As I reflect on the evolving role of a secondary school principal, I’m reminded that the heart of this work lies in building strong communities where young people feel supported and inspired. Our world continues to change quickly, and these shifts often call us to step into new spaces of service and leadership—both within our school and beyond it.

It is in this context that I recently had the privilege of being appointed as a Director on the Catholic Secondary Principals Australia (CaSPA) Board, representing Catholic secondary school principals across Western Australia. In addition to a series of online meetings throughout the year, the role will also include several, short interstate trips for face-to-face board meetings, offering opportunities to listen, learn, and bring back ideas that will enrich the opportunities we provide our students.

This appointment allows Western Australian perspectives, innovations, and challenges to be part of important national conversations about Catholic education. It also provides an opportunity for the wonderful work of our Lumen community to be seen at a national level. Lumen has always sought to be a light for others, and I hope our values and spirit can contribute positively to these discussions.

The heart of that work—listening, learning, and celebrating the richness of community—is also reflected beautifully in our upcoming Harmony Week. Just as national collaboration broadens our perspective, Harmony Week invites us to look more deeply at the diversity and gifts within our own College.

Next week, our community spirit takes centre stage as we celebrate Harmony Week—a vibrant reflection of the 37 countries, 52 languages and 25 faith traditions that make up Lumen Christi College. Throughout the week, students and staff share the colours, traditions and stories that make our community so rich. It is one of the most joyful weeks of our calendar.

We will gather for our Harmony Day Community Mass on Thursday 19 March at 9:00am in the Clement Mulcahy Indoor Sports Centre, a reminder of our unity and shared purpose.

As I step into this new national role, I’m mindful of how closely it aligns with what we celebrate during Harmony Week: listening to one another, honouring diversity, and serving our community with humility.

Thank you for your ongoing support of the College. I hope to see you at our Harmony Day Community Mass next week.

God bless.

Karen Prendergast

Principal

Calendar - Upcoming

March 16 - 27