At this time of year, we are reminded of the many ways leadership is nurtured and expressed within our College community. As we begin the selection process for our 2026 Student Leadership Team, including College Captains, Portfolio Captains, House Captains, and Year 11 Prefects, we are also celebrating two significant events that speak directly to the values we hope to see in our emerging leaders: the canonisation of Pier Giorgio Frassati and NAIDOC Week.

2026 College Captaincy: A Journey of Leadership

Our Year 11 students have begun the process of nominating and selecting the College Captains for 2026. This journey—through speeches, voting, and interviews—is more than a tradition; it is a formative experience that calls students to step forward with courage, clarity, and a commitment to serve.

We are looking for leaders who will represent the College with integrity and vision, and who will inspire others through their actions. It is a process that reflects our belief that leadership is not about titles, but about character and putting others first. We wish the many candidates all the best throughout the selection process.

Frassati’s Canonisation: A Living Legacy in Our College

Character is clearly exemplified by Pier Giorgio Frassati, who was canonised last Sunday by the Catholic Church. Recognised as a Saint, Frassati’s legacy is one of youthful holiness, joyful service, and deep compassion for others.

This moment holds special significance for our College given that in 2025, we launched two new Houses: Frassati and O'Connor. Frassati House was named in honour of Pier Giorgio, and embodies the values he lived: charity, humility, courage, and action. His canonisation now deepens the meaning of the Frassati House story, offering our students a living example of servant-leadership.

As our students consider their own leadership journeys, Frassati’s life reminds them that greatness is found not in recognition, but in the quiet, consistent choice to serve others.

NAIDOC at 50: Strength, Vision & Legacy

Choices that are grounded in service, identity, and purpose are also at the heart of this year’s NAIDOC Week, which marks its 50th anniversary with the theme: “The Next Generation: Strength, Vision & Legacy.”

It is a celebration of the enduring leadership of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, with a focus on the emerging voices of young First Nations leaders who are shaping the future with pride, resilience, and purpose.

To mark this milestone, our College will host a whole-school NAIDOC assembly on Tuesday, 16 September featuring a smoking ceremony, as well as speakers and performers from our own First Nations students and community members. We will also share our Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP) outlining our commitment to cultural pride, storytelling, and leadership in action. All are warmly welcome to attend.

A Shared Vision for the Future

Though these three events may seem distinct—the election of student leaders, the canonisation of Frassati, and the celebration of NAIDOC—they are united by a powerful idea: leadership is about legacy. Whether through the courage of a student stepping up to lead, the quiet strength of a saint who served the poor, or the proud voice of a young First Nations leader keeping culture alive, we are reminded that the future is shaped by those who lead with heart, service, and respect.

Karen Prendergast

Principal

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