By Caroline Smith
Students from Kolbe Catholic College in Rockingham joined with Our Lady of Lourdes parish and Star of the Sea Catholic Primary School to present two vibrant events over Christmas to the local community.
Kolbe College held its annual Carols on the Avenue on Thursday, 8 December, with more than 400 people gathering for an evening of music, drama and readings provided by the College Brass and Wind Band, the Kolbe Singers, the Drama Group and the Star of the Sea Choir.
Upon arrival, attendees were greeted by ‘angels’ who sprinkled them with glitter to bring them into the spirit of the evening, before they were invited to enjoy a variety of food including ‘Ramos’ Spanish paella, ‘Hagiwara’ Japanese noodles and a traditional Aussie sausage sizzle.
The performances which followed included readings reflecting on the meaning of Christmas, and a contemporary take on the traditional nativity play.
Kolbe Catholic College music teacher, Helen Metcalfe, said that young attendees at the event were particularly intrigued by the play, which was followed by carol singing.
“Performances were of the highest calibre and seeing the young children mesmerised by the drama followed by everyone singing along to the carols was something that we have been aspiring to for many years,” she said.
“On so many levels, the carols event encapsulated what our community is about. It’s becoming a highlight of the musical year at Kolbe.”
The night ended with a special Christmas blessing provided by Parish Priest of Our Lady of Lourdes, Father Pierluigi Vajra CRS.
On Christmas Eve, the school community and local parish came together once more for an open-air Mass on the grounds of Kolbe College, which was celebrated by Assistant Priest at Our Lady of Lourdes, Fr Vijay D’Souza CRS.
The Mass began with musical performances by Star of the Sea Catholic Primary School students, including a j-flute solo of Amazing Grace by Rohan Aich. Students joined the parish choir and band for more music and carols throughout the service.
The Gospel was acted out by children from the parish, who dressed as shepherds, angels, a donkey and the Holy Family, including a well-behaved baby Jesus.