The Feast of Saint Maria Domenica Mazzarello was celebrated on Sunday 13 May. In 1852, at the age of 15, Maria joined the Daughters of Mary Immaculate. As the Industrial Revolution changed the landscape of Europe, Mary opened a dressmaking shop for young women. She taught them not only the skills for survival in the everyday world, but also the power of prayer and the love of God. Mary’s practical and spiritual approach to ministry caught the eye of Don Bosco. In 1872 Don Bosco, together with Mary Mazzarello, founded the Salesian Sisters, the Daughters of Mary Help of Christians. This inspired ministry for the education of young women complemented Don Bosco’s commitment to young men. By the time of her death in 1881, Mary had established a style of education grounded in enlightened catechesis. In 1951, Pope Pius XII canonised her. Today’s Daughters of Mary Help of Christians reflect their founder’s joyful self-giving, her sincere humility, her responsibility in work, and her austerity in life. The Salesian Sisters have a community close by to us in Scoresby and are an important part of the Salesian story at St Joseph’s College.
I acknowledge the leadership of Ms Ann Maree Pagon in relation to the activities surrounding Project Compassion and Salesian Action Day. The students and staff worked collaboratively to raise awareness and significant funds. For Caritas, the Project Compassion funds were in excess of $16,000 and for Salesian Action Day, the amount was approximately $9,500. You can be assured that the funds raised will make a difference in our world to those who are less fortunate than ourselves.
It was wonderful to have so many mothers and sons here for the annual Mother’s Day Breakfast. Thank you to Mr Guido Piotti and all staff who led the organisation of the event. I hope that all mothers had an especially wonderful day last Sunday.
Beatitudes for Mothers
Blessed is the mother who understands her child,
for she shall inherit a kingdom of memories.
Blessed is the mother who knows how to comfort,
for she shall possess a child’s devotion.
Blessed is the mother who guides by the path of righteousness,
for she shall be proud of her children.
Blessed is the mother who is never shocked,
for she shall receive and know confidence and security.
Blessed is the mother who teaches respect,
for she shall be respected.
Blessed is the mother who emphasises the good and minimises the bad,
for she shall follow her example.
Blessed is the mother who answers questions honestly,
for she shall always be trusted.
Blessed is the mother who treats her child as she would like to be treated,
for her home shall always be filled with happiness.
Recently we held our Mass in the Parish at St Simon the Apostle, Rowville. I would like to acknowledge all the staff, students and families who participated. Our College Rector, Father Martin Tanti, celebrated mass and Miss Bronwyn Dean prepared the students.
“At the end of Year 9, I realised that studying music had to be an option for me and was one that I wanted to pursue over the next few years. I love playing the clarinet, and learning and playing an instrument is a skill that I was lucky enough to begin at the school. I have not only learnt how to play an instrument, but how to be a musician and it has given me the confidence to study Year 11 Music as a Year 10 student, be a part of the College Production, be a part of the College Choir and now that I reflect on it, be involved in every music opportunity that I can get my hands on. I love it!”
Ben Harris (11 Prest)
“My name is Nicholas McClellan. I am in Year 7 and I am pleased to be here today. I attended St Simon’s Primary School and feel proud to be able to speak to you this morning. My time at St Joseph’s so far has been amazing. I have developed a lot of new skills and am becoming a lot more independent. I catch the bus to school and have become a lot better at organising myself in the mornings. I am grateful for all the opportunities that have come my way this year already. I am a member of the school swimming team and also attend the school gym on Thursday afternoons. I am in the Backstage Crew for our Combined College Production of ‘The Wedding Singer’ and this term have started to attend Homework Club in an effort to stay on top of my homework. All these experiences are very new to me and I have felt supported every step of the way. I look forward to my years to come at St Joseph’s and all the opportunities that come with it.”
Nick McClellan (7 Ledda)
I encourage mothers and sons to attend next week’s Mothers and Sons evening on Thursday 24 May at 6.45pm. This is a wonderful opportunity to strengthen the special relationship which exists between mothers and their sons.
If you are interested in hosting an international student, please refer to the Homestay article in the Community Section of this Newsletter. We have short term stays available commencing in Term 3 and long term stays which could last at year.
All the best for the fortnight ahead.
Ms Cathy Livingston
Principal