Page 57 - 2016 Yearbook

COLLEGE LIFE

Assumption Day

“A vailability” and “inclusivity” captured the theme of our “We celebrate a great woman and let’s pray that we, like her, can
celebration of the feast of the Assumption on Monday,
be available,” he said.
August 15. After Communion, Principal Kate Fogarty referred to the college’s
The day began with Mass in a packed Gonzales Centre with identity statement which includes the words “an inclusive
a choir accompanied by Mr Peter Hagan and conducted by and transformative Marist community”. She commented that
Ms Pauline Hong. Visiting priest Father John Healy began his Australia appeared to be becoming less inclusive, but said Mary
homily asking several students (including year 5s and 6s from was inclusive “she made people family”. And she challenged the
St Patrick’s Primary) and some teachers to identify their greatest school community to make everyone feel included, “whatever
abilities. Answers included throwing a discus, football, netball, their religion, beliefs or skin colour”.
basketball and maths. Afterwards, for the first time, there was a relay race around the
Then seven students stood in front of the altar. One held and Carroll Oval then the usual fete. There the theme of the day was
opened a box, took pages from it and handed them to the played out as students and teachers ran various stalls and events
others. Each page displayed the word of an admirable quality: and raised $11,000 to help refurbish a school in a remote village
Sociability, Adaptability, Reliability, Availability, Compatibility and of Timor-Leste.
Accountability. Our celebration ended with a student concert in the Gonzales
Fr John declared “availability” the most important ability and Centre. A stand-out performance came just before the finish
our greatest gift as, on this feast day of Mary, it emphasised her where college captain Connor Leslie and some fellow boarder
availability to God and to Jesus. He then went on to ask: “how are boys presented a highly entertaining dance routine.
you available to family and friends?” Terry Cooney – Director of Catholic Identity

53 Assumption College Kilmore 2016 Yearbook