By Mrs Liisa Hammond, Principal

Luke 15: 1-3. 11-32.

Luke’s Gospel, the Parable of the Prodigal Son, is one of the most well-known Gospels. Many times, when we are exposed to this Gospel, we focus upon the sins of the younger brother and the righteousness of the forgiving father. The older brother’s actions are often overlooked, and yet it is the juxtaposition between these two brothers that we find a relevancy to our lives, today.

The oldest son is portrayed as being long-suffering, staying at home whilst the younger brother flitters away his half of the inheritance. Upon the younger brother’s return, the older brother, through his words and actions, disrespects his father for celebrating and rejoicing the fact that his “lost” son has returned.

I think that we can all relate to the older brother in this parable. I certainly see it as Principal. Two or more students have done something that needs to be challenged and the first words out of each of their mouths are, “but *insert name was also doing it …” or “but *insert name did something worse …”. Just as the older brother in the Parable of Prodigal Son is consumed by the actions of his younger brother, I often find that students become fixated on others’ behaviours – often rendering them unable to see that they too have done wrong. The older brother does not see that by his refusal to understand forgiveness, then he is alienating himself from the righteousness and grace of the Father.

The younger son absolutely does wrong; however, he recognises his sins and rather than blaming others, he owns his sins. He returns to his father’s lands, believing that he will be a servant and is surprised when his father not only welcomes him back with open arms, but also forgives him and restores him to the status of son. In my role as Principal, I see this as recognition of the times that our students make mistakes and yet demonstrate integrity by owning their actions.

Through the parable, the integrity of the younger son comes from a realisation that he is accountable for his actions, and that ownership of his actions allows for learning to take place. We come to an understanding that while we are all sinners, while we all make mistakes, it is through integrity that we are able to learn and to grow in Truth and Love.

Easter

Over the past (almost) forty days, we have been observing Lent. This is in preparation for the celebration of Easter. Easter is the most important season of our Church – a time to recognise the sacrifice and suffering of Jesus for our salvation.

During our final Liturgy of the term, Mrs Carol Sharp challenged our community to “… walk in the way” of Jesus. This is not an easy task, and most certainly not a literal request. We are called to reflect on our own crosses, our own burdens, and to question our reaction to those burdens.

In the fourteen Stations of the Cross, we witness Jesus being betrayed, falsely accused, bearing ridicule, bearing physical torture, death and finally, burial. Jesus’ reaction to these horrific events is not only to endure them, but to consider others. He humbled us all when he claimed, “Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do!” (Luke 23:34). Here was a man who suffered so greatly at the hands of those that falsely condemned him. A man who was beaten, whipped, humiliated and yet, a man who chose forgiveness.

“May we walk in Your way” was the response to each Station during our Liturgy. A response that urges us to choose compassion, wisdom, justice, and generosity, when we are carrying our crosses, when we are facing our challenges. This is not an easy task, and one that we most certainly do not always get right. As long we strive to ensure that we act, through truth and love, then we are able to walk in Jesus’ way – a challenge worthy of our time and acceptance.

Term 1, Interim Reports

Over the final days of Term 1, I have had the privilege of reading through every student’s Interim Report. Given the challenges of this term, including COVID-19, floods, and a delayed start, I have been pleased with the results achieved.

It is important to note, that as this is an Interim Report, it is an indication of where your child is placed in their learning, at this point in time. The evidence collated for the professional decision of achievement, has been sourced from classwork, homework, as well as formative and summative assessment items.

At the beginning of Term 2, I will be conducting meetings with students who have performed exceptionally well, and those who, according to their ‘Attitude to Learning’ and ‘Academic Progress’ achievements may require further clarification around expectations to learning and/or support to achieve to their capacity.

If you would like to discuss your child’s progress, I highly recommend that both you and your child attend our Parent/Teacher Interviews, scheduled for 26 April 2022.

Please see your emails for information on how to book an appointment.

Listening Forums

As Catholics, we are being called by Pope Francis to engage in a process of listening and discernment – to enter into a synod. This has inspired us at Assumption College. As the new principal of Assumption College, and as this year is the final year of our current strategic plan, I would like to invite you all to what we are calling Listening Forums. Next term, you will be invited to attend an hour-long opportunity to respond to the question –

“What would you like to see for the future of Assumption College?”

These Listening Forums will be grouped in Year Levels, and you will be invited to attend the forum that corresponds with the year group your child is in. If you would like to attend one or all (if you have multiple children at the College) you are most welcome.

Through these forums we will walk together on a journey of listening and discernment to ensure the academic, wellbeing, and spiritual success of our entire community. I look forward to welcoming you all to our Listening Forums.

End of Term 1, 2022

As this term has drawn to a close, I would like to take this opportunity to thank the community of Assumption College, once again, for your warm welcome.

Whilst this term may have presented with challenging moments, it was the moments of joy that we will take forward with us into Term 2. The last day of Term 1 was such a wonderful demonstration of our commitment to ensure that we provide opportunities for learning, wellbeing, and spirituality, that are liberating, empowering, and nurturing.

I wish every member of our community a blessed, safe, and revitalising holiday period, and look forward to welcoming everyone upon their return on Wednesday, 20 April 2022.

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