Burford House Update

These words from James Maher MSC beautifully capture what it has meant to begin the year as part of the Burford Family.

From the very first day of Term 1, Burford House has embraced this journey travelled with others. Welcoming our new Year 7 students has been one of the greatest joys of the term. From Orientation to the Year 7 Retreat, it has been wonderful to watch these students to find a sense of what it means to be MSC, form new friendships, and grow in confidence. Being part of Burford means more than simply belonging to a House; it means entering a community grounded in love, compassion, and shared purpose. It is a reminder that each and every day here at Chev that none of us walk alone.

This spirit of walking alongside one another has been especially evident through the Year 7 and Year 11 Buddy Leader Program. Seeing our senior students support, encourage and laugh with their younger buddies has been a beautiful reflection of what it means to live with heart. In these moments, the Burford spirit becomes something deeply felt, a sense of connection, trust, and belonging that helps each student come to rest more confidently within themselves.

Our Opening School Mass invited us all to begin the year centred in faith, grounding ourselves in our relationship with each other. This same sense of shared energy and House pride carried through to the Swimming Carnival and Open Day, where Burford students showed enthusiasm, teamwork and an opportunity to contribute to our college. These events remind us that the “dance in which we are participating” is made richer by every student who brings their energy, presence and gifts to our community.

For our Year 12 students, their Retreat offered an especially meaningful opportunity to pause and reflect on the journey ahead. As James Maher MSC speaks of “coming to rest within ourselves, at our deepest centre,” this retreat created space for our seniors to reconnect with themselves, one another, and the values that will guide them through their final year.

A special acknowledgement must also go to Eryn H and Charlotte B of Year 10, whose initiative in designing clips for bin lids to minimise waste being disturbed by birds is a wonderful example of spirituality lived through action. Their contribution reflects a genuine care for the environment and for the wider community, showing how relationships extends beyond people to the world we share.

This same spirit of compassion continues through our support of Caritas and Project Compassion. Through these efforts, Burford students are reminded that our journey of heart reaches beyond the school gates and calls us into solidarity with those most in need.

It has been an incredible start to the year, filled with energy, faith, connection and purpose under the guide of Mrs White, our Burford Leader of House and our dedicated Homeroom Tutors. Our House Meetings also reinforce that the year has begun with us all living out a Spirituality of the Heart: journeying together, celebrating one another’s gifts, and continuing to grow into the people we are called to be. We are grateful to have had the opportunity to share just a glimpse of the incredible work and spirit of Burford House. To put it simply we are extremely privileged to have the opportunity this year to continue to lead and inspire every Burford student to be the best MSC version of themselves. 

Cindy and Hamish

Burford House Captains