Principal's Update

At the heart of our inclusive and connected school community is the holistic nurturing of young women – intellectually, emotionally, socially and spiritually.  It is this richness of relationships that has been developed over many years that stands tall through turbulent times, and it is this unwavering sense of community spirit that has re-emerged during this current global pandemic. 

As I wrote about in our last newsletter, we have witnessed the incredible commitment of our school community to support one another, maintain connections and reach out to the wider community.  In addition to the acts of kindliness written about last fortnight, students in Year 7 and 8 have also created letters and posters for elderly citizens in aged care facilities as part of their ‘Walk in Solidarity’ project, and our Year 9 students have written letters for St Vincent de Paul Mentone. These letters and posters were incredibly heart-warming for and brought much joy to the recipients.  And, to commemorate Mother’s Day, our Student Representative Council (SRC) decided to create a beautiful collection of tributes to mother’s which can be viewed here:

Since the Premier’s announcement in relation to the staggered return to onsite learning, there has been much excitement about being together onsite as one community again.  Without the presence of our wonderful students, the College lacks the vibrancy and energy that it usually has.   We very much look forward to their return!

As all staff and students prepare to return to working and learning onsite, I share with you this blessing by John O’Donohue

For a New Beginning

In out-of-the-way places of the heart,

Where your thoughts never think to wander,

This beginning has been quietly forming,

Waiting until you were ready to emerge.

For a long time it has watched your desire,

Feeling the emptiness growing inside you,

Noticing how you willed yourself on,

Still unable to leave what you had outgrown.

It watched you play with the seduction of safety

And the gray promises that sameness whispered,

Heard the waves of turmoil rise and relent,

Wondered would you always live like this.

Then the delight, when your courage kindled,

And out you stepped onto new ground,

Your eyes young again with energy and dream,

A path of plenitude opening before you.

Though your destination is not yet clear

You can trust the promise of this opening;

Unfurl yourself into the grace of beginning

That is at one with your life’s desire.

Awaken your spirit to adventure;

Hold nothing back, learn to find ease in risk;

Soon you will be home in a new rhythm,

For your soul senses the world that awaits you.

Nicole Mangelsdorf

Principal