Principal

A Word from Pope Leo

In a recent address, Pope Leo XIV spoke about the Church’s journey toward deeper communion, participation, and mission. It’s a concept that the Church calls “synodality” and one that Pope Francis taught strongly and now Pope Leo has continued to proclaim. Pope Leo says, “The Spirit leads us away from violence and division and teaches us to live as pilgrims, not predators—no longer each for themselves, but together as one.”

In his 2025 Pentecost homily, Pope Leo emphasised that synodality has three expressions, which I have linked to our College values in brackets:

• Listening: to the Holy Spirit that extends to one another, forming the foundation of discernment (Faith).
• Participation: rooted in Baptism and Confirmation, which unite all the faithful to Christ’s mission (Service).
• Communion: not uniformity, but unity in diversity, grounded in the Spirit’s work of drawing all people together in Christ (Courage to embrace differences).  

In a Catholic school shaped by synodality, everyone — students, parents and carers, and staff — is invited to walk together in a spirit of listening, participation, and communion. As a student, you are encouraged to speak honestly, knowing your voice matters; to take part in shaping your school community; and to grow in friendship and faith with others. As a parent or carer, you are a valued partner in this journey — your insights are welcomed, your presence makes a difference, and your family belongs to a community that honours dignity and shared purpose. As a staff member, you model this synodal way by listening deeply, fostering inclusive dialogue, and guiding students with wisdom and compassion. Together, we form a school that reflects the Church’s mission: to be a people who journey in faith, united in diversity, and who are open to the Spirit’s call and each other.

The scriptures put synodality in the context of an esoteric awakening to others and self - a moment of greater awareness:

When he (Jesus) was at the table with them, he took bread, gave thanks, broke it and began to give it to them. Then their eyes were opened and they recognized him, and he disappeared from their sight. They asked each other, ‘Were not our hearts burning within us while he talked with us on the road and opened the Scriptures to us?’ — Luke 24:30–32

Thank You to Staff

Thank you to all staff for their extraordinary efforts this term. Whether it’s teaching, pastoral care, excursions, camps, or the many behind-the-scenes responsibilities, your work has been generous and deeply appreciated. I know the pace has been full, but I also know that the impact of your work is lasting. The culture we build together—one of care, consistency, and high expectations—remains one of our greatest strengths. Thank you for continuing to show up with professionalism and heart.

Thank You to Parents and Families

Thank you to all our parents and families for your ongoing support, trust, and partnership throughout this term. Your presence at events, your encouragement at home, and your collaboration with staff all contribute to the strong sense of community we enjoy. Your support of our behaviour expectations, curriculum priorities, and uniform standards is absolutely essential to creating the conditions in which our students can thrive. Whether it’s helping with homework, attending meetings, or simply being present in your child’s learning journey, your role is vital.

Did you know?

Research by Professor John Hattie highlights just how powerful parent and family engagement is in a child’s learning journey. His findings show that when families are actively involved — especially in ways that support learning at home — students achieve better academic results, show greater motivation, and develop stronger social and emotional skills. Hattie emphasises that it’s not about parents doing the teacher’s job, but about creating a home environment that values education, encourages high expectations, and fosters open communication with the school. Your support, especially in reinforcing behaviour, curriculum, and uniform expectations, plays a vital role in building the kind of learning culture where all students can thrive. Thank you for your work as the primary and principal educators of our students.

Student Activities and Engagement

At St Stephen’s, we believe that student involvement is not just an “extra”—it’s essential to forming confident, connected, and compassionate young people. This term, our students have embraced a wide range of opportunities that reflect our College values of faith, service, and courage. Here is a selection of some of the activities from Term 3:

• Year 7 Camp at Tinaroo fostered resilience and friendship.
• Year 9 Maths Camp
• Book Week saw Year 12s and staff bring literature to life with creativity and joy.
• National Science Week featured hands-on experiments and ice cream-making, led by our UQ Science Ambassadors.
• Our senior debating team triumphed in the semi-finals of the Cairns Diocese Catholic Schools Cup.
• We held a combined debating competition during Week 10, Term 3 fostering community among tablelands and Cairns schools.
• The cast and crew of Matilda JR. delivered stunning performances that celebrated teamwork and talent.
• Students engaged with service through Rosies – Friends on the Street.
• At the District Track & Field Carnival, our students won the overall trophy among 34 schools, but much more importantly they participated at a highly committed level.

The Australian Student Wellbeing Framework highlights that when students are actively engaged in school life, they experience stronger academic outcomes, emotional wellbeing, and a sense of belonging. We are committed to creating a school where every student can find their place, pursue their passions, and know they are part of something greater.

Traffic Safety and Planning Ahead

I met with Mayor Angela Toppin and a traffic specialist recently to discuss improvements around the McIver Road entrance. I’m pleased to share that Mareeba Shire Council traffic mitigation planning will begin in Term 4, 2025, with construction scheduled for 2026. This will ensure safer access for students and families. In the meantime, I ask all parents and carers to continue following safe practices around drop-off and pick-up zones. Your cooperation is essential in keeping our students safe.

God bless,

Gary Conwell

ssm.principal@cns.catholic.edu.au

Bibliography

Australian Government Department of Education. (2023). Australian student wellbeing framework. https://www.education.gov.au/student-resilience-and-wellbeing/australian-student-wellbeing-framework

Hattie, J. (2009). Visible learning: A synthesis of over 800 meta-analyses relating to achievement. Routledge. Retrieved from https://visible-learning.org/hattie-ranking-influences-effect-sizes-learning-achievement/ 

Pope Francis. (2016). Amoris laetitia: On love in the family. Vatican.va. "Amoris laetitia": Post-Synodal Apostolic Exhortation on love in the family (19 March 2016) 

Pope Leo XIV. (2025, May 18). Pope Leo at Pentecost Vigil: God intends all to live as one. Vatican News. https://www.vaticannews.va/en/pope/news/2025-06/pope-leo-at-pentecost-vigil-god-intends-all-to-live-as-one.html

Pope Leo XIV. (2025, May 18). Pope Leo calls for unity and synodality at Pentecost Vigil. Radio Veritas Asia. https://www.rvasia.org/vatican-news/pope-leo-calls-unity-and-synodality-pentecost-vigil

Queensland Department of Education. (2024). Student learning and wellbeing framework [PDF]. https://education.qld.gov.au/student/Documents/student-learning-wellbeing-framework.pdf

The Holy Bible. (2001). New International Version. Zondervan. (Luke 24:30–32)