Head of Campus

Dear Families

After spending Term 1 on leave, it is a joy to return to our amazing St Patrick’s community. My time away was rich, restorative, and relaxing and it has left me both grateful for the experiences I had and energised for the work ahead.

The year began with the beautiful milestone of our son’s wedding. It was an amazing family celebration, full of love, laughter, and the kind of moments that stay with you long after the day has passed. I feel incredibly blessed to have shared that time with family and friends.

A component of my leave was Renewal Leave which is approved leave for school leaders to engage in purposeful, professional, spiritual and personal formation. During this time, I had the opportunity to visit several specialised educational settings. These visits were inspiring and thought‑provoking. They reminded me of the outstanding work we do here at St Patrick’s while also highlighting that, as a learning community, we can always grow, refine, and strengthen our practice. That spirit of continual improvement is something I look forward to exploring with you all.

Another significant part of my leave involved engaging with the Archdiocese in conversations about synodality. I joined several discussion groups that explored what it means for the Church to walk together in listening, dialogue, and shared mission. The Archdiocese of Adelaide will host the 2026 Diocesan Synod, a major gathering focused on discernment, participation, and shaping the future direction of our local Church. Being part of these early conversations was both enriching and hopeful, and I look forward to bringing that spirit of collaboration into our school community.

I then commenced my Long Service Leave and was so fortunate to holiday in the south island of New Zealand a place that feels almost sculpted by nature itself and the landscape was nothing short of spectacular. Whilst I did undertake some crazy adventure activities, I also spent time walking and hiking through stunning places that were a reminder of the beauty of creation and the importance of slowing down long enough to appreciate it.

Coming back to school this term has been wonderful. Our new students have settled in beautifully, bringing fresh energy and enthusiasm to our community. We also welcome several new staff members, and I am confident they will enrich our work with their gifts and experiences.

As always, my door is open. I genuinely enjoy working in partnership with you and I look forward to reconnecting with each of you as the term unfolds. Please feel free to drop in for a conversation, a question, or simply to say hello.

Kind regards 

Cathy