Dear Families and Friends

One of the things I enjoy most about working in a school is seeing the growth in our students that cannot always be measured through a report or test result. Often, it is the quieter moments that tell the real story — the way students begin to show greater confidence, empathy, maturity and awareness of others.

We have seen this recently through our Year 9 Christian Service Learning program, where students have been spending time with members of the elderly community in aged care. These visits are not complicated or highly structured. They are built around conversation, connection and simply being present with others.

What has stood out is the way many students have responded to the experience. For some, it has pushed them outside their comfort zone. For others, it has helped them appreciate the value of listening, showing patience and giving their time to someone else.

At the same time, the visits have brought genuine joy to many of the elderly residents. Something as simple as a conversation, a shared laugh or hearing about school life can make a real difference to someone’s day.

Programs like this matter because they help students understand that who they are becoming is just as important as what they achieve.

This message was also reinforced through LifeLink, with our secondary student leaders recently attending the launch at Aranmore Catholic College alongside Mr Michael Peter and ….. Our primary leaders are preparing to attend the Primary School launch at Corpus Christi College.

For families who may not be familiar with LifeLink, it is an initiative of the Catholic Archdiocese of Perth that supports agencies working with some of the most vulnerable members of our community — including people experiencing hardship, homelessness, family crisis and mental health challenges. Through schools, parishes and the wider Catholic community, LifeLink raises both awareness and practical support for those who need it most.

This year’s theme, “One in Christ, United in Mission,” focused on the importance of community and the shared responsibility we have in caring for others. Hearing from Archbishop Timothy Costelloe, along with Auxiliary Bishops Donald Sproxton and Nelson Po, helped students gain a deeper understanding of the important work these agencies do to support individuals and families experiencing hardship across Perth and regional Western Australia, while also highlighting the meaningful difference fundraising efforts such as LifeLink can make in the lives of others.

What was particularly pleasing was hearing how thoughtfully our students engaged with the experience — asking questions, reflecting and considering the role they can play in supporting others within their own community. These opportunities help our students see that even small acts of kindness, generosity and service can have a significant impact on the lives of others.

At Salvado, we want our students to achieve success in their learning, but just as importantly, we want them to grow into young people who are grounded, compassionate and aware of the impact they can have on others. In recent weeks, I have been proud to see these qualities developing across our College community.

God bless!

Ms Giovanna Fiume

College Principal

Mission & Faith Life

Pope Leo XIV's Monthly Prayer Intention