The Board Report 

The July meeting coincided with 100 days as Principal for Kerry and fell just a few days before sheleft on her amazing pilgrimage in the steps of the Saviour. The Board would like to congratulate heron facing the challenges of those 100 days. She has most certainly hit the ground running and wehope that she returns from her trip spiritually refreshed. 

During our meeting we were excited to receive information on research projects being undertakenby several staff. Research projects such as these will hopefully not only engage the staff involved butalso serve to provide positive initiatives that will benefit other staff and students alike. Best of luckto all those involved.

Kerry’s pilgrimage gave me pause to ponder my own pilgrimages of the past. The definition of apilgrimage is a journey to a place that is sacred or meaningful for religious or spiritual reasonshowever a pilgrimage can also be a metaphor for a personal quest or exploration of one’s beliefs. Myfirst exploration of my beliefs came in Grade 12 when I was fortunate to represent my school, StMarys College Ipswich, at the National Catholic Education Conference. For me it was an awakeningof my faith as I communed with hundreds of Catholics of all ages and statuses within the Church andeducation community. Students, teachers, Principals, school administrators and clergy all gatheredto discuss our faith in action within our schools. I felt such pride and connection to the greaterCatholic community at being afforded the opportunity to shape the direction of Catholic Education.

Might now be a time for us all to contemplate how we might make our own personal pilgrimagewith our faith? Maybe it will be a metaphorical journey of contemplation or perhaps a physicaljourney to a place of significance such as the journey Kerry is making. I’m thinking mine might be avisit to the place where I feel most connected to my Higher Power…underwater at Saxon Reef, aplace that is surely touched by God.

Yours in service on behalf of the Board,

Tammy van der Reijden