Mission and Identity
Opening College Mass – Celebrating the Year of Felicity
“Have a cheerful mind, a good understanding and a great desire for virtue. Of these a cheerful heart is most essential” - Mary Ward
Our school year began with a beautiful and joyful celebration of our Opening College Mass, centred on the theme of Felicity. Gathering as a College community, we were reminded that true happiness is not fleeting or superficial, but deeply rooted in gratitude, faith and relationship with one another and with God.
The Mass led by Fr Chris Jenkins invited us to reflect on what it means to live with purpose and joy in our daily interactions, and how do we invite people to be with us in community; in classrooms, on the sporting field, in boarding, and in the quiet moments of kindness that shape our community.
During the Mass the Felicity Song written by Year 10 student Cleo Murray was debuted and served as a wonderful reminder of the joy that felicity can bring to all.
As we begin this year together, the message of Felicity calls each of us to be people who radiate hope and create a culture of welcome and belonging.
Ash Wednesday Liturgies – A Season of Reflection and Renewal
This week our students participated in Ash Wednesday liturgies, marking the beginning of the sacred season of Lent. Receiving ashes on their foreheads, students heard the call to “turn our hearts” toward what truly matters.
Lent invites us into reflection, prayer, fasting and acts of generosity. Across year levels, students were encouraged to consider how they might grow, not only academically, but spiritually and personally. In a busy world, Ash Wednesday offers a pause: a reminder of humility, compassion and our shared human journey.
Project Compassion – Walking for Caritas
Our commitment to living out the Gospel message of justice and solidarity was made visible at assembly through the launch of Project Compassion in support of Caritas Australia.
Our Year 12 leaders carried heavy buckets around the gym, symbolising the daily reality faced by many girls in developing countries who must walk long distances to collect water for their families. This powerful visual reminder invited us to reflect on the privilege of access to clean water and education, opportunities that many young women around the world are denied.
Project Compassion encourages us to respond not with indifference, but with action. Through fundraising and awareness, our students are learning that small acts of generosity can create meaningful change.
As a community, we are proud to stand in solidarity with others, putting faith into action and embodying the values we hold dear.
Martina O’Connell
Assistant Principal: Mission & Identity