Year 7 Reflection Day – A Journey Toward Peace

On July 3rd, our Year 7 students participated in a meaningful and reflective day away from the classroom, designed to explore the theme of peace—within ourselves, our relationships and the world around us.

The day began with a Paraliturgy, setting a reflective and reverent tone for what was to come. Next, in small groups, students explored “Snap Shots of Peace,” engaging in discussions and activities that invited them to consider how peace looks in their own lives and the world around them. After a break for recess, the reflection deepened through two calming, hands-on activities: creating a clay symbol of peace, and a peaceful walk through the olive grove.

Following lunch, students joined their PC groups for a collaborative Vision Activity, reflecting on how they can bring peace and positive leadership into their homerooms and the wider school community.

I would like to thank all the staff, students and helpers who made the day such a success. May the peace we reflected on continue to shape how we live, learn and lead.

A Visit from Father Page – A Franciscan Perspective

This term, we were honoured to welcome Father Page Polk, a Franciscan friar visiting from Arizona, to CRC St Albans.

Father Page joined a group of our students on the school’s Prayer Pilgrimage, taking time to reflect, pray, and walk alongside them through the sacred spaces of our campus. Along the way, he engaged students in a thoughtful conversation about the historical and cultural context of Jesus’ life, helping bring to life the world in which Jesus lived and taught.

After his time with the students, Father Page met with our Religious Education team, where a rich discussion unfolded. Topics ranged from how to inspire and motivate students in the RE classroom, to comparing Israel in the time of Jesus with modern-day Israel—highlighting how place, politics and religion have shifted over centuries, and how that impacts the way we teach Scripture today.

Looking ahead, Father Page will also be meeting with staff from each of the Catholic Regional College Federation schools to reflect on the Year of Jubilee and explore the powerful theme of being "Pilgrims of Hope". His visit is an opportunity for all of us—students and staff alike—to deepen our understanding of faith, mission and spiritual renewal.

We are grateful to Father Page for his warm presence, his wisdom and for reminding us of the global Franciscan mission to live simply, love deeply and follow Christ faithfully.

— The RE Team