Mission Report – February 9, 2017

May I offer you a joyful welcome to the new year at St Patrick’s College. In a special way I welcome our new families for 2017.

As a Catholic school in the Edmund Rice tradition we are guided by our Touchstones.

• Gospel spiritualty

• Liberating education

• Inclusive community

• Justice and solidarity

In 2017 we shall have a special focus on Liberating education as we open ourselves to the transformative power of quality teaching and learning experiences, so that each of us is always hope-filled and active in creating a world brought to life in God’s love.

Our Year 12 students have already enjoyed a day of retreat on this theme. This retreat experience is a source of unity and endurance for students as they set out on their final year of secondary education. They listened to the extraordinary adventures of Sam Clear who walked around the world for two years, witnessing the need for genuine unity among people. They also sang and danced with Fr Rob Galea who offered them God’s promise: –For surely I know the plans I have for you, says the Lord, plans for your welfare and not for harm, to give you a future with hope. Then when you call upon me and come and pray to me, I will hear you. When you search for me, you will find me; if you seek me with all your heart, I will let you find me, says the Lord. (Jer 29:11-14). Both guests offered personal and profound reflections in our theme of a Liberating education.-

Our Catholic tradition has always proclaimed the words of Jesus that -‘The truth will make you free’ (Jn 8:32). The search for this truth is at the heart of quality teaching and learning. – It is this trusting openness for what is real and truly worthwhile that must enlighten and guide all the opportunities that are offered at St Patrick’s College. The great diversity of our College has Jesus, who is “the way, and the truth, and the life” (Jn 14:6), as our ultimate source of unity. May this year be filled with friendship and God’s unlimited joy for us all. –