 19 students alone. While many of the students from all schools were unable to make the evening with work and university commitments, it was very nice to see Jett, Caitlin and Gabriella representing John Therry at this event. It was a night to be incredibly proud of the students from John Therry, and the broader Campbelltown region.
Marist Pilgrimage
I am taking leave in the last week of Term to participate in the Marist Pilgrimage that will include visiting the Hermitage where Marcellin Champagnat founded the Marist Brothers, and the Vatican City that will include a Mass with Pope Francis. We were originally planned to visit Jerusalem and the Holy Lands, but the current war has meant this has had to be adjusted. We will now travel in the footsteps of St Paul, through sites from Ancient Greece and Turkey, where the original story of Jesus was told and the Catholic Church began to spread. We return to Australia on the last Friday of the school holidays, with just enough time to get over jetlag before returning to school for Term 2. It is a great privilege to have this opportunity for 3 weeks of intensive spiritual immersion and learning, and I trust the learnings will better enable me to continue to lead John Therry as an authentically Catholic and Marist community.