BISHOPS VISIT
On Wednesday the 29th the Bishop Brian Mascord, Mr Peter Hill (Director of Catholic Education in Wollongong) Mr Ken Bryant (Head of Catholic Life, Education and Mission) Mr John LoCascio (Head of Secondary Schools) and Mrs Cathy Brown (Secondary Schools Support Officer) met with our staff to discuss and listen to the impact of teaching and learning during this time of Covid and how it has changed and is continuing to change the way in which we engage with our students. The guests then had lunch with the staff and our Student Leadership team and this was followed by a meeting with nine of our Student Leaders and the Bishop. The students shared openly and with a real essence of vulnerability about their journey this year articulating their fears, struggles and most notably their personal triumphs. The Bishop also shared some of his own challenges and ways that he deals with disappointments and tough times. As a community we are incredibly grateful and proud that we have such fine young people that lead our student body and I will leave you with some thoughts of the encounter from a guest and from some of our leaders that were present.
“I just wanted to say THANK YOU for your welcome, hospitality, wonderful organisation, amazing and impressive student participation, phenomenal staff and Marist warmth.
Both your students and staff are very impressive and authentic. Missionary discipleship is certainly being practised in your community and this was evident today. The LTW values of hope, integrity, compassion and justice seem firmly embedded in all that you do. And I strongly believe you are very much a school that operates from a head, heart and hands pedagogy or perspective.
I felt very privileged to be amongst you today: thank you.”
- Cathy Brown
“The visit from Bishop Brian was very enjoyable as we discussed many topics in regards to the Catholic faith as well as Bishop Brian opening up about his life journey in the priesthood and how he found his calling from God. As a whole, the captains were able to express our thoughts especially on the Bishops motto of ‘Give thanks’.” - Riley Tonna
“My interaction with Bishop Brian was an inspiring one, his wisdom and guidance was immensely appreciated by myself and I'm sure my peers as well. His humble nature was nurturing and allowed me to feel comfortable to ask questions that we wouldn't normally get to ask. I am very grateful for the opportunity to meet and talk with the Bishop as through his word I was provided an immense amount of guidance.”
- Hollie Cunningham
“Bishop Brain’s visit to JTCC was not only a delightful experience, but better yet an insightful one. When gathered together with the leadership team, he was very honest, open, courteous and friendly; inspiring and encouraging us through his many life experiences. His wisdom was continually expressed as he responded to each and every question asked in our comfortable, intimate q&a, and his humorous personality revealed over a tasty lunch! His reminder to “ give thanks for all that we have” is a message that will stick with me, especially during such an uncertain time, and for that, and all else that he offered, I am extremely grateful.”
- Sophia Wolczak
