From the Principal Leader
Dear staff, students, parents, carers and friends of Chisholm,
ANZAC DAY
As a college community, we respectfully acknowledged ANZAC Day at our College assembly led by the Year 9 Modern History class, Jasmine Ritter and Mrs Vella. The class did an outstanding job of working together on a script and taking on key roles to ensure that, as a college community, we could continue to learn about this significant day and what it means for us as Australians.
Principal’s assembly address:
We gather today on Darug land to commemorate ANZAC Day. At Caroline Chisholm College, we are a community built on a foundation of Catholic faith. Today, we reflect on those who embodied that faith through the ultimate act of service in defending our nation, Australia, so that we can enjoy freedom and safety.
In the Gospel of John, we are told: "Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends." This is the spiritual heart of the ANZAC spirit. It describes a love that is active, selfless, and brave, which countless men and women have demonstrated and continue to demonstrate as service members. Today, we recognise them, we honour them and we sincerely thank them for all that they have given, and continue to do so as part of our defence forces.
At our College, we often speak of the "radical courage" of Caroline Chisholm. She was a woman who saw human suffering and refused to look away. She crossed oceans and defied social norms to protect the vulnerable. Today, we recognise that same radical courage in the men and women of the Australian Defence Force.
Radical courage is not the absence of fear; it is the decision that something else is more important than that fear. It was the courage of the nurses on the hospital ships at Gallipoli who worked tirelessly in the face of tragedy. It was the courage of the young soldiers who stood by their mates. Like our college patron Caroline Chisholm, these individuals were driven by a duty to their neighbour and a commitment to a cause greater than themselves.
To you the young women of Caroline Chisholm College here today before me: you are the inheritors of this legacy. I challenge you today to find your own radical courage in your everyday actions, modelling this same spirit of bravery under adversity and the courage to respond with care and compassion where needed.
Courage is not always found on a battlefield; it is found when you stand up for the truth, when you support a friend in need, and when you show gratitude to those who serve our nation today. As we look to the men and women currently defending Australia, let our support for them be visible through our commitment to being citizens of integrity. By building a community of respect and peace here in Glenmore Park, we truly honour the sacrifice of those who serve abroad.
Gracious God,
We give thanks today for the peace we enjoy in this land,
and we remember with heavy hearts the cost at which it was purchased.
We pray for the souls of those who died in the service of our country;
May they find eternal rest in Your loving arms.
We pray for our veterans, and for those who serve today,
that they may be kept safe and find strength in times of trial.
Inspire us, Lord, with the radical courage of Caroline Chisholm.
Help us to be builders of peace, seekers of justice, and friends to the lonely.
May the spirit of the ANZACs—of mateship, endurance, and sacrifice—
live on in our hearts and in the hallways of this College.
We ask this through Christ our Lord.
Amen.
COMMUNITY AND FAMILY ENGAGEMENT (CAFE) CLUB
During Term 1 I asked parents and carers to complete a survey about our new CAFE Club, previously known as ‘Parents as Partners’. Based on the survey, I am able to know what day and time is most suitable for you to be able to attend. Our first meeting for 2026 will be held on Monday, 15th June, 4-5:30 pm. An invitation will be sent to all parents to attend and bring a friend (plus 1).
More information about our meeting focus will be sent in the coming weeks and I hope that everyone will make an effort to attend and continue to build our positive partnership at the college. The meeting will have light refreshments, input about our priorities and a current topic of interest for our young women identified in the survey. Please save the date . . . Monday 15th June is an important date for us to gather together as one. I hope to see you there with a friend on this important occasion.
May the Spirit of God be with you always
Best wishes
Mrs Tania Cairns
Principal Leader