Principal

Pope Leo XIV

We were delighted to hear of the elevation of Pope Leo XIV, the first American pope elected on May 8, 2025. Pope Leo XIV, born Robert Francis Prevost, is an Augustinian priest, which resonates deeply with our college's Augustinian heritage – see the reference list below for more about the Augustinians. Father Robert Greenup OSA, former parish priest of St Thomas’ informed me that Fr Robert Prevost visited St Thomas’ parish on 7 December 2005 in his work with the Augustinian order. His extensive missionary work and leadership within the Augustinian order reflect the values we uphold at St Stephen's Catholic College. We look forward to his guidance and vision for the global Catholic community.

Fr Robert Prevost (Pope Leo XIV) with Fr Robert Greenup in 2005

Below is the translation of Pope Leo’s address on his elevation to Pope from the balcony of St Peter’s Basilica in Rome:

Peace be with you all!

 

Dearest brothers and sisters, this is the first greeting of the Risen Christ, the good shepherd who gave his life for the flock of God. I too would like this greeting of peace to enter your hearts, to reach your families, to all people, wherever they are, to all peoples, to the whole earth. Peace be with you! 

 

This is the peace of the Risen Christ, a disarmed peace and a disarming, humble and persevering peace. It comes from God, God who loves us all unconditionally. We still keep in our ears that weak but always courageous voice of Pope Francis blessing Rome.

 

The Pope who blessed Rome gave his blessing to the world, to the entire world, that morning of Easter Day. Allow me to follow up on that same blessing: God loves us, God loves you all, and evil will not prevail! We are all in God's hands. Therefore, without fear, united hand in hand with God and among ourselves, let us move forward. We are disciples of Christ. Christ precedes us. The world needs his light. Humanity needs him as the bridge to be reached by God and his love. Help us too, and then each other to build bridges, with dialogue, with encounter, uniting us all to be one people always in peace. Thank you Pope Francis!

 

I also want to thank all my brother cardinals who have chosen me to be the Successor of Peter and to walk together with you, as a united Church always seeking peace, justice, always trying to work as men and women faithful to Jesus Christ, without fear, to proclaim the Gospel, to be missionaries. 

 

I am a son of Saint Augustine, an Augustinian, who said: "with you I am a Christian and for you a bishop." In this sense we can all walk together toward that homeland that God has prepared for us.  

 

To the Church of Rome, a special greeting. We must seek together how to be a missionary Church, a Church that builds bridges, dialogue, always open to receiving, like this square, with open arms. All, all those who need our charity, our presence, dialogue and love.

 

And if you will allow me a word, greetings to everyone and especially to my dear diocese of Chiclayo, in Peru, where a faithful people accompanied their bishop, shared their faith and gave so much, so much to continue to be a faithful Church of Jesus Christ.

 

To all of you, brothers and sisters of Rome, of Italy, of the whole world, we want to be a synodal Church, a Church that walks, a Church that always seeks peace, that always seeks charity, that always tries to be close especially to those who suffer.

 

Today is the day of the Supplication to Our Lady of Pompeii. Our Mother Mary always wants to walk with us, be close, help us with her intercession and her love.

 

So I would like to pray with you. Let us pray together for this new mission, for the whole Church, for peace in the world and let us ask this special grace to Mary, our Mother.

Our Great Wheelbarrow Race Teams

Congratulations to our incredible Great Wheelbarrow Race teams for their outstanding performance in the 2025 race from Mareeba to Chillagoe. Our teams demonstrated remarkable endurance and teamwork, and we pay tribute to our senior team, who placed first overall and first in the school category – an amazing effort of endurance and teamwork. Our junior team participated with spirit and daring, running third in the schools category and setting themselves up for a big year in 2026. I also want to thank all the staff and families involved in helping prepare and support our teams in the race: Jennifer Tahir, Geraldine Petersen, Stacey Crockford, Linda Bale, Peta Ide, Mark Schermer, Michelle Brammer, Aurelle Brunjes, and Troy Brunjes.

Maggie Dent Seminar

We were excited to host a Maggie Dent seminar at our College Family Connect meeting on May 13, 2025. Maggie Dent shared valuable insights with a special guest on managing screen time for youths and emphasised the importance of balance and mindful technology use. Among other points in the seminar, G Mee phones were recommended for excellent parent monitoring, helping families navigate the digital landscape safely and keeping our children safe. Additionally, the phones cost $189, which, although a fair amount, is better than other brands. Refurbished phones are also available for much less cost. 

We encourage all parents and families to access the free resources that were included with the webinar.

Farewell to Ms Emma Kleyn

We bid farewell to Ms Emma Kleyn as she embarks on a new endeavour. Ms Kleyn has been an integral part of our college community, serving as a student, Learning Support Officer, and then as a senior mathematics teacher. Her dedication and passion for education have left a lasting impact on our students and staff. We wish her all the best in her future pursuits and thank her for her invaluable contribution to St Stephen's Catholic College.

First Rosies Street Outreach

A heartfelt thank you to all staff and students who participated in our first Rosies street outreach in Mareeba on Friday, 9 May. Our students have enthusiastically volunteered to attend outreach Fridays and are well supported by our staff volunteers. Rosies has served the community since 2011, offering friendship and meaningful connections to those in need. Our outreach program aims to provide support and companionship to the homeless and socially isolated, embodying the spirit of compassion and service. The efforts have made a significant difference, and we look forward to continuing this vital work. I’d like to thank our students Charlie, Bonnie, Kyden, Emily and Leanri, and staff, Ms Sugars, Mrs Lister, and Mrs Gilbert for their support. I’d also like to thank Mrs Crockford for her overall coordination of the program at the parish level.

If you would like to support St Stephen’s students and staff in their work with Rosies, there is a donation bin in the front office of Stephen’s administration building where you can donate non-perishable food items such as coffee, biscuits, noodles, soup, blankets, toiletries and other such items for distribution.

Feedback Surveys

Cairns Catholic Education will email parents and carers, and all students in Year 8 and 11, between weeks 6 and 8 this term for the annual feedback survey. Data from the surveys helps us understand the views of our families and students about school operations and how we make decisions around the same moving forward. I strongly encourage all parents, carers and students to complete the survey.

Students will be provided time at school to complete their surveys.

References

CBS News. (2025, May 8). Read Pope Leo XIV's first address from the balcony of St. Peter's Basilica. CBS News. Retrieved from https://www.cbsnews.com/news/read-pope-leo-xivs-address-st-peters-basilica/

McKeown, J. (2025, May 10). Who are the Augustinians? A look at Pope Leo XIV’s religious order. Catholic News Agency. Retrieved from https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/news/264021/who-are-the-augustinians-a-look-at-pope-leo-xiv-s-religious-order

Gary Conwell

ssm.principal@cns.catholic.edu.au