From the Principal

The hopes that we hold for the future

‘The raw reality is that we belong to a bruised and battered Church.’

In the last few weeks I have had the pleasure of attending separate interstate gatherings of Jesuit and Loreto leaders of Australian schools. Meetings have included Principals and Leadership Teams and members of governing bodies. The discussions have been robust but also optimistic. The underlying message is that the Church needs to change and there is a commitment from the Loreto and Jesuit communities to continue to enhance the Catholicity of our schools.

A similar message of a hope filled future was expressed this week at a Leaders’ Forum of Western Australian Catholic schools. Participants were provided with an opportunity to engage with themes that are being generated through the planning process for the 2020 Plenary Council. We also looked at the interface between two texts, one written by Pope Francis on the call to holiness in today’s world, the other on educational leadership by Michael Fullan. The latter examined why some leaders succeed and others fail.

It was proposed by Fullan that the skill of the ‘nuance leader’ is to ask questions rather than supply answers. They see the ‘big picture’ and work well with people. Pope Francis suggested five signs or spiritual attitudes necessary to understand the way of life to which the Lord calls us:

• Perseverance, patience and meekness.
• Joy and Sense of Humour.
• Boldness and Passion.
• In Community.
• Constant Prayer.

Reflecting on contemporary models of leadership and incorporating Gospel values provide an excellent guide for discernment and decision making.

Robert Henderson

Principal

Senator Hughes’ (Class 1992) maiden speech in Parliament

Below is Senator Hughes’ maiden speech in Parliament, she is a former student of John XXIII and Loreto Kirribilli and references both schools and the example of Mary Ward.  

Coincidentally, the new member for Curtin, Celia Hammond (Class 1985), is also a former John XXIII student (and current parent). Celia is a former Vice Chancellor of Notre Dame University.