Principal's Message
Laudato Si Week
In Australia, Laudato Si week will be acknowledged from 16 May to 24 May. It encourages us to focus specifically on Pope Francis’ Encyclical and the seven goals that have been established as part of the Laudato Si Action Platform. There is a focus on head, heart and hand, as we consider what we must learn (head), and the transformation of heart necessary to support lasting action (hand) that will lead to change.
The seven goals that have been established as part of the Laudato Si Action Platform are:
Goal 1: The Cry of the Earth
Goal 2: The Cry of the Poor
Goal 3: Ecological Economics
Goal 4: Adoption of Sustainable Lifestyles
Goal 5: Ecological Education
Goal 6: Ecological Spirituality
Goal 7: Community Resilience and Empowerment
St Columba’s College has signed up to the Laudato Si Action Platform. We have completed our self-assessment, and are preparing to complete our self-reflection. We have a commitment to be a sustainable community because we understand that the Earth is a gift from God to be nurtured, that we are an integral element of this gift and we cannot separate ourselves from it. In caring for our common home, we have a care for all of humanity and we extend our values of love, justice, compassion and hope to living in right relationship with the planet and all of its inhabitants.
Reflections and activities over the week will encourage us to consider individual and collective actions that will support our contribution to meeting the Laudato Si Goals.
Staff Retreat Days
As we mark this very special year in the life of the College, the St Columba’s College staff will be on retreat next Thursday and Friday 19 and 20 May. Thursday 19 May will be an Independent Learning day; students will be able to access learning material online. We would encourage students to use Friday 20 May for revision and study, especially our Year 9 to 11 students who will soon be sitting their mid-year exams.
The focus of the retreat will be on sustaining and nurturing the connection to our Catholic identity and mission. Fr Michael Trainor will be our retreat facilitator as we explore the Gospel messages and how they are relevant to our work today. We will also hear from Sr Cathy Meese, a Sister of Charity currently working in prison ministry and Dr Dan Fleming, who works in ethics and formation with St Vincent’s Health Australia. We look forward to a wonderful staff community event, especially in light of the previous two years that have limited our opportunities for staff formation and community building.