From the Principal

Gratitude

There is a lovely saying that ‘if you want to make God laugh, tell Him your plans!’

I am writing from Adelaide airport (Monday evening) and I have just learned of a flight delay. It is natural to be frustrated when things do not go according to schedule but I have had some lovely moments of prayer and reflection in recent times so I am ready for a long night ahead!

I have spent time at Loreto and Jesuit gatherings over the past fortnight as our networks have taken the opportunity to meet in person given the opening of borders. The Loreto Province Leader, Sr Wendy Hildebrand ibvm, emphasised the importance of community when she mentioned ‘we should never do alone what we can do together’.

My Jesuit meeting over the weekend and Monday centred on Catholic Identity. The Jesuit and Companion Schools (JACSA) includes Rectors (Priests), Principals and senior staff from Jesuit Education Australia. We were led through a ‘spiritual conversation’ with a prayerful focus on listening intently to others.

The question of how we maintain our Catholic Identity was the topic for discernment. The reality is that for most members of our school communities their ‘sense of Church’ is through their school. The facilitator very skillfully focused on the opportunities that our students have to engage in the faith life of the school through liturgical and Christian service opportunities. Seeing the presence of God in ourselves and others through our daily actions is very Ignatian.

The Loreto Sisters commenced in Perth in 1897 so this year we are celebrating 125 years of service to the community. The Loreto influence extends through our College and also Loreto Nedlands. The other schools around the nation are girls’ schools so our state is unique in its expression of the Loreto charism. 

At both gatherings, there was a strong sense of gratitude for the wonderful students, staff and parents in our communities. Too often we learn of all the ills and failings of our society and people of my generation can often yearn for the ‘better days’ of the past. Often those comments are made with rose coloured glasses.

Quite simply, our Catholic schools are far better now than when I was a child of the 70s. We make mistakes regularly but we get a lot right as well. 

On Friday 2 September we are celebrating a Mass to thank God for the gift of our fathers and father-figures. This Mass will begin at 7:30am in the St Louis Sports Centre. It is hoped all Dads will be able to come along to celebrate Mass with their children. This year all Mums are invited to join us too.  Please book tickets for adults attending (students do not require a ticket) here: www.trybooking.com/937739. 

Robert Henderson

Principal