Opening Mass
The beginning of the 2020 school year was celebrated on February 14 with an Opening Mass attended by staff and students from Years 7 to 12.
The Mass was presided over by College Chaplain Dean Peter Bickley, St. Mary’s Cathedral Parish.
Principal Chris Randell said: “It was wonderful to have Father Dean Peter with us to celebrate our opening school mass. The ringing in of our Year 7 students with the Sion Bell is a now a part of our traditional welcome. It was also fantastic to have members of our 90 plus ATAR club from 2019 with us for the celebration. Our school mass commenced with school captains, Murray Casella and Emily Knobel, signing our 130 year old school bible. The Marist theme this year is ‘One Wild and Precious Life’. Our life is a gift to us, that we need to develop to its full potential and be willing to share that gift with others. The College strategic theme for 2020 is ‘Every Student, Every Day’, ensuring that our priorities are always focused on the student, their needs and full development in their spiritual, academic and social skills. This year is a special year at Catholic College Sale as we celebrate 130 years of Catholic Education in Sale. Our Lady of Sion Sisters arrived in late 1890 and opened their first school at the beginning of 1891. They were joined in Sale by the Marist Brothers in 1922. A highlight after our opening school mass was the blessing of Mary our model, inviting us from our charisms to Jesus. This was followed by the presentation to our 90 plus students and badges to the school leaders. Every student will receive a badge reminding them of the theme, ‘Every Student, Every Day’.”
The nine students who achieved an ATAR of 90 or above, including the 2019 Dux of Catholic College Sale, Ruby Heasley, were presented with certificates and recognised by the College community.
Our three top ATAR students also received the Mother Raphaela Bursary, which is $500 towards their first year of post-secondary education. Congratulations to Ruby Heasley, Jessica Reid and Neeve McQuillen.
The 2020 College leaders were also recognised and presented with their badges during the celebration.
Assistant Principal, Learning and Teaching Ms Cindy Foat said: “Our community acknowledges we are only as strong as the support we offer each other every day. Our theme ‘Every Student, Every Day’ reminds us of the unique personal gifts and talents we share to achieve our personal and communal goals. Presenting our 2019 90’s Club to our whole school community at our opening assembly allows us to celebrate together how prioritising study, hard work and strength of mind and character can lead to great achievement.”
