From the Principal – 10 November 2022

This week we remember the contribution and legacy of those us who have lived through major conflicts and our thoughts and prayers are extended to those who are currently suffering the impacts of war.

Excerpts from our Remembrance Day Liturgy presentation:

About 11 November

On this day we remember the day in 1918 when the guns fell silent on the Western Front in France and Belgium after four years of war. Our remembrance is of thanksgiving to those who made the supreme sacrifice in time of war and we pray that the offering of their lives may not have been in vain. The First World War was ‘the war to end all wars’ because of its brutality. We know that this was not what happened.
On this day as always, we dedicate ourselves to the cause of justice, freedom and peace; and for the wisdom and strength to build a better world.

The significance of the red poppies

The poppy reminds us of those who lost their lives or suffered in wars, conflicts and peacekeeping operations. It’s a tradition that began in 1919, after the First World War. In Australia and other countries of the Commonwealth, we recognise the red poppy as the commemorative flower of remembrance.

In Flanders Fields

In Flanders fields the poppies blow
Between the crosses, row on row,
That mark our place; and in the sky
The larks, still bravely singing, fly
Scarce heard amid the guns below.
We are the Dead. Short days ago
We lived, felt dawn, saw sunset glow,
Loved and were loved, and now we lie In Flanders fields.
Take up our quarrel with the foe:
To you from failing hands we throw
The torch; be yours to hold it high.
If ye break faith with us who die
We shall not sleep,
though poppies grow
In Flanders fields.

Reading

Reader: A reading from the book of Lamentations.

Surely the Lord’s mercies are not over, God’s deeds of faithful love not exhausted; every morning they are renewed; ‘and so I shall put my hope in him.’

The Lord is good to those who trust him, to all who search for him. It is good to wait in silence for God to save.
The Word of the Lord.

ALL: THANKS BE TO GOD

Community Consultation

In this fortnight’s News Update is an invitation to the CMC Masterplan consultation. Over the coming months, a new masterplan is being generated by Clarke Hopkins Clarke and RMG who have both been involved in the Mercy Junortoun Sporting Precinct (MJSP) development. The consultation evening is an opportunity to meet and discuss the priorities for the near and distant future of our College.

Master Plan: Consultation
Tuesday 29 November commencing at 5.30pm – Marian Theatre, St Mary’s

Last week representatives from the Junortoun Action Group visited to share their Community Plan 2023-2027. The Action Group is a partner in the MJSP and has close connections with CMC through a range of projects and programs. Some of the areas of mutual interest relate to access off the McIvor Highway and recent challenges associated with closures due to flooding. Many of the roads on the south side of the McIvor Highway have been inaccessible twice in the past month. Unfortunately, heavy rain is forecast again in the coming weeks, so we may well experience more difficulties.

Despite the ongoing weather interruptions, the MJSP development is still progressing well and is only slightly behind schedule. This week, the lights have been installed on the Stage A component. There are no lights in the planning for Stage B. The College ultimately does not require lights. Hopefully, if the weather remains clear, works on the ovals can commence later in summer. The build is scheduled to be ready before Term 2 2023.

Support for our neighbours

Thank you to our students and staff who have been so welcoming and supportive of our guests from Rochester. To observe the St Joseph’s Primary School students’ joy and resilience is something to behold. They are a credit to their community, their behaviour and enthusiasm is so positive, they should be very proud, and so should the staff.

The Year 12 students are nearing the end of the exam period. They have been commended by the VCAA supervisors for their excellent behaviour and the way they have welcomed students from Catholic schools in Echuca, Kerang and Swan Hill. Our Year 12 final celebrations are fast approaching and we remind families to purchase their Graduation tickets.

There have been some enquiries about the students’ final day this year, which is 2 December. The date has always been on the calendar and we are actually finishing later than some other schools in the region. The staff are finishing earlier than usual as we are shortening the time usually dedicated to Professional Development, given the extraordinary commitment demonstrated through the challenges of COVID and chronic levels of illness through the first three terms this year.

Let’s pray the rain stays away. I never thought I would be writing that in a newsletter.

Mr Brian Turner, Principal