Principal's Message

On Thursday 25 February we celebrated our Investiture Assembly and acknowledged those students with formal leadership positions at the College. For the Principal’s Address, I used the following story:

A long time ago, a Pencil Maker was preparing to put an important pencil in a box. Before doing so though, he took the pencil aside. He said, “There are five things you need to know. If you can remember these five things you will become the best pencil you can be.”

“First: You will be able to do many great things, but only if you allow yourself to be held in someone else’s hand.”

“Second: Sharpening is painful, but it is critical if you want to become a better pencil.”

“Third: Because you have an eraser, you can correct most mistakes you make, though some may be harder to erase than others.”

“Fourth: You may or may not look all that great on the outside, but remember that it’s what’s inside that’s most important; in fact it’s your most important part”

“Fifth: Whatever surface you are used on, make sure you leave your mark. No matter how hard, rough or easy, you must continue to write.”

Encouraging our students to take on leadership roles is most important, as is the need to ensure that they are active participants in the growth and development of the College. The parable of the pencil outlines some of the attributes that are required for all of us to consider to be the best contributors to our local and global community. Monday 8 March 2021 was International Women’s Day and a further opportunity to exemplify the exceptional leadership that our students can aspire to. We have a responsibility to create a learning environment that promotes the belief that females have and can exhibit leadership qualities.

Our Brigidine young women have wonderful roles models in our tradition to learn more about and commit to ensuring that their mission and values live on well into the future. We have initiated a naming convention of Homerooms at the College based on our Kildare Ministries, Brigidine, Catholic and Australian story. Year 7 students start their journey with an introduction to Kildare Ministries. Year 8’s then learn about the first Brigidine sisters that travelled to Australia. Year 9’s examine the lives of women saints whilst Year 10 students reflect on the lives of prominent women in scripture. The Senior students, who would be looking at making an impact in the lives of others after graduating from Marian, connect with distinguished Australian individuals whose achievements have made an impact on the lives of others.

We believe that female role models assist our young women to believe that they can achieve in service at the College and we have a goal to build the capacity of all our students to exercise real leadership. They, in turn, need to have the belief that they are worthy of the responsibility and will be successful in whatever capacity they wish to commit to.

I congratulate all those appointed to formal leadership roles and I encourage all students to play a part in the success of this year. So, like the pencil, I urge all students to remember: walk hand in hand, continue sharpening yourself, correct mistakes, value the real you, leave your mark.

Raymond Pisani

Principal