I get a sense now, that the world is a fragile place. On the one hand, life appears to be returning to normal, particularly here in Australia. On the other, we know that our situation can change rapidly. In some ways the challenges of 2020 are behind us, but we also know that the impacts of that extraordinary year are still being keenly felt in our community and will be for some time to come.
A couple of Sunday’s ago, I stood before a group of prospective parents at our College Open Day to speak about the virtues and advantages of a boy’s education. I believe it was not possible to commence this address, without first acknowledging and supporting, the growing chorus of young women who continue to show strength and courage in calling out the extremely poor behaviours of some young men in our society.
Every morning over tea and toast, I have a quick flick through the paper to ensure I keep up with the news of the day. I have to say it is not often an uplifting experience. Concerning issues on a global, national and local level, dominate. Issues we cannot shy away from or ignore.
Dear members of the Whitefriars College Family, I always feel at this time of the year that there is a sense of urgency among us. It’s like we are all rushing to meet a deadline and that deadline is Christmas day! How many times do we hear people say, I have so much to do…
Dear members of the Whitefriars College Family, Recently in our Liturgical Calendar, 1 November to be exact, we celebrated the feast of all Saint. This is a day on which we celebrate the lives of all our loved ones who are now resting in the palm of Gods hand. The name saint not only refers…
Dear members of the Whitefriars College Family, It is with great excitement that I write to you this week as our Year 8, 9 and 10 students return following the longest absence of students from school in the history of education in this country. It is moments such as this when it is good to…
Dear member of the Whitefriars College family, This past week I have felt somewhat like a bear who has come out of hibernation. Emerging from the darkness of winter the air smells sweeter, the sun feels warmer and there is a general feeling of energy and hope that envelopes us. Sorry to take a bit…
Dear members of the Whitefriars College family, As we conclude what has been a very challenging term for us all, I wish to take this opportunity to express my sincere gratitude to you for your continued support and encouragement of all that we are doing at Whitefriars in support of your sons. I have been…
Dear members of the Whitefriars College family, Over these weeks of home learning, I have been constantly amazed at the creativity, innovation and thoughtfulness of our staff, as they continue to provide opportunities for our young men to engage in learning on a daily basis. Since I last wrote in this space, there have been…
Dear members of the Whitefriars College family, As Catholic Educators it is our mission to bring the Good News of Jesus to the young people we serve. I have to say that in our quest to achieve this lofty aim, we don’t always hit the mark. Trying to explain the great mysteries of our faith…
Dear members of the Whitefriars College Family, Sometimes in moments of difficulty and challenge, the light of inspiration can shine on us and change the whole complexion of our view of the world. For me this week, that light took the form of a reflection provided by the great Whitefriars man, Neal Crossan, at our…
Dear members of the Whitefriars College Family, It is great to welcome you all back for the start of another term at Whitefriars. Last Monday I wrote to our staff expressing my concerns and apprehensions about what we were coming back to. I told them that… there was a moment when I despaired at what…
