The crest informs the community of the rich heritage that has been gifted to the College.
The crest is made up of the following elements:
The Cross of St Francis of Assisi- St Francis had a strong commitment to the poor, he had a deep love a respect for his fellow man but also recognised God in all creation. Themes of inclusion, commitment to the poor, service, ecology and sustainability will be important themes for the College.
The Cross of Blessed Edmund Rice- recognises Edmund's Irish heritage. Edmund Rice was transformed by injustice and was called to be a person of hope by providing a liberating education to the poor. His commitment to inclusion, service, love, justice and compassion will be key themes for the College.
Christ dwells in our hearts. The College Motto calls on all members of the College community to be of 'Open Minds and Open Hearts'. The Heart as a symbol on our crest serves as reminder that we need to be people of inclusion, compassion and community.
A symbol of Christ's light at the centre of our lives. A symbol of hope. A symbol that recognises our links to the Diocese of Wollongong which uses the star in 'Lighting the Way'.
Reflective of the Eucharist as central to our faith. A symbol of gathering as community for Aboriginal people. Gathering and sharing stories.
The colour of Christ's blood, a symbol of His passion for us. Red is the colour of mother Earth for Aboriginal people. Mother Earth sustains us. We are called to care for Earth and all living creatures.
The colour associated with pure water, running rivers and streams. Life giving water. Water that cleanses us in baptism.
Our crest transitions from an 'emerald green' reflecting that Edmund's Irish heritage through to a 'eucalyptus green' as the 'bush' is so often associated with life in Australia and the Australian story. Green is also important to Franciscan story. Green is often associated with the environment, ecology and sustainability.
The College motto 'Open Minds, Open Hearts' encourages all members of the community to grow and develop 'open minds and open hearts'.
There is an expectation that students will open their minds to new learning experiences and persevere with challenging concepts. Open themselves to learning with others and being open to learning how to best work for the benefit of others not just themselves. They should demonstrate open hearts by being faith-filled people of integrity, courage, compassion, inclusion and justice. Demonstrating a commitment to God through love and service of others and all creation.
Need to be open to the fact that ALL students can learn, regardless of disability or background. They need to recognise that they make a difference and can be a liberating force in the lives of children. They need to be open to being life long learners and role models. They need to be open to doing things differently in a P-12 College. Staff demonstrate that their hearts are open by being generous, faith-filled role models of integrity, courage, compassion, inclusion and justice. Demonstrating a commitment to God through love and service of others and all creation.
Need to be open to opportunities to be actively involved in their child's education and working in partnership with the College. Parents need to be open to good communication and open to being an active member of the broader College and Parish community. Parents need to be open to doing things differently. They are encouraged to be people with open hearts. Open to being generous, inclusive role models who act in faith and love.
Are recognised as important members of our College community. The College is open to establishing and maintaining quality relationships to ensure that students experience faith formation and a liberating education. The College is open to being of service and also open to receiving support from our all members of our community.
