Deputy Principal 

Nagle Education Alliance of Australia Conference

I was fortunate to recently attend the Nagle Education Alliance of Australia Conference in Brisbane. The Conference brought together over 130 delegates from 42 schools across Australia to look at what it means to be Presentation People. On reflection, for me there were several key points that were reiterated in different ways that caused me to consider the work we do at Presentation College on a daily basis. Firstly, how do we as individuals live the charism of the Presentation Tradition and make it a lived experience for the students in our schools? Secondly, what can we do as leaders in a Catholic School so that our students prosper and become the light in the darkness? Thirdly, who carries the Presentation Tradition on in the future in the manner that the Presentation Sisters have to this point?

The charism of the Presentation Sisters and Nano Nagle, I can safely say, is alive and well at Presentation College, something that will come as no surprise. The breadth of social justice experiences, the inclusive community, the welcoming culture and the compassion and care shown on a daily basis are some (but certainly not all) of the ways in which it is alive. I’m confident that this will continue to be an integral part of the community experience.

With this in mind, it will be up to the students who leave here with those experiences to become the ‘light in the darkness’ and shape society to be more compassionate, just and inclusive. Looking broadly, it is through the quality of the education provided at the school- one that is holistic, contemporary and transformative- that will allow this to happen. At the conference, discussion of curriculum that is skill-focussed and collaborative, as well as having an explicit focus on promoting critical thinking, are just some elements that will best equip students for what will be required in the future. Fortunately, these elements are essential parts of the International Baccalaureate Middle Years Program in place at the school, preparing the girls to meet many challenges that the future may hold.

The challenge of keeping the work of the Presentation Sisters alive is one that I had not thought deeply about prior to the conference. We are very fortunate to have the Sisters join us regularly for assemblies and celebrations; they are a highly valued and respected part of the community. They are also much loved. Living life to the motto of ‘Not words, but deeds’, we find it is easy to simply talk of ‘what the Sisters do’ (or have done). Importantly, to keep the tradition alive and in context, we must look at who they are; people of compassion, justice and peace who look beyond their immediate environment in order to make a difference. This outlook, which is not only local but global in its perspective (think of the India Immersion!) makes all of us agents of change, particularly when focused on the greater good. As a measure, these values are ever present at Presentation college Windsor; the legacy of the Sisters will be lived out through the actions of our community, and Presentation People will continue to be great contributors to our broader community and the world.

Deputy Principal

Brenden Mair