As we head into the Term 1 holiday break, and more importantly the culmination of the Lenten period, I reflect on the importance of using this time to ensure we think about others in our community. There is something powerful about the gift of giving, especially within a high school community. At Kolbe we are uniquely placed to make a difference in the lives of others daily. Whether it’s students supporting a peer through a tough time or our staff going beyond the measure of their job description to bring hope or love to a student or family, these acts of generosity help shape the kind of community we want to belong to. Giving isn’t always about money or material things. Often, the most meaningful gifts in life are our time and our presence. It is our willingness to stand beside someone in need which often leaves them with lasting memories of our impact.
As we approach Easter, let us not forget to try and live as Jesus inspired us to do. As the book of Ephesians says: ‘Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.’ As individual members of Kolbe, we’re part of something bigger than just our College community. We’re called to live with purpose and to be people who bring hope and love into the lives of all those we encounter.
From a personal level, I wish to remind our community that for Term 2, I will be taking Long Service Leave to spend some time travelling with my family, as well as engaging with System Leaders Renewal Leave granted by Catholic Education Western Australia. As part of the renewal leave, I will have the opportunity to walk in the footsteps of St Maximilian Kolbe in Poland – an exciting but daunting experience I am ready to embrace. I look forward to sharing my experiences with the community upon my return in Term 3, and I leave knowing our College is in incredible hands during my absence.
For Term 2, the following staff leadership appointments will be in place:
- Peter Jones – Acting Principal
- Mike Pickford – Acting Vice Principal
- Steve Gardner – Acting Deputy Principal (Years 7, 9, 11)
- Jacqui Murphy – Acting Assistant Deputy Principal – Campus
Administration
- Adam Iriks – Acting Head of Year 10
- Ylenia Russo – Acting Christian Service-Learning Coordinator
Finally from me, take care, have a wonderful holiday break with your family, and I look forward to reconnecting with our very special Kolbe Catholic College community upon my return at the start of Term 3.