By Mrs Carol Sharp, APRE

Theme for 2021

Liturgy for the Opening of the Academic Year

The academic year's official opening was marked this morning with a liturgy that explored our theme for the year. The theme is a line from the story of the Good Samaritan from the Gospel of Luke. It challenges us to take notice of the world around us so we can recognise the opportunities where we can be ‘neighbour’ to one another. This year’s theme links to all of our school values, but in particular, to the values of compassion and generosity. It calls for us to look at every human person as our brothers and sisters, and to go out of our way to show them mercy and love.

Of course, the other side of that coin is to accept the mercy and love shown to us by others no matter who they are and what our bias or prejudice may be. This is arguably the more difficult part of the equation as we often need to humble ourselves to receive this aid.

Our goal is for Assumption College to be a community where all of its members recognise and respond to each other with compassion and generosity. In this way, we understand the innate dignity of the human person and we can realise the unlimited human potential in each and every one of us.

Vision, Mission and Values

Last year we finalised and launched our new motherhood documents – our vision, mission and values statement. Of course, other priorities soon took over, and our plan for introducing it to our students fell by the wayside as assemblies were cancelled and COVID concerns took over. In our whole-school assembly this week, I spoke to our students about the new documents and, as a way to begin student engagement, launched a competition to design the new poster that will display these documents in each and every classroom.

An updated copy of the vision and mission statement is available on the College website. Students who are interested in the design competition should email me on carol.sharp@twb.catholic.edu.au to register their interest and receive further information on the criteria and conditions.

Upcoming Events

• Wednesday 17^th Feb – Ash Wednesday Liturgy (held during PC time in house groups)
• Thursday 18^th Feb – Year 7 & 8 Retreat (held at ACW, students to wear sports uniform)

Prayer

A Student's Prayer for a New School Year

Lord Jesus, I ask for Your help as I begin this new school year.

Allow me to experience Your presence in the many blessings You put before me.

Open my eyes to the new challenges and exciting opportunities that this new school year brings.

Open my heart and mind to new friends and new teachers.

Give me a generous spirit to be enthusiastic with my studies and courage to accept new opportunities.

Help me to be attentive to my teachers and let me experience Your presence in my new friends.

Jesus, inspire me to do my best this year!

Amen