Connected Together sharing common ground
Principal's Message
Visit from Bishop Greg
The College community enjoyed a wonderful visit from Bishop Greg this week. He celebrated Mass for our staff in the chapel, met with our school executive team, supported the opening of the Mercy Centre by blessing the plaques and centre, met with a range of students and then met with our staff and other parishioners - all in one day! During the staff Mass, Bishop Greg asked what the College motto was, he knew the theme was light in the gospel of the day: Luke 8:16 ‘Now no man lighting a candle covereth it with a vessel, or putteth it under a bed; but setteth it upon a candlestick, that they who come in may see the light.’ In unison the staff responded ‘Let your light shine’, which was a beautiful moment during the Mass as those voices spoke of pride of the values that underpin the College. Bishop Greg made a very important point for our staff about our motto, that everyone has light to shine and it is our job to recognise and allow the light to flourish, not to put the light out. Bishop Greg is an inspiring man whose words provide great insights and comfort when you are speaking to him, he can personalise how your support of others can lift those around you.
Opening of the Mercy Centre
The College celebrated the Opening of the Mercy Centre on Monday 22 September with great flair and professionalism. We were blessed with a fine day which showcases the beautiful light that enters the centre and adds to its glory. We welcomed many distinguished guests on the day; including Bishop Greg, Fr James and members of the Parish Finance and Pastoral councils, Federal Member for Cowper, Mr Pat Conaghan, and Mayor Kinnie Ring, many members of the Diocese of Lismore Catholic Schools Leadership team, four members of the Mercy Sisters, representatives of our local feeder schools, members of the Henry family as the Joseph and Ellen Henry Pavilion was also opened, as well as local parishioners, parents, staff and students. I consider the importance of these days is to showcase the high standards the College strives for every day as demonstrated to visitors to the school. I felt the smooth running of this celebration emphasised this point and I would like to sincerely thank many people for their efforts, including Assistant Principals, Mrs Lesa Morrison and Mrs Kate Fullbrook, School Captains, Sophie Brandolini and Harrison Bailey, and wonderful administrative staff, Executive Assistant to the Principal, Mrs Alys Farley and Administrative Assistant, Mrs Bernette van Kal.
Visit by the Mercy Sisters
One of the highlights of the opening of the Mercy Centre was the visit of Sr Barbara Bolster, Sr Cabrini Mainey, Sr Faith Jones, Sr Rosie Carroll representing the Mercy Sisters during the opening of the Mercy Centre. There were many staff and guests who enjoyed the opportunity to catch up with these wonderful educators and reminisce about their times at school with the Mercy sisters. Sr Barbara presented an enlightening address where many interesting facts were highlighted: the first sisters to come to Kempsey were four Sisters of St Joseph from North Sydney in 1884 (a convent and school had been erected prior to their arrival - in 1885 there were 140 students on the school roll); they were replaced by Presentation Sisters for a short time; in 1900 five Mercy Sisters from Grafton arrived and administered the school, a secondary school emerged in 1925 and St Philomena’s High School was erected in Kemp street in 1941; the Mercy sisters also ran a small boarding school for students to complete their education in Kempsey; in the 1960’s the girls high school was renamed St Pius X High School and buildings were erected on the current site of St Paul’s leading to co-education in the 1980’s. The Mercy sisters have provided exceptional support for education in the Macleay Valley for well over 100 years and it is wonderful that a tribute to their contributions is captured in the Mercy Centre at St Paul’s.
Year 12 Graduation Mass and Award Ceremony
The celebrations of Week 10 continued with the Year 12 Graduation Mass at All Saints Catholic Church Kempsey and the award ceremony at the College. The Year 12 Graduation Mass is a very special event, we are blessed to have so many families attend this special occasion as many of our staff and students viewed the Mass from the Parish Hall live streamed. The sight of the Year 12 girls and staff singing Oceans, the Year 12 boys and staff singing Rain Down and finally the staff singing the Irish Blessing to the Year 12 cohort are very special traditions that sums up the love and support between the staff and students at the College, it is an incredible privilege to be involved with such an inspiring group of people.
60th anniversary celebrations and the Term 3 holidays
The College is greatly looking forward to celebrating our 60th anniversary on Sunday 5 October. The day begins with the Parish Mass in the Mercy centre beginning at 9.30am, the re-naming of the monastery to Hope House and then school tours and a review of memorabilia with a BBQ brunch. Everyone is very welcome to attend, we have received many replies from ex-Principals, staff and students for the day.
I hope you have a wonderful next few weeks as your great St Paul’s young men and women enjoy the beautiful weather of the October holiday break.
Kind regards
Mr Geoff Melville BRurScEd, MEd, GCertRE
Principal