Commencement Mass and more
Dear Parents, Students, and Friends,
Ash Wednesday
Today we began the Church season of Lent. Forty days leading up to Easter Sunday and the Resurrection of Jesus. Mr Rulewski organised the distribution of ashes. This is a ceremony that has taken place for many centuries. The students were very respectful during this time. We are being asked to look at our lives during this time and to see where in our lives we can make a place for Jesus and his teaching of love for others. How can we be people who are there for others?
Commencement Mass
Last week on Wednesday the Marist College North Shore community joined together to celebrate the beginning of our 2020 school year at St Mary’s North Sydney. The spirit in the Church was palpable. The singing that takes place on these occasions by both the students and the choir, directed by Tony McDonnell and Rod Herbert, is an amazing display of talent. A special mention to Harry O’Brien, Year 12, who was the cantor on the day, sang magnificently.
Both Bishop Brady and Aiden Brennan, the College Captain, spoke passionately about the past and the future of our community. This Mass gives us the opportunity to welcome all new students and staff to the College and this is recognised by placing their names into the Marist Heart, a tradition since 2012. New staff were also presented with a candle, which included, Ms. Barbara Watkins, the Chief Executive of the North Sydney Catholic Education Network.
The College theme for 2020 is ‘Courage’. It makes reference to the College Motto of Courage Conquers All and also to the bible reference from 1 Chronicles of ‘Be strong, courageous and act.’ Our student leaders designed this theme and Aiden spoke about its importance for this year. We are asking our students to be Marist Men who do the right thing, look after the poor in society and who are counted on to act respectfully and to have gratitude for what they have been given.
We were honoured to have in attendance the parents of our Student Leadership Team, primary Principals, teachers, and students from our network schools, along with friends of the College.
Our mass really made me aware of our history and our future as a College.
2019 College Dux
On Friday 7 February 2020 the College community had the opportunity of presenting Year 12, 2019 high achievers with their certificates and medals. Our Dux for 2019 was Sean Auer, click here to read Sean’s address to the College.
College Meetings
On Wednesday 4 March we have two significant events happening in the Academic Resource Centre. The first being the HSC High Achievers Forum at 6 pm. There will be high achievers from the Year 12, 2019 cohort coming along to speak about their HSC experience. Then at 7 pm we have the Parents’ and Friends’ Association meeting, which I would like to encourage all families of the College to attend.
Tony Duncan
Principal