Good morning, students and staff,
I am delighted to welcome you all to this assembly.
Before we begin, I would like to acknowledge the Wurundjeri people, the traditional custodians of the land on which we gather today. We pay our respects to their Elders, past, present, and emerging, and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples here today.
As we reflect on Term 1, we are filled with gratitude and satisfaction for the many activities, events, and classes that have enriched our school community. From the warm welcome extended to our new Year 7 students, who have begun their journey of learning and growth, to the vibrant energy of having all six-year levels on campus, it has been a truly dynamic term. We’ve enjoyed exciting camps, engaging assemblies, a formal, spirited sports competitions, and the dedication shown in production rehearsals. Each of these experiences has contributed to a sense of belonging and purpose, fostering a supportive and inspiring environment for everyone. Thank you to all students and staff for your enthusiasm and hard work, making Term 1 a memorable and successful start to the year.
Today I share an Easter reflection.
22 April 2000.
Today, I want to share a personal story about a key moment in my life. I feel it is a story I need to share with you as it embodies the themes of hope, faith, and the transformative power of a positive relationship with God.
I encourage you to listen carefully regardless of your beliefs or spirituality.
As a young person I attended a local government primary school. I walked to and from school until the principal offered my mum a job as she spent so much time volunteering in classes. School was fun. I enjoyed my classes and participated wholeheartedly in school sport.
In a Catholic primary school setting, children typically receive the sacraments of Reconciliation (Year 3), First Eucharist (Year 4), and Confirmation (Year 6). My primary school was not Catholic. Nor was my family or me. There was no personal faith experience at school or parish.
My life changed when given an opportunity to attend a Catholic secondary school. My alma mater is very similar to our learning environment at Salesian with an academic setting, many opportunities, strong community and high-quality supportive teachers. Teachers helped improve my academic results but importantly they challenged me about my faith and how this was part of my identity.
My thinking and knowledge were enriched with religious education classes, liturgy and retreats. I felt at home at school…I was well connected and gained a sense of who I was
However, after finishing Year 12 I really struggled. Family life presented challenges. I had university with a long daily commute, and my football had become performance orientated. Something was missing.
I didn’t have social media to search for answers. Not that answers are found in the algorithms associated with influencers.
I started to reflect and drew upon my school experiences and started daily prayers.
A felt a profound calling and chose to explore my faith. As a young adult I entered formation classes as part of the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults, a process within the Catholic Church for adults seeking to become Catholic, involving a gradual journey of faith, study, and prayer, culminating in the sacraments of Baptism, Confirmation, and Eucharist.
22 April 2000, I become a Catholic during the Easter Vigil.
25 years later here I stand upon reflecting this significant moment.
My journey was marked by discernment and prayer, as I sought to understand God. I was deeply influenced by the role models around me, whose faith and actions inspired me to explore my own beliefs. It was an emotional experience—ranging from uncertainty to profound peace—playing a crucial role in my decision to embrace the Catholic faith.
I discovered the importance of joining a community. In doing so I found a place of welcome where I gained a sense of belonging, meaning, and purpose. This Catholic community provided support and encouragement, helping me to grow in their faith and live out my calling in my personal and work life.
Around the same time, I also found inspiration in the teachings of Don Bosco, who emphasized the importance of education, faith, and the presence of God in our daily lives. I spent 6 months at Xavier College, a Salesian school in northern Adelaide, which allowed me to better understand myself as a person, teacher and leader. A key learning was that “holiness consists of being cheerful”. Relationships are important and it is an easy thing to do to be respectful and bring joy to others.
Psalm 3 reminds us of the protection and support God provides: “But you, Lord, are a shield around me, my glory, the One who lifts my head high.” This verse speaks to the hope and faith that I sustained throughout my faith journey. I have learnt to understand their unique gifts and how God had wired them for a specific purpose. God allows us to live a full life, filled with dreams and gifts.
By responding to the invitation of Christ, I found that God wants us to be active participants in our lives, whether it’s in our family, studies, or community. St. Joan of Arc reminds us, “Act, and God will act.”
My story is just one story of Catholic faith amongst the 1.4 billion Catholics worldwide.
My story highlights the importance of discovering our God-given gifts and offering them in service and contribution to others. Living life to the fullest means finding fulfillment in giving our service to others, just as Jesus did.
God is important because He provides us with the dreams and gifts to meet the seasons of our lives. He offers us hope and faith, guiding us to understand our unique motivational design and how we can use our gifts to serve others. By responding to Christ’s invitation, we become active participants in our lives, contributing to our families, studies, and communities.
As Pope Francis beautifully said, “Jesus Christ loves you; he gave his life to save you; and now he is living at your side every day to enlighten, strengthen and free you.” Learn about Jesus—who He is and how much He loves you. This understanding can transform your life, filling it with purpose and joy. I know it has for me.
I encourage each of you to take some time to reflect on your own faith journey. Discover your God-given gifts and think about how you can use them to serve others. Get involved in our school community, support your friends and family, and strive to make a positive impact in the world around you. Remember, living life to the fullest means finding fulfillment in giving your service to others. Let us all work together to create a community of hope, faith, and love.
As we celebrate the Easter season, let us remember the story of hope and joy that it brings. Jesus’ resurrection is a powerful reminder that no matter the challenges we face, there is always hope and a new beginning. Let us embrace this message and strive to live our lives with purpose, faith, and a commitment to serving others.
Thank you, and may God bless you all during the holidays.