As we settled into the rhythm of a new College year, there has been a quiet yet unmistakable sense of calm, even amid the busyness that naturally surrounds us. In our classrooms, in our gatherings, and in the way we have welcomed one another back, there has been a warmth and intentionality that reminds us that peace is not simply our annual theme, but a spirit we are invited to live each day.
We began the year in a meaningful way, with all Religious Education classes exploring our College theme for 2026: Peace Begins With Us. Students reflected on what peace looks and feels like in their own lives, expressing this through creative activities including painting, clay, scratch art and written reflections. It was powerful to see how naturally our young people understand the importance of stillness, gratitude and connection.
This month, the Holy Father invites us to pray especially for peace in our world. Pope Leo reminds us that peace is a gift from God and cannot be built through weapons or threats, but through “reasonable, authentic and responsible dialogue.” May this gentle reminder guide us as we continue to nurture a spirit of peace within our College community.
Our annual Burning of the Palms Service was another deeply symbolic beginning to Lent. Gathering student representatives from our local primary schools, both campuses of Emmanuel College, and joined by Fr Binh Le, we stood together in prayer as last year’s palms were burned in preparation for Ash Wednesday. There was something profoundly hopeful about witnessing the transformation, knowing the ashes would be shared among our schools. It was a powerful symbol of unity: one community, many schools, walking the same Lenten path. These shared moments of faith strengthen the bonds between us and remind us that we journey together.
Our Ash Wednesday Prayer Service continued a tradition we have come to cherish over the past four years, an intimate, reflective experience within each classroom. Tables were gently moved aside, chairs drawn into a horseshoe, creating sacred spaces centred on prayer. Guided through the PA with scripture, reflection and song, our community entered into Lent not as one large crowd in a single space, but within the quiet familiarity of our own rooms, transformed. In that stillness, we were reminded that Lent calls us not only to pray, fast and give, but to become peacemakers.
Our launch of Project Compassion Appeal has seen that call immediately put into action. This year, more than ever, we have truly hit the ground running. Our Casual Clothes Day, held on World Social Justice Day, raised over $2000, a record for our College. It was a wonderful sign that our commitment to justice is not merely spoken but lived with generosity and enthusiasm. We were also thrilled to join the host school, MacKillop Catholic College, for the official launch of Project Compassion alongside Bishop Martin Ashe and other Melbourne primary and secondary schools, a proud moment of shared mission and purpose. Across the rest of the term, we have seen a wonderful array of fundraising initiatives, including BBQs, bake sales, raffles and guessing jars, to name just a few.
Please join us in the spirit of generosity by donating to our fundraising page HERE
Our Opening Mass was certainly a highlight. The theme of peace was woven beautifully through carefully chosen readings, prayers, symbols and hymns that filled the space with reverence and calm. More than 100 student volunteers offered their gifts in leadership, serving at the altar, assisting with Communion, proclaiming the Word, reading prayers, a procession bearer or singing in our choir. Their involvement was a powerful witness to faith in action. We were also blessed to welcome members of our College Board and the Sisters of St Joseph, whose presence reminds us that we are part of a much larger story, one grounded in the Josephite charism and sustained by generations of faithful witness.
Our Year 7 students have begun their own pilgrimage journey through their Belonging Days at the Mary MacKillop Heritage Centre. Travelling together by train, walking the streets of East Melbourne, and standing in the very places where Mary MacKillop prayed, served and lived offers a powerful introduction to the Josephite tradition.
Our Year 9 students recently participated in their annual Reflection Day with the Youth Mission Team, who once again brought their energy and enthusiasm. Eight members of the team led an engaging program inviting students to reflect on their faith and their relationships with one another, with others and with our loving God. The day was filled with laughter, conversation and moments of genuine reflection. A particularly moving moment came at the end of the day when many students chose to come forward and light a candle, symbolising their desire to grow more deeply in their faith.
Our Year 8 students have also been attending Parish Mass at Mary Help of Christians, strengthening the connection between our College and parish life. As a Christ-centred school, these experiences are significant. They offer our students the opportunity to gather in prayer, celebrate the Eucharist and continue to deepen their understanding of faith within the wider parish community.
During Catholic Education Week, our College community came together to celebrate the gift of Catholic education and reflect on the 2026 theme, “Christ beside me: Walking in the footsteps of Saint Patrick.” Throughout the week students and staff participated in a variety of activities including daily reflections and quizzes, St Patrick’s Day celebrations, Project Compassion fundraisers, and Harmony Day activities. A special highlight was our Mass for the Feast of St Joseph in the College Chapel with Fr Michael Kalka, reminding us of the quiet strength of our patron. These moments of prayer, service and community helped us recognise Christ’s presence among us and celebrate the unique spirit of Catholic education within our College.
As we draw closer to the end of Term 1, I would like to sincerely thank you for your support of our faith and social justice initiatives throughout the term. In particular, I thank all families who have contributed to the Caritas Australia Project Compassion Appeal. For those who may not have had the opportunity to contribute or may have found it difficult to connect with the appeal this year, the Good Friday Appeal for the Royal Children’s Hospital offers another meaningful way to make a difference. Over the years, our College has proudly supported this appeal. We invite you to consider supporting to either of the following;
Project Compassion (Caritas Australia): https://www.projectcompassion.org.au/fundraisers/mountstjosephgirlscollegealtona
Good Friday Appeal (Royal Children’s Hospital): https://fundraise.goodfridayappeal.com.au/fundraisers/mountstjosephgirlscollege
We look forward to concluding our term with the Stations of the Cross on Wednesday 1 April. As we enter the Easter season over the school holidays, may this be a time of grace, prayer and renewal, a slower pace to reflect with gratitude and to spend meaningful time with family and friends. God Bless
Mrs Anne Severi - Director of Catholic Identity
