NURRUNGA - Waverley College

WAVERLEY COLLEGEA Catholic Independent School for boys in the Edmund Rice traditionNURRUNGAOur Lady’s Mount & WaterfordFrom the Chaplain: The Pace of ChangeIn an ever fast moving world we sometimesfeel overwhelmed, out paced and over run bycompeting forces for change. All institutionsare subject to change and in an educationalorganization like Waverley College the changeis as rapid as it needs to be to keep abreast withthis ever changing environment. Technologiesand change are good if they enhance the qualityof learning and they add to development of thehuman being….sometimes changes need tobe scrutinized carefully as they diminish ourdevelopment and potential as human beings.Even within the Church there have beendramatic changes, especially over the lastforty years but more so this year with theimplementation of the “new” translation of theRoman Missal. Time will tell if these changes willbenefit the Church, as an institution.As Christians, if we are authentic bearers ofthe gospel message, we are challenged tomake radical changes, especially in the way weperceive and live our Christian lives. Just lookat Jesus’ message in Matthew 25 – how weCorporate ‘angels’ lead by exampleLast week Zoe Hannaford and Daniel Petrushnkoaddressed Year 10 students on their social justicework. Both of these people are lawyers who couldearn top salaries in the corporate world but havechosen to use their gifts to help others.Daniel is a Human Rights barrister and Zoe(pictured below with Year 10 students) has starteda charity in Ghana. In a world often driven bythe dollar, it was refreshing to hear these youngpeople offer an alternative way.We also enjoyed a presentation by Clive Leachwho spoke about the psychological benefits wecan all gain from volunteering and thinking ofothers.As another school year comes to a close theSocial Justice Program continues to grow, thanksto the willingness of students to give selflessly oftheir time.treat the poor, the marginalized, the refugee, thenewcomer.As I write this short article what comes to mind isthe French critic, journalist, and novelist Jean-Baptiste Alphonse Karr who observed: Plus cachange, plus c’est la meme chose - “The morethings change the more they remain the same”.Change for change sake is counterproductivebecause it will only fulfill Karr’s insight. Changefor the betterment of the self and others is aworthwhile pursuit.As we come to the end of another year, it’s goodfor us all to step back, take some time of reflectionand notice the changes we have made andponder why we have made them.As we approach Christmas, may the new bornChrist, who bought untold change and upheaval tohis contemporaries, challenge us not only to adaptto change, but to embrace it for the bettermentof self and others. Have a happy and safeChristmas.Fr Martin Milani, College ChaplainYear 11 students this year have been particularlyaccommodating. They have all been involved withoutreach experiences related to homelessness,disability and the aged. We had a record numberof boys who donated blood this year and manywere involved with fund-raising for local andoverseas charities. Special thanks to all the staffand students who will continue with the Outreachprogram throughout the holidays.Many thanks to all the wonderful families who havedonated gifts to The Matthew Talbot Appeal. Thegifts will be picked up next Wednesday so there isstill time to donate if you have not yet done so.Thank you for your help and support throughout2011. I wish you all a very Happy Christmas and awonderful New Year.Ms Geraldine CullenSocial Justice CoordinatorVolume 35 No.36 • 2 DECEMBER 2011 page 3Next Week @ WaverleySunday 4 December• 2nd Sunday of AdventMonday 5 December - Day D• Presentation Night Years9, 10, 11 at 7.30pm, GymTuesday 6 December - Day E• Presentation Night Years7 & 8 at 7.30pm, Gym• Junior School ChristmasLiturgyWednesday 7 December -Day F• Classes conclude forTerm 4Thursday 8 December• Staff ProfessionalDevelopment Day• Feast of the ImmaculateConceptionCLASSES RECOMMENCEFOR 2012 -Monday 30 JanuaryJunior Canteen Roster:Term 4, Week 9Mon 5/12 • Nicole Hatton& Cathy SodenTues 6/12 • RoseSantamaria & Carolyn LoveWed 7/12 • Sarah Murray-Heal & Rochelle MitchellUse of Student PhotographsPrefer not to have your son’sphotograph used in Collegepublications? Please let us knowby emailing:jdivall@waverley.nsw.edu.au