Across cultures and traditions, celebrating milestones and rituals is an significant part of the human experience and it binds families across generations. In schools we have excellent opportunities to pause, reflect and rejoice with students when they reach certain moments in their life that signify change, more responsibility or an entry into sacredness.

For Catholics, First Communion is the first time that children accept the bread and wine at Mass which represents the body and blood of Jesus Christ. It is a celebration of accepting the responsibility and courage it takes to be a disciple of Christ and a moral citizen in everyday life. Each year, a number of our students prepare for this milestone and celebrate with their family and school community. As part of Catholic Club, six students took part in preparations and lessons that included further discussion on the faith and what it is asking of them; namely to love God and love their neighbours. To not just accept Jesus into their hearts but live a life of being there for one another as part of God's family.

To celebrate their studies and preparations, we had a Mass with Fr Raju Antony and Bishop Raphael Umemura Masahiro during which some of our students took part in their First Communion. The Mass was a wonderful community event where each person shared their gifts to celebrate faith, community and support our young people. Parents and teachers came together as musicians, photographers, readers and role models of these budding global citizens. We congratulate them as they continue on their spiritual journey to be humble in virtue and steadfast in duty.