We officially welcomed back all our students to Term Two on Monday 20 April. We hope that you enjoyed Easter with your families and friends, and that students have come back to school with a renewed focus on their studies and ready to fully participate in all of the opportunities available to them at Parade.
We remember that Old Paradians fought and died in each major campaign and there are many Old Paradians serving in Australia’s armed forces today. We particularly remember those that served in the 1st and 2nd World Wars and the Vietnam War in the Honour Boards in the Hickey Foyer. The chief architect of the first ANZAC Day solemn service was an Anglican priest, Canon David John Garland, who pictured an All Souls’ Day for Australia in 1916, to commemorate the losses suffered at Gallipoli. His wish was for the service to be acceptable to all faiths and denominations, or it would not be observed. I think observing ANZAC Day provides an opportunity for all of us to reflect on life and its meaning and its tragedies.
ANZAC Day, whilst in many ways a secular ceremony, has spiritual components that resonate for us as a Catholic school in the Edmund Rice tradition - be it in the sacrifice, in the lowering of the flag, the bugle call, the minute’s silence. As people of faith, we would believe that's God calls to us in these sacred moments.
Lest We Forget
On Tuesday 5 May, the feast day of Blessed Edmund Ignatius Rice is celebrated around the world. As a Catholic School in the Edmund Rice tradition, we offer both hope and inspiration to our young people, and aim to live out of the Charism of Blessed Edmund. The Charter for schools in the Edmund Rice Tradition highlights our four Touchstones, which guide us in our daily mission.
One of the Touchstones of the Charter, Liberating Education, can be summarised here:
‘Empowered by liberating teaching and learning experiences, we open our hearts and minds, so that we are hope-filled and free to build a better world for all.’
As we note in another Touchstone, Justice & Solidarity, it is Jesus’ message of compassion, justice, and peace that we seek to make a living reality for all people. As a Catholic school in the Edmund Rice tradition, we are invited to think about the challenges that other people face, and to see how we can contribute to God’s mission of making the world a better place for all.
Next week we will take the opportunity to reflect on the life of Blessed Edmund Rice and celebrate his life’s mission.
We look forward to the upcoming musical production of Beauty and the Beast with Santa Maria College. Our students have been thoroughly enjoying the rehearsals, and we look forward to a wonderful show in the month of May. This year the musical will be staged at Santa Maria College. I sincerely thank all the staff from both schools for their efforts in working with the students in the lead up to these shows.
As we approach Mother's Day, it is essential to recognize and honour the profound impact mothers have in shaping our lives and communities. Whether it's through their unconditional love, unwavering support, or invaluable guidance, mothers play a pivotal role in nurturing future generations. This special day offers us the opportunity to express gratitude and appreciation for all that they do. Let's take this moment to celebrate and cherish the remarkable women in our lives, acknowledging their immeasurable contributions to our personal growth and collective wellbeing.
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