Luke 4: 1 – 13; Luke 9: 28 – 36

Over the past two weeks, the Gospel readings have told the narrative of Jesus being challenged by choices that will impact his future. Firstly, he faces the temptation of the devil. Jesus is offered ease, comfort, wealth, and power. These are all the trappings that most humans strive to achieve. He considers the options presented to him and each time he turns the devil down. Secondly, we witness Jesus choosing the harder path, a path that he is aware will lead to his death, but one that will allow him to continue to challenge injustice and oppression.

Often the Gospels can seem to be so foreign to our existence that we struggle to find a way to re-contextualise it to make it relevant to our young people. In this instance, Luke is able to present a narrative that is so relevant that it does not take much to see our own lives reflected through his words.

At Assumption College, we have the privilege of working with your children and young adults who are at that stage in life where they are questioning who they are and who they want to be. As parents and guardians, we have our own visions and dreams for our children, but ultimately, no matter the path they take, we just want them to be ‘good’ people. This concept of ‘good’ can reflect many things. At Assumption College, we strive every day to ensure that our students have the opportunity to choose dignity and integrity, when faced with a challenge. We support them to be open and honest when things do not go to plan or when they may stumble on their journey.

Teenagers are learning who they are and who they want to be. We know that even as adults, perfection is an artificial construct; however, if at the end of their time with us, Assumption graduates are able to be aware and inclusive of those on the margins of our society, are able to recognise and preserve the dignity of all, are able to care for the world we live in, are able to actively demonstrate subsidiarity and participation, and are able to stand in solidarity with our one human family – then that is a definition of ‘good’ that we are willing to support.

Jesus chose a hard path. A path defined by discomfort, sacrifice, and challenge, but it is this path that saw him able to challenge the oppression of others and the injustices he witnessed. Instead of choosing the artificial trappings of society, he chose to 'be more' not 'have more'. An excellent lesson for us to learn and one that we honour, by allowing our students to develop their self-concept of integrity and justice for all.

Inclusivity Captain

As a Catholic College, we are committed to upholding the dignity of every person within our community. This is independent of ethnicity, creed, gender, sexuality, age, or ability. This tenet is the foundation of our Catholicity – we are all made in the image and likeness of God and therefore are committed to never compromising the dignity of every member of our community and beyond.

As such, the Student College Leaders and myself have nominated an Inclusivity Captain for 2022. The view is that this position will be moved to a formal leadership position within our community in 2023. This role will ensure that all students have a voice through a liberating, empowering, and nurturing environment.

It is with great pleasure and a privilege that I am able to announce that, Isabel Natividad has accepted the position of Assumption College’s Inclusivity Captain for 2022. Please congratulate Isabel on this achievement.

International Women’s Day

It was delightful to attend the Warwick Zonta International Women’s Day Breakfast with Ms Natalie Smith, Mrs Carol Sharp and Mrs Jess Cantwell; along with our College Leaders; Keely Lockhart, Lily Osborne, Joey Beveridge, Rachael Jordan, Emily Phelan, Juliana Cruda, Taylah Eastwell and Isabel Natividad.

In recognition of International Women’s Day 2022, I am presenting to you the story of Mary of the Assumption and Catherine McAuley. These two women, who in spite of their times and contexts, were courageous enough to step beyond societal expectations to do extraordinary things.

The Assumption of Mary observes the belief that our Mother Mary was assumed into heaven. This was to honour the commitment and bravery that Mary demonstrated in becoming Jesus’ mother. Mary’s faithfulness and courage, in spite of the challenges and circumstances surrounding her commitment to the salvation of humankind, was extraordinary. An ordinary woman, who by her faith in God’s ability to make the impossible, possible, served to become the mother to the Saviour of the world.

Catherine McAuley established the Sisters of Mercy in 1831. Poverty and injustice were firmly entrenched at this time. Through her inheritance, McAuley was able to build the House of Mercy in Baggot Street, Dublin. McAuley utilised education as a means to empower women and children at risk of homelessness due to poverty and exploitation. Her commitment to her faith saw her overcome self-doubt and the establishment of an order that continues to inspire, nuture, and enliven the empowerment of women and children throughout the world, today.

The 2022 theme for International Women’s Day was Break the Bias. This theme embodies the possibilities that exist within a gender equal world. Such a world is where difference is valued and celebrated, as well as a world recognised as being equitable and inclusive.  Assumption College is committed to bringing about a world that believes in the unlimited potential of all – and we believe this can be achieved through Truth and Love.  

May Our Mother Mary, grant her blessings upon our College community.