I can’t believe we’re here at the end of the year again. I know it sounds cliché, but it’s so true, Term 4 flies by! The weeks have been a whirlwind of activity, from racing to meet deadlines with assessments and exams to embracing new beginnings with the Head Start program, and finally celebrating through end-of-year prayer services and Masses as we prepare for Christmas.

Reflecting on this year, I am incredibly proud of all we have achieved in faith and education. None of it would have been possible without the support of all members of our College community, particularly our families. Your commitment to our religious education program, faith development, and outreach initiatives has been truly inspiring. Through your generosity and active participation, we have strengthened our programs and extended care and hope to those in need. Together, we have donated close to $20,000, supporting not only Catholic agencies but also other nonprofit organisations making a meaningful difference in the wider community.

Beyond financial contributions, our community has extended a hand of compassion through physical donations of food and care items, directly supporting those in need within our local area. This generosity was beautifully demonstrated in our recent Vinnies Christmas Appeal, where we filled over 50 tubs with essential items for families in need. Some families also went a step further, offering cash donations to support this important cause, further amplifying the impact of our collective efforts.

In addition, many of our staff participated in the Share the Dignity: It’s in the Bag Christmas campaign, which provides homeless women and girls with essential items to restore dignity and hope during the festive season. Donations were thoughtfully packed into bags containing toiletries and personal care items, then delivered to the local Altona Bunnings collection point. The staff there expressed their gratitude for our contributions, emphasising the difference these bags will make for women in crisis.

A heartfelt thank you to everyone who embodied the spirit of giving and made such a meaningful impact through these initiatives.

Our Class of 2025 recently embarked on a memorable two-night retreat, bringing the entire cohort together for an experience rich in reflection, connection, and fun. The retreat’s program offered students the chance to reflect on our core values and explore their connection to our new college theme, inspired by the Church’s Jubilee Year of Hope.

Throughout the retreat, students engaged in meaningful discussions, providing feedback on how they can contribute to our college community while striving to make their final year purposeful and impactful. They participated in small group activities, wrote inspiring letters to welcome our new Year 7 students, and crafted heartfelt messages of gratitude for their loved ones.

The retreat was also filled with moments of joy and adventure, with activities such as canoeing, abseiling, archery, and the exhilarating ‘leap of faith.’ Fun icebreakers and outdoor challenges created lasting memories, while an alumni panel offered valuable advice and inspiration for the year ahead.

The experience concluded beautifully with a shared Eucharist celebrated by Fr. John Healy, who made a special trip to join us. During this significant moment, students received their Year 12 badge, yearbook, and final words of encouragement. This retreat was a powerful start to their Year 12 journey, fostering hope, gratitude, and determination as they prepare to lead and excel in their final chapter at our College.

As we prepare to celebrate Christmas and welcome the opening of the Jubilee Year on 24 December, may the ‘door of hope’ open more deeply in our hearts. This sacred season invites us to reflect on the year ahead with a renewed commitment to peace in our world. Where we can offer a hand up, may we do so whether through small gestures or great acts of generosity. Let us look to Scripture, our holy book, to reignite the love of Christ within us and inspire us to engage more deeply with our community.

In the words of St. Mary of the Cross MacKillop, 'We must teach more by example than by word.' May we live as people of hope, listening to one another with open hearts, suspending judgment, and embracing true acceptance. Though our thoughts and beliefs may differ, we can always find common ground through respect and kindness. In embodying Christ’s call to love one another, we carry His hope and compassion into the world.

As we celebrate the joy and peace of Christmas, let us also hold our world in prayer during these unsettled times. May our hearts turn toward those impacted by conflict, war, and uncertainty, and may our shared hope inspire acts of peace and reconciliation.

May this Christmas bring you joy, peace, and a renewed sense of purpose as we step into this Jubilee Year together.

Anne Severi - Director of Catholic Identity