Term 1 Week 10 – 5th April 2023

Dear Families and Community Members,

The resurrection of Jesus is one of the central events and tenets in the Christian faith. It is the foundation upon which the faith is built, as it signifies the triumph of life over death and the promise of eternal life for believers. While some people may view the resurrection as a matter of faith alone, there are several proofs that attest to the historical reality of the event.

Firstly, the testimony of eyewitnesses is a compelling proof for the resurrection of Jesus. According to the Gospel accounts, Jesus appeared to his disciples after his death and resurrection, and they testified to seeing him alive. The Apostle Paul also records several post-resurrection appearances of Jesus to various individuals and groups, including himself. These eyewitness accounts provide strong evidence that Jesus did, in fact, rise from the dead, as St Paul says in 1 Corinthians 15, Jesus appeared to more than 500 people after his resurrection.

Secondly, the empty tomb is a significant proof for the resurrection. According to the Gospel accounts, Jesus was buried in a tomb, and a large stone was rolled in front of the entrance. However, on the third day, the tomb was found empty, and the stone had been rolled away. The empty tomb is significant because it demonstrates that something extraordinary happened, and that the resurrection was not a mere fabrication. It is highly unlikely that Jesus’ body would have been stolen or misplaced, given the heavy stone and Roman guards placed to guard the tomb.

Thirdly, the transformation of the disciples is another proof for the resurrection. Before the crucifixion, the disciples were disheartened, fearful, and unsure of what the future held. However, after they witnessed the resurrection of Jesus, their lives were transformed. They became bold, fearless, and committed to spreading the message of Jesus’ resurrection, even in the face of persecution and death. This transformation is difficult to explain without acknowledging the reality of the resurrection.

Fourthly, the growth of the early Church provides proof for the resurrection. The Christian Church began in Jerusalem, where the crucifixion and resurrection of Jesus occurred. Despite the fact that the message of the resurrection was met with hostility and persecution, the Church continued to grow and spread throughout the Roman Empire. This growth is difficult to explain without acknowledging the reality of the resurrection and the power of the message it conveyed.

Lastly, the historical reliability of the Gospel accounts provides proof for the resurrection. The Gospels were written by eyewitnesses or individuals who were close to the eyewitnesses. The accounts are based on firsthand testimony and provide a detailed and consistent narrative of Jesus’ life, death, and resurrection. The fact that these accounts have been preserved and passed down over two thousand years attests to their historical reliability. For Christians, the resurrection is not just a matter of faith but a historical fact that has shaped the course of human history. As we celebrate the Easter season, let us reflect on the significance of the resurrection and the hope it provides for all who believe.

God bless,

Lucas Hurley Principal

Catholic Identity News

Our Senior and Middle School student leadership body were invited to the Chrism Mass held at St. Mary’s Star of the Sea Cathedral on Tuesday 28 March. It was a wonderful event where we saw our College Captain Alex Ryan walk with MacKillop Alumni, Jah-Ryse to process the Holy Oils through the Cathedral and present them to Bishop Charles. Our Senior and Middle School Captains and Prefects then collected the Holy Oil vessels on behalf of our local parish, Our Lady Help of Christians Parish, Palmerston.  These oils will be used by Fr Tom in his various ministries and celebrations of Sacraments throughout the year.

Kathryn Pettersen

From the Head of Middle Years

Dear Year 7 & 9 Families,

Thank you for all of your support in ensuring that your children were prepared for NAPLAN over the past 2 weeks. The Year 7 & 9 classes used their time wisely and completed all 4 tests to the best of their abilities. As the tests have been scheduled earlier this year, the results and data will be released earlier in the year, which will give you a snapshot as to how your child is travelling with the Australian Curriculum and it will give us some advice to create classes moving forward.

Please don’t hesitate to contact me if you would like to have the NAPLAN information unpacked further.

Candice Slingerland Head of Middle Years 

Defence Student Mentor

International Exchange

English News

Original War Poems

WAR POEM

I’d hold the mountain if they were my own,

My hear was beating so fast you could hear it,

Trying its best to break out of its rib cage,

We could not backout,

Not now.

The ground was shaking,

My hand was sweating,

I watched as soldiers died at the hands of cruel men,

We could not back out,

Not now.

For those who are now dead,

Their bodies spread across the channel house,

I watched as they bled,

We tried but we couldn’t back out,

Not now.

War never ends,

I fear for our future generation,

For they are deceived,

War never ends,

It never will. 

–SAMANTHA CHEPKEMOI, 10.2

The Rain

 Ethan James Carbajosa

A boom, A crash,

A scream, a flash,

The river flows, filled with ash,

But no one knows how far it goes,

As it never ended, and only flows,

Ago ago, a long time ago,

I go, I go, to where I know,

Where the rain dehydrates,

Where the smoke is clear,

But even here, it lingers near,

The storms are coming,

The cannons are roaring,

The planes are soaring,

And the rain will soon be pouring…

Science News

Community News

Autism NT Fundraiser Letter: Fundraising letter – 3MaasandaRaRa -LM