Principal's Message

Dear Parents, Carers and Friends,

Term 3 is now in full swing. As a principal, it is wonderful to observe the learning happening both inside and outside our classrooms. Our young people are constantly learning, and we know that true growth is rarely easy. Recently, I had the opportunity to review Pope Leo’s encyclical, Magnifica Humanitas, released in May this year. In it, the Holy Father eloquently reflects on the ease with which we can access information at the touch of a button in modern society. He cautions that this instant acquisition can sometimes bypass the essential "humanness" of learning—the understanding that education is a journey requiring patience, time on task, practice, and the navigation of challenges. It is through this process that we hone our skills and develop deep-seated knowledge; this has always been a fundamental part of our human experience.

It is, therefore, heartening to see our students engaging so fully in their own journeys—trying new skills, working through the frustration when they do not succeed the first time, and persevering until they do. This resilience is something to cherish, value, and celebrate. We see this commitment to growth across all facets of school life. Last night, our Year 9 and 10 students returned from The Great Aussie Bushcamp in Tea Gardens. Hearing their stories and seeing photos of them facing fears and trying new activities was a proud moment for our staff. Next week, it is our Year 6 students' turn as they depart for Canberra on Monday. They will explore the heart of our Parliament, the Treasury, and the Mint, and will even enjoy some snow play and physical challenges at the Australian Institute of Sport. I look forward to hearing about their experiences and seeing how they have grown upon their return.

Another significant focus recently has been our 2027 enrolment interviews. Meeting our future students and their families is always a highlight, and I am incredibly proud to share what it means to be part of a Catholic learning environment. We value the inherent partnership between the student, the school, and the family. When we work together, we see the fulfilment of Plato’s view of learning highlighted in Pope Leo’s encyclical: by striking ideas and experiences together, much like a flint, we create sparks. When the conditions are right, and we are all working in harmony, those sparks ignite a lifelong fire of learning for everyone involved.

Have a wonderful weekend.

God Bless

Alistair Stewart