Dear families and friends,

The angel answered, “The Holy Spirit will come on you, and God’s power will rest upon you. For this reason, the holy child will be called the Son of God. …For there is nothing that God cannot do.” “I am the Lord’s servant,” said Mary; “may it happen to me as you have said.” And the angel left her. Luke 1:26-38

As we commence the season of Advent, I find myself reflecting on the incredible journey we have undertaken together throughout this year. The spirit of Advent reminds us to embrace hope, peace, joy, and love as we eagerly anticipate the arrival of Christmas.

Our daily lives can be full of work, family and other commitments but throughout Advent, I encourage you all to find ways to show Christ’s love to others. Embrace the spirit of giving by engaging in daily acts of kindness, whether it’s reaching out to a neighbour in need, extending a helping hand to someone facing challenges, or simply offering a word of encouragement. Consider participating in community service projects or supporting local charities that align with the Catholic principles of social justice and compassion. Embody the teachings of Christ by fostering an environment of understanding, forgiveness, and love in our interactions with others. As we prepare for the celebration of Christ’s birth, may our everyday actions reflect the warmth and light of His message, bringing joy and unity to our community.

College Awards Evening and Carols by Candlelight
As we enter the season of Advent, a time of reflection and anticipation, I am delighted to share some highlights from the recent events that have brought our community together and filled our hearts with joy.

Our recent Awards Evening was a resounding success, providing a platform to celebrate the outstanding academic achievements of our students. It was truly heartwarming to witness the dedication, hard work, and accomplishments of each student being recognised and celebrated. Congratulations to all our students for their commitment to excellence, and a special acknowledgment to the educators and parents who have played an instrumental role in nurturing these young minds.

Equally enchanting was our Carols by Candlelight evening held on Friday 1 December 2023. The air was filled with the harmonious melodies of our talented students who sang and played in the band, creating a magical atmosphere that embraced the true spirit of the season. I extend my sincere gratitude to our dedicated music staff for their unwavering commitment to nurturing these talents and our IT and Communications teams who supported behind the scenes.

A heartfelt thank you to our P & F Volunteers, whose support on the evening contributed significantly to the success of this wonderful community event. Your tireless efforts ensured that our Carols by Candlelight was not just a musical spectacle but a gathering that fostered a sense of togetherness and goodwill. I am delighted to share that the funds raised during the evening will be directed towards supporting our local Vinnies charity, enabling them to provide for the less fortunate in our community during this festive season.

Christmas Blessings
As the year draws to a close, I want to express my gratitude to each member of our community – students, parents, teachers, and staff – for your dedication, resilience, and unwavering support. It has been a year of challenges and triumphs. Together, we have navigated these experiences with grace and unity, emerging stronger as a community.

For those families who are leaving us at the end of this year, thank you for entrusting your child to La Salle College. It has been a privilege to work with you and we trust that our Lasallian spirit goes with you.

I would like to wish all students, families and staff within our community a happy and holy Christmas. I hope that you get the opportunity to share the real message of Christmas – that it is a time of joy and an opportunity for reflection and relationship building. We pray that the gentle humility with which Jesus came into the world will serve as an example and inspiration for all people. May His peace and love characterise your festive season.

May Christ’s Peace and Joy be with each of you and with your loved ones always.

Giovanna Fiume
Principal