Fr Ramesh is a very special friend and companion of the College and his homily was perfectly addressed to our students. At the Mass we blessed the plaque that will be permanently affixed to our "Homeless Jesus" statue donated by the P&F. This statue is in the Caritas Christi courtyard and offers a point of challenge and contemplation to all who pass by during their day. I extend my sincere thanks to Mrs Brooks, Ms Davis and Ms Da Costa for the Liturgy. I commend the exquisite singing of our Choir under the guidance of Mr Paull and Ms Peoples and admire the logistical triumph of getting the community to and from the Church using public transport. The biggest thank you is to the students for their reverent participation in the Mass.
Tomorrow, the big event of the week is the Inter House Swimming Carnival. The information has all been distributed previously and can be found by your daughter on the Student Life Classroom and The Point . It will be held at Ashfield Pool (Elizabeth Street) and again students will use public transport to get there and back. The spirit is building and the practice cheers are getting louder! It will be a very colourful, community building activity and I look forward to all students attending. I ask for your support as parents to avoid any enabling selective absences. Traveling home by train on Thursday with the students was impressive. their behaviour was exemplary but again we were embarrassed by the number of students who do not have valid Opal cards. Please ensure your daughter has a STUDENT OPAL if she is eligible or a PERSONAL OPAL with credit. Students have been known to jump the barriers of barge through putting themselves and others at risk. Public transport is a vital piece of infrastructure in Sydney and the data collected while tapping on and off (even when a student is eligible for free travel) is vital in the provision of adequate services. Please ensure your daughter respects this service. It causes much reputational harm when students disregard this requirement.
Today, our Years 10-12 students have has the opportunity to listen to Paul Dillon. Paul is an internationally reknown expert on how young people, drugs and alcohol. He is always full of respect for young people and their complex world and cultural norms. Please take the time tonight to discuss with your daughter what she heard today from Paul.
We pray together for Pope Francis' health. He has modelled to the world what it means to be a servant of the poor and pilgrim of hope.