Year 7
The mouths of the righteous utter wisdom,and their tongues speak what is just. The law of their God is in their hearts; their feet do not slip.
Last week our College officially welcomed and commissioned the ten Year 7 girls who have been elected by their peers to be Student Leaders in 2021. There are a variety of leadership roles:
Student Representative Council
Indiana Dickson and Cleo Ruthven
Community Action Leaders
Isla Busuttil and Ruby Dyett
Sustainability Leaders
Indira Alappatt and Charlotte Quigley
Living Justice Leaders
Angelina Delvecchio and Eve Elliott
Health and Wellbeing Leaders
Isabelle Acabado and Indiana Foggie
Jesus tells us that the words that come out of someone’s mouth originate in their heart. (Matt. 15:18) A leader needs to pay attention to the things they say because their words are an indicator of their spiritual condition. A good leader’s words will bring light and life. Just as the psalmist reflects, we hope that each leader chosen will be wise, speak the truth and walk with God throughout their leadership journey.
Catholic school leadership (just as all aspects of Catholic life) takes its inspiration from the life and mission of Jesus. Jesus said that he came to serve, not be served (Mark 10:45). This model of servant leadership is one that is very different to the dominant utilitarian model of leadership in today’s world, which celebrates power, efficiency, productivity and quick results.
Our College Principal, Ms Nicole Mangelsdorf, spoke to the girls about the gospel model of servant leadership. Perhaps the best example of a servant leader today is Pope Francis, who only six days after his election (on the Feast of St Joseph), declared: “Authentic power is service.” One of his first acts as Pope was to break with tradition on Holy Thursday evening during the annual Mass of the Lord’s Supper and wash the feet of prisoners in a jail, rather than Bishops in St Peter’s Basilica, as previous Pontiffs had done.
This seemingly simple act reimagined the Church as a field hospital that cares for the sick and outcast, even if this invites hatred and envy. Good leaders may have to do things that bring scorn and derision upon them. In Pope Francis, the girls of Kilbreda who wish to be leaders have a perfect role model.
I invite you to pray for those Year 7 students who have been called to leadership and your prayers for those they have been called to lead. I believe the future of our College is in safe hands!
Bill Fitzsimons
Level Leader: Year 7