Shining Lights Week 3, Term 4, 26/10/2023
Encounter Discipline Mission
With only a few days of the HSC exams left to go, it is nearly time for our outgoing Year 12’s to spread their wings and begin their post school journey. A daunting time for all involved, I am sure. The excitement at beginning a new chapter combined with some anxiety about the unknown can definitely a little unsettling. However, it provides an opportunity to take a moment to reflect on what their time at Lumen Christi has had to offer.
Being a Catholic school, Religious Education is at the forefront of what we are about. It extends well beyond the RE classroom and permeates into the way teachers and students interact, our sporting carnivals, retreat days, personal relationships and most importantly into the way we contribute to the wider community.
I had the fortune of listening to Archbishop Christopher Prowse talk about the Archdiocesan Year of the Holy Spirit (2023/2024) this week. He summed up the experience of the Holy Spirit in three key words. Encounter, Discipleship and Mission. To illustrate the point, he used the analogy of an eagle taking flight…
The Encounter is the eagle squatting down and using its legs to project itself into the world. This is our initial experience of God which for some may take place during their baptism and for others it is morning prayer in Pastoral Care on the first day of Year 7.
Next is Discipleship. The hard work. Maybe not deemed to be the coolest or most attractive element. It is the constant flapping, where a lot of energy is spent, but a little goes a long way.
Finally… Mission. This is where we put all the good work into action. Hopefully this comes easy because of everything that preceded it. Like an eagle effortlessly riding updrafts for hours on end. It is positive relationships, a sense of purpose and in its most elemental form, love in action.
These three concepts are key to God’s presence in our world. I have no doubt that for some students, memories of the words ‘Be the Light of Christ’, the Beatitudes and the story of the Good Samaritan will haunt them (in a positive way) for years to come. As a teacher, I am constantly reminded of the positive impact Lumen Christi has on both the individual and the community. From the student who left school and opted for vocational training in Year 10, who turns up on my doorstep with a smile on their face ready to install a power outlet, right through to the student who completes the degree they had their heart set on since primary school, each person is a success, worthy of celebration.
I am sure that all in the school community would agree that the Holy Spirit is with the outgoing Year 12 cohort as they leave us and most importantly, that they are leaving us as conduits of God’s love in the world - ready to soar.
World Teachers’ Day - Friday, 27 October
Self-respect permeates every aspect of your existence.
If you don't have respect for yourself, you're not gonna get it from anyone else.
Lean on Me
Carpe Diem, seize the day, make your lives extraordinary.
Dead Poets’ Society
You only see the turn, you don't see the road ahead.
Stand and Deliver
Memorable quotes from movies about inspirational teachers remind us of the important role that we play, but it is the day in and day out, little things that really count.
As teachers, and I include all staff who work in schools, we have the tremendous joy of helping students to find their spark and shine it for the world to see. The spectacular “Shrek” performances last week is evidence of the great commitment our teachers have to our students.
Parent/teacher conferences are a great opportunity to meet with your children’s teachers and discuss how we can work together to support their learning. Year 7 -10 interviews are Thursday, 26 October and interviews for our new Year 12 students will be on Thursday, 9 November. If you are unable to attend, teachers can always be contacted by email or by phoning the Front Office to arrange a time to call or meet.
As we celebrate World Teachers’ Day tomorrow, may you reflect with gratitude on the teachers who inspired you, perhaps sharing a memory of your own schooling with your children, and encourage them to appreciate that (as celebrated in “Shrek”)
“What makes us special, makes us strong...we’re different and united”
Bus Passes
Did you know that students who need to use another bus on occasions rather than their usual school bus need to pay a bus fare?
When students are boarding a school bus they are expected to have their bus pass ready to show the driver. Many parents attach the passes to their child’s bags with a keyring or place it in the front pocket of the schoolbag for easy access. If your child loses their bus pass, parents are expected to replace the pass for a fee, as your child should have it with them ready to show when needed.
In the afternoons, we have many students who travel on buses that are not their regular bus for work, sport, sleepovers and other commitments. In these cases, students are asked to pay a fare for the bus ride ranging between $1.50 - $2:00 depending on how far they are travelling. Of late, we have had many students turning up to the buses without money to pay the fare, which is causing issues as students board the bus and this causes the bus to depart late.
If your child needs to use another bus on occasion, you are able to pre-purchase tickets from Sapphire Coast Bus lines. A pre-purchased book of 10 tickets that take your child from Lumen Christi Catholic College to Merimbula costs $16. See https://scbuslines.com.au/school-student-bus-services/school-passes/ for further information.
Bus Travel and Student Conduct
Our LCCC students generally demonstrate courteous and safe behaviour on the buses, however at times there may be issues that arise on the bus. If your child reports an issue, you can contact the bus company who will assist you in dealing with the matter. At times, it may also be appropriate for you to contact the Pastoral Team at LCCC to inform them of the issue or incident if your child needs further support. ,
