Assistant Principal - Mission
Studies of Religion Intensive Enrichment Day: A Resounding Success at CSU Port Macquarie!
On Wednesday, 2nd July, Charles Sturt University's Port Macquarie campus warmly welcomed Year 12 Studies of Religion students from St Joseph's Regional College and St Paul's College Kempsey for a vibrant and insightful Intensive Enrichment Day. This event provided a valuable opportunity for our students to engage with the diverse and complex world of religion at a university level, moving beyond their typical classroom curriculum.
Throughout the day, students immersed themselves in dynamic workshops and interactive sessions led by both CSU academics and distinguished external guest speakers. Professor Dominic O'Sullivan led a session on the Indigenous Land Rights Movement. Diverse Christian traditions were represented by Rev. Anthony Gooley, a Catholic Deacon, Rev. Mark Worthing, the pastor of the local Lutheran church, and Rev. Lofa Anga’aelangi from the Uniting Church, who spoke about Baptism from their respective traditions. Additionally, Ahmet Ozturk and Uzair Hussain from the Islamic Sciences and Research Academy (ISRA) of CSU led insightful sessions on the Hajj Pilgrimage and Aisha. The day culminated in a stimulating Q&A session, which allowed students to engage directly with these academic experts and religious practitioners.
Student feedback overwhelmingly highlighted their appreciation for the opportunity to delve deeper into subjects, ask challenging questions, and connect with peers who share similar interests. The Studies of Religion Intensive Enrichment Day at Charles Sturt University's Port Macquarie campus proved to be a valuable experience for all participants, fostering intellectual curiosity and providing a unique platform for pre-tertiary students to engage with this fascinating discipline. We are confident that the insights gained will significantly benefit our students as they complete their HSC Studies of Religion course!






Embracing Compassion: Our College Supports the Vinnies Winter Appeal
St Vincent de Paul Society, or Vinnies, plays an incredibly vital role. Vinnies provides a comprehensive and holistic safety net for those in need. They offer far more than just a bed for the night; they provide wrap-around support, advocacy, and crucial community connection to help individuals exit homelessness permanently. They are truly on the front lines, addressing immediate needs while tirelessly working towards long-term solutions for those doing it tough.
Among other fundraising and awareness activities, such as out-of-uniform days, clothing collections, and food drives, there is still the Vinnes School Sleep Out, in which students can participate.
- Vinnies School SleepOut: For those seeking a truly impactful experience, we invite you to join the Vinnies School Sleepout! This incredible opportunity allows participants to gain a deeper understanding of what it might be like to experience homelessness. You’ll spend one night "sleeping rough" – typically on cardboard, with just a sleeping bag, and a simple dinner of soup and bread. It's not about replicating homelessness, but about fostering empathy, challenging perceptions, and raising crucial funds for Vinnies' homelessness services right here in our local community. Our College Sleepout will be held on August 1st here at the College. Keep an eye out for more details, and if you wish to sign-up, please see Emily or Mr. Hyland in the coming days.
Sign up for the Vinnes School SleepOut
Imagine the collective difference we can make together. By participating in these initiatives, we are not just raising money; we are raising awareness, fostering empathy, and demonstrating our unwavering support for those in our community who need it most. Every action, whether big or small, contributes to Vinnies' inspiring mission of creating a more just and compassionate Australia where no one has to endure the harsh realities of homelessness.
Let’s come together as a College community and make this Vinnies Winter Appeal our most successful yet! Your generosity and compassion can truly warm a life this winter.
St Agnes' Church Gospel Reflections
Fr Paul Gooley is continuing to provide Gospel readings and reflections via email and online Monday to Saturday for those interested in connecting with their faith in this way.
Click to watch Fr Paul's Gospel Readings and Reflections.
St Agnes' Parish News Bulletin
The Parish news bulletin will now be published monthly.
The latest edition is available via this link Parish News Bulletin
Mr Shane Hyland
Acting Assistant Principal - Mission