Deputy Principal

2026: The Year of Courage in our 70th Year

As I begin my role as Deputy Principal - Faith and Mission, I am grateful for the warm welcome I have received and genuinely excited to become part of this vibrant Franciscan community.

This year, our College reflects on one of our guiding Franciscan values: Courage. In our world today, courage is often portrayed as bold or heroic. But in the Franciscan tradition, courage looks and feels quite different. It is not loud. It is not boastful. Rather, it is the quiet, steady strength to take a step in faith; to choose what is right even when it is difficult; and to trust deeply in God’s goodness.

As a community, we are invited to live this courage in our daily lives and as parents and caregivers, you play a vital role in helping your daughters recognise and grow this kind of courage in their own lives. Below are four quick ways to nurture Franciscan Courage at home throughout this year:

1. Celebrate Small Acts of Bravery

Courage doesn’t only look like big, dramatic moments. It’s putting up a hand in class, trying a new sport, apologising after a mistake, or reaching out to someone who is alone. Help your daughter notice these quieter acts and celebrate them.

2. Model Calmness in Uncertainty

Our young people watch how we respond when things are challenging. Demonstrating calm perseverance, talking openly about problem-solving, and showing trust that things will work out teaches them to do the same.

3. Encourage Compassion as a Form of Courage

St Francis showed us that choosing kindness, especially when it’s not easy, is courageous. Invite your daughter to consider: Who might need my kindness today? This builds both empathy and brave leadership.

4. Allow Space for Growth (Even When It’s Messy)

Courage grows when young people are allowed to try, falter, reflect, and try again. Resist the urge to smooth every path. Instead, walk beside your daughter as she learns resilience.

Welcome and Commissioning Ceremony

On Wednesday, our College community gathered for our Welcome and Commissioning Ceremony. This special event marks the beginning of our shared journey for 2026 and recognises important milestones for both our newest students and our senior leaders.

We were delighted to formally welcome all Year 7 students and new students into the life of the College. As part of the ceremony, each new student received their College badge and House badge, symbols of belonging and connection to the Franciscan story that shapes our community.

We also recognised the Year 12 students as they step into their final year of schooling. During the Commissioning Ceremony, the Year 12 cohort received their Senior Badge and Senior Tie, significant markers of their leadership and responsibility within the College community throughout 2026.