Where has the time gone? Our first two weeks of term seems to have flown by. I hope our Year 7 students are starting to feel a little bit more at ease as they navigate their new surroundings, routines and friendships. It has been wonderful to see so many happy smiling faces around our Waterford building.

As I reflect on the past two months, for me they have been a real reminder of the circle of life. In December we said goodbye to my brother-in-law, a wonderful man who unfortunately succumbed to his lengthy battle with cancer. Leaving behind his beloved wife of over 50 years, a loving family and memories of a life well lived. While no more than a month later my husband and I welcomed our first grandchild – a tiny little girl whose early arrival filled us all full of excitement of this new beginning. This time has been a mix of sadness and joy; loss and hope. The circle of life!

Sunday’s Gospel (Luke 5:1-11) tells the story of Peter, weary from a night of empty fishing nets, who places his trust in Jesus and casts them out

once more – only to find his nets overflowing. This moment of faith reminds us that even in times of loss, uncertainty, or exhaustion, hope is never lost.

Pope Francis has called this a Jubilee Year of Hope, and in the circle of life, hope can take many forms. For those who have lost loved ones, hope is the promise that love does not end with death, it continues in our memories, in our prayers, and in the life of the Resurrection. For grandparents looking towards their grandchildren, hope is the joy of seeing new generations grow in wisdom, kindness, and faith. Hope bridges past and future, reminding us that God’s plan unfolds through time, guiding us even when we do not see the way ahead.

As a Catholic community, we are invited to embrace this call to hope to support those who grieve, to nurture the next generation, and to trust in the abundant grace of God. Like Peter, may we find the courage to cast our nets once more, knowing that Christ walks with us, ready to fill our nets in ways we may not expect.

Student Pick Up – lots of new picking up and dropping off at Shalom and being introduced to the joys of those times – particularly in the afternoon. Can I remind everyone of a few things:

• The only place to collect students in the Admin carpark is in front of Admin. Please, no collection on the vacant land on the right of Br Hogan Drive or in the Sports Centre or Tennis Court carparks.
• Similarly, please do not impinge on our neighbours by collecting students at the Church opposite us in Fitzgerald St or in Edenbrook Estate.
• Be patient in picking up and dropping off. Alternate entry of cars in converging lanes is good for everyone.
• If you can delay pick up until 3.15pm, both carparks are much emptier.
• Bus services in Bundy are fantastic and a very efficient way to move students to and from Shalom.

At the end of the day, we all want the same thing, student safe on arrival to and departure from the College.

Important Calendar Dates coming up include our Year 7 2026 Information Evening on Wednesday 12 February, closely followed by our annual College Open Day on Tuesday 25 February. The Interhouse Swimming Carnival is on Thursday 20 February. This involves half a day at the pool for all students. Parents, please remember that this is a part of life at Shalom and not optional for attendance. The day after, Friday 21 February, is our Bishop’s In-Service Day which will be a student free day for the College.

Mrs Gail Norris
Acting Principal
Gail_Norris@rok.catholic.edu.au