In this month of November, it is all about remembrance. Our Year 12s have been looking back on their six years of secondary school and their graduation Mass on Friday 16 October was beautifully celebrated with Father Matthew Timonera, a Franciscan monk, who distilled the Gospel to its essence in a most meaningful way for the students.

Our third visit to a Cathedral for Holy Hour was held on Thursday 22 October. It was a moving experience, and we look forward to more of this next year. All students and families are encouraged to attend on any Thursday, usually from 6:30pm. Check the Archdiocese website for confirmation of venue and times.

The community has also been remembering the departed holy men and women, with the recent Feast days of All Saints and All Souls. We offer prayers for the souls of those near and dear to us who have died in the hope that they may be with or brought to be with God in Heaven.

Each day, our students and staff have been accessing a new PowerPoint that delivers, reflects and prays on the message of each daily Gospel, providing an opportunity for students and staff to think more deeply about not only what the Gospel passage means, but how they can all apply it to their daily lives.

Next week, Falantina Hanona is fortunate to fly to Rome and then London for a 3-week study tour, as part of the Australian Catholic University Young Leaders Program. She is a worthy candidate, and we wish her all the best. On her return, Falantina will have lots of ideas to launch in 2027 to further strengthen the opportunities for faith formation at Kolbe Catholic College.

Our Bible study group have been meeting each Wednesday, with students taking turns providing a passage to reflect on. Recently, one of our Year 12s brought a passage for the group to read and discuss - St Paul’s letter to the Galatians, 5: 1-14. In that letter St Paul reminds Christians that Christ has set them free, not so they can do whatever they want, but so they can choose what is good and loving. True freedom, he says, is not about putting ourselves first; it is about living in a way that reflects God's love for others. Some key takeaways discussed by the group included:

• Galatians 5:1: “It is for freedom that Christ has set us free.” Students reflected on the pressure to fit in through friends, social media, and expectations. St Paul reminds us that our worth comes from God, not from the approval of others.
• Galatians 5:13: “Serve one another humbly in love.” Students discussed how growing independence brings responsibility. True maturity means making wise choices that consider and support others.
• Galatians 5:14: “Love your neighbour as yourself.” Students recognised this as a guide for daily life, encouraging respect, kindness, and compassion towards classmates, teachers, friends, and family, helping to build stronger relationships and a more welcoming community.

Our Rosary group meets each Thursday lunchtimes, praying at least 1 or 2 decades of the Luminous mysteries. All are welcome to join in prayer for the needs of the world.

We hope to conduct a special Mass at lunchtime towards the end of November to acknowledge Red November, a time to reflect and pray for persecuted Christians worldwide. Click here to learn more about this focus.

Siobhan Loukomitis
Deputy Principal: Faith & Mission