From the Rector

Our annual College Fair is just around the corner, taking place on Saturday 6 April starting at 12 pm and finishing at 9 pm. Please mark the date in your calendar and bring your family and friends. This year, we're thrilled to introduce a new addition to the festivities Ignite with Light. A fusion of art and technology that will bring our newest Senior School building to life with the magic of light. It promises to be an illuminating experience for all, showcasing our community’s creativity and innovation. We look forward to this exciting event.

Last night, we had a pleasant gathering to celebrate International Women’s Day. This serves as a reminder of the work we need to do for gender equality and inclusion. It was on March 8th, in 1857, a group of textile workers in New York City bravely protested against unjust working conditions. Their resilience and determination inspired generations to stand for what is right.

Catholic social teaching reminds us of the dignity, destiny, and sacredness of every person. We should all have equal rights and opportunities in every facet of life, including households, employment, education, politics, church, and beyond. The staggering disparity in primary school enrolment between girls and boys in so many parts of the world emphasizes the urgency of promoting girls' education and empowering young women to realise their full potential. The story of Malala Yousafzai, who was shot for her activism in 2012, serves as a powerful testament to the resilience of the human spirit. She earned the Nobel Peace Prize in 2014 and stirred millions to campaign for children’s education and girls' rights.

We work for a society free from bias, stereotypes, and discrimination, where people walk confidently without fear, free from oppressive gender norms. In celebrating International Women's Day, we reaffirm our commitment to building a more just and equitable world where every individual has the opportunity to thrive. We all play a crucial role in this journey by listening, understanding, and serving. It is through collective action and unwavering solidarity that we can truly achieve gender equality and empower all.

Fr Peter Hosking SJ
Rector

OREMUS (Let us pray)

We remember all in our College community. May our prayers comfort those suffering at this time. May God’s blessing be a source of support in their sorrow and loss, and bring courage, patience, and hope.

For those who have died:

• Robert John Dwyer grandfather to Thomas Bailey (OI 2015), Georgina Bailey (OI 2018) and Lucie Bailey (OI 2023)

• Filomena Tomczyk (nee Marsolo), grandmother of staff members Lisa Cibich and Laura Brzezinski
• Angelo Kapnistis, father of staff member Con Kapnistis, grandfather of Niki (OI 2011) and Agelo (OI 2016)

“Ask and you shall receive … knock and the door will be opened unto you.” (Matt 7:7)

If you would like someone to be remembered by the College community in prayer (even anonymously), please provide details to the Rector, class or Mentor Teacher, or House Leader.

The Norwood Parish is holding a series of Lenten talks on Wednesday nights for the next three weeks. These talks will be held in the Parish Hall, Queen Street Norwood.

For more information click here.

Leaia’s Story

Samoa may be a country surrounded by water, but access to clean drinking water is scarce in some areas, with many families facing extreme hardship as a result.

Leaia lives with her five children, husband, brother and sister-in-law on the island of Upolu in Samoa. Not having access to a reliable source of clean water caused Leaia a lot of worry.

Their home is not connected to a piped water system, so they had to rely solely on rainwater collected in old fridges. When their water ran out, Leaia had to walk with her young children to collect water in buckets and containers from a neighbour down the street.

With the support of Caritas Australia's local partner, Caritas Samoa, a water tank was installed at Leaia's home. She and her family now have a steady supply of clean drinking water at home. Next year, they will also have a toilet built, with the support of Caritas Samoa, which will further improve their health and living conditions.

Watch Leaia’s Story

Please donate to Project Compassion.

Together, we can help vulnerable communities face their challenges today and build a better tomorrow for all future generations.

You can donate through Project Compassion donation boxes, online by visiting Saint Ignatius' College Adelaide - Caritas | Project Compassion Schools