Opening Mass and Induction of Student Leaders 

Our Opening Mass, which is held early in the new school year, is an opportunity for us to come together as a community to celebrate our return to school, welcome new students, and recognise our College leaders. 

It was wonderful to welcome so many visitors to our College for this special Mass, with guests including family and friends of our student leaders, local community leaders, College board members, and staff from the Catholic Education Diocese of Cairns.

As part of the induction of student leaders Principal Gary Conwell shared an inspiring message, reminding all leaders whether they be student leaders, staff leaders or community leaders, of two key points; leadership is about service, and leaders are as influential as the quality of their relationships.

Mr Conwell's message reflected our belief that God dwells in each of us, and as God lives in us, He gives us gifts. The gifts we receive from God are for us to do good - to help one another - not for any other reason. 

At its most basic level, leadership is about using one's gifts and talents to change the world for the better.

Mr Conwell also highlighted the importance of relationships, urging us all to become good leaders by developing our personal qualities to match.

You can’t be a good leader without developing yourself and establishing, maintaining, and preserving relationships with people around you.

 

I urge all leaders and all students to focus on wisdom. Focus on courage. Focus on justice. Focus on self-control. These are the fundamental virtues that will serve you well.

Our College Captains, including our Mission, Cultural, Academic, and Pastoral House captains were then inducted, taking their pledge of leadership before the College community. They were also presented with their badges, which had been blessed by Fr Rob. It was heartwarming to witness these student leaders receiving their badges from their parents. Badges were also presented to our Student Agency Team members and all Year 12 students.

Our new staff and new students were also officially welcomed to the College. All new students receive a College Crest badge during Home Form, with the badge being a symbol of them becoming a part of the St Stephen's Catholic College family. 

The ceremony concluded with us all joining together to sing our College song, 'Trust in the Lord'. 

Our Opening Mass was a fitting way to commence our 2024 College year. We look forward to a fantastic year ahead as we continue to learn and grow under our College values of Faith, Service and Courage.