The end of Term Three is always a bittersweet time for our school community. While many of us are all excitedly awaiting for a holiday break to spend with our loved ones, it is also the time that our Year 12 students begin their farewell from our College. These students, many of whom have been at our College for nearly six years, commence their journey into adulthood away from the safety net of our community.
Our Year 12 students have navigated their way through their final year of high school, which has no doubt included highs and lows, joy and sadness, fear and exhilaration. This cohort has left an indelible mark on our school community, and they are now poised to step into the world armed with courage, faith and excellence, knowing they have had the support of their families and school staff in their formation. Peter Strople said, ‘Legacy is not leaving something for people. It’s leaving something in people’. I think this is apt when writing about our Year 12 students, as they have made such strong connections with our community, who I know will continue to be inspired by the memories left behind with this group of wonderful young women and men. Their resilience, determination and commitment to faith have not only enriched our community, but also set an example for our students who will follow in their footsteps.
At our assembly on Wednesday this week, we not only got a chance as a school community to farewell our Year 12’s, but we also inducted our 2024 student leadership team. It was a chance for our Year 12 leaders to induct their successors into this vital element of our College. During the assembly, I spoke to our students about what I believe true leadership is defined by – service, just as Jesus and Maximilian Kolbe taught us. Serving others prepares you to lead others. It starts with caring about others in our community. It is stopping to smile or talk to someone who appears in need. It is realising that your actions can either lift a person’s spirit and self-worth, or shift them to hurt or pain that you may never see. Leadership is listening first, and acting second. It is not the significant feats that define how great a leader you are, it is how willing you are to do the small things to serve others and to be a role model for the community.
Leadership in its truest form has a profound impact on people. It has the power to motivate, inspire and create positive change in our world. As our new student leaders step into their roles, we encourage them to embrace their responsibility with enthusiasm and compassion. Their actions and decisions will not only shape the culture of our College, but also the lives of those around them.
Finally, can I wish all of our families a wonderful holiday break. A reminder that our students will return for Term 4 on Tuesday, 10 October in their summer uniform. Can I also remind families that Term 4 is the last term that students can wear our old style PE polo shirt. Our new style PE polo shirts must be worn by all students once we commence in 2024. Thank you everyone – stay safe and God bless.