Last Thursday, 27^th June was the feast day of Our Lady of Perpetual Help.

In Year 10 Religious Studies our students have been exploring the Catholic response to evil and suffering in the world. When times feel tough, Catholics often seek hope and sense of meaning through engaging in prayer. 

Our Lady of Perpetual Help, known for miracles and often an inspiration for prayer and contemplation. Our Lady of Perpetual Help also happens to be the Patron of the Church of Maitland-Newcastle. 

Prayer to Our Lady of Perpetual Help:

O gentle Mother, Our Lady of Perpetual Help,

With hearts full of hope, we come before you,
Seeking your loving gaze and tender care.
You who never turn away from those in need,
Wrap us in your mantle of mercy and peace.

In moments of doubt, be our guiding light.
In times of sorrow, be our comfort and strength.
When the road is uncertain, lead us gently forward,
Always toward your Son, our Savior and Redeemer.

Teach us to trust as you trusted,
To love as you loved,
And to surrender all things into God’s hands,
Knowing He works all things for good.

Our Lady of Perpetual Help,
Pray for our families, our communities, and our world.
Bring healing where there is hurt,
Hope where there is despair,
And joy where there is fear.

We place our lives in your hands,
Confident in your unfailing help.
Amen.

St Dominic’s Day

On Thursday we had our St Dominic’s Feast Day celebrations, a very important part of our school calendar. Due to the recent weather and the damp conditions of our local sporting fields we could not run our planned house sporting competitions. We did however, share in a beautiful liturgy which was attended by Fr Greg Barker, Fr Anthony Coloma, Dominican sisters Sr Jenny Gerathy, Sr Maure Campbell and Sr Patricia Bendeich. We also had the pleasure of welcoming Ms Rose McAllister, former student and staff member back to the college. A sausage sizzle lunch was provided for all students and they participated with great energy and enthusiasm in mentor-based activities celebrating St Dominic, his legacy and our great community.

Aspire – The Rise of Bozz

On Friday 1^st August I had the immense pleasure of being in the audience for the 2025 Aspire production of “The Rise of Bozz” and would like to acknowledge the following students.

• Senior Drama Ensemble

        Caitlyn Bladon (Year 10), Nash Cook (Year 9) and Ruby Halverson (Year 9)

• Dance Ensemble

         Ava Harris (Year 8)

• Instrumental Ensemble

        Lola Ciavarella (Year 8) and Dante Spadari (Year 10)

• Vocal Ensemble

        Rooney Freeman (Year 8), Micah Pacquing (Year 9) and Francheska Santiago     (Year 10)

• Design Ensemble

         Ella O’Brien (Year 10)

On behalf of the entire school community, I want to extend my congratulations to each of these young people for their contribution to this incredible production. Whether they were on stage singing, dancing, and acting, in the pit providing the incredible soundtrack, or part of the creative team designing sets and costumes – their talent, dedication, and teamwork were inspiring. I thank them for their hard work, their courage to perform, and their commitment to excellence. They have certainly made San Clemente proud! 

Money Invested, Money Saved

Recently there has been much public discussion around the Australian Government's model of funding schools. Catholic Schools NSW have put together some data to explain how government funding for non-government schools—such as Catholic and Independent schools— supports your right to choose the best educational environment for your child while also reducing costs for Australian taxpayers.

Using the most recent data, the report outlines how funding these schools through a mixed education model reduces pressure on public education resources, with savings of up to $6.88 billion annually. The report highlights how school choice benefits families and the broader community alike.

To read more, find the report here: Money invested, Money Saved - July 2025 - Adobe cloud storage.

Thank you to everyone in our community for your ongoing support of the College. Together, we are helping our young people grow into strong, bright, and engaged adults.

With prayers and blessings,