This morning, the world was informed of the passing of Queen Elizabeth II. Throughout her monumental reign, she was a woman who lead with compassion and commitment. It is never easy to live a life in the public eye, yet she did this without scandal or reproach. She will long be remembered as a much loved and respected leader across the world. A wonderful woman that many girls can look up to.  May she rest in peace.

Over the last week there have been a number of occasions where I have reflected on the wonderful community we have at St Pat’s and the opportunities that are available for our girls as they grow into independent, strong young women.

On Friday night, we hosted the Father Daughter Dinner Dance and 250 dads and/or significant father figures and their girls enjoyed the thrill and the excitement of dancing many dances that had them all well out of their comfort zone. It was a true celebration of community and a great way for girls and the significant men in their lives to enjoy each other’s company. There is abundant research acknowledging the importance of father and father figures in the lives of developing teenage girls. Their relationship models the future relationships girls will have with other boys and young men. The girls learn that they can be respected and valued as people from their fathers and get an insight into how males think and respond to situations and circumstances which may be different to their own. It certainly was a very enjoyable evening and I thank the P&F who planned and organised the night. (see photos below)

We are members of IGSA which is an the Association of Heads of Independent Girls' Schools. There are a number of activities and experiences offered by the association throughout the year that our girls can participate in. Last weekend, our girls participated in the second performance of the Choral Festival. A choir of 70 girls performed at St James Church, a number of pieces that extended their repertoires and experiences. It was magnificent to listen to and thoroughly enjoyable. Congratulations to Yukiko W, Isabelle S and Ebony P for your commitment and participation in this opportunity. I also thank Mrs Samyia who worked and performed with the girls for their first performance over the weekend in August.

We were thrilled to host Showcase this week. Having had to hold this online over the last two years, it was very exciting to finally have projects, students, and visitors at the College to view the major works. The girls have worked very hard for a sustained period of time to create such exceptional pieces. Congratulations to you all and your teachers and families for their support of your efforts. These are just some of the opportunities available for the girls and family members.

As we head towards the Year 12 graduation events, I always reflect on what a difference six years at St Pat’s has made on the girls who will graduate in a few weeks. I see before me girls who are confident. They have a voice and are not afraid to use it. They are able to articulate themselves and confidently tell me they have had permission to be themselves throughout their adolescent years here. They have had teachers who have gone the extra mile for them. Our teachers have not held industrial action or caused disruption to the learning for the girls. They have been there before COVID, during COVID and since COVID to always put the needs of the girls first. This is why you have chosen St Patrick’s for your daughter as the school of choice for her education.  There is a culture of learning, support and safety at the College that is infused in all that we do. St Patrick’s is the village that assists you in the education of your daughter.  Focusing on her development as a whole person means that she has the freedom to grow into the person she has the potential to become through multiple opportunities, challenges, and experiences in an inclusive and collaborative environment. It can be hard to sometimes envisage the full extent of a benefit until you get to the end, and this is what we see as the girls come to graduation.  In time, your daughter will be at this point, if she is not there already, and you will feel relief, gratitude, and validation that your sacrifices and commitment have been worth it. We are very privileged  to be part of this journey. I will leave you with a short reflection written by Dr Simon Longstaff, the Chief Executive Officer for the St James Ethics Centre, on the journey to graduation.

Blessings

Sue Lennox - Principal

Some think that heroes are
forged in the white heat of the
dangerous moment.
But there is another kind of hero,
the person of quiet decency whose achievement
is built over an entire career.
We are held by the intensity of lightning,
yet fail to mention the thunder that rolls on
into the distance long after the lightning's
moment has passed.

We are captured by the tumultuous descent
of the waterfall while the steady progress of
the river is ignored.

And we marvel at the ocean's power,
unaware of the fact that we stand upon
ground claimed for us by the silent witness
of the ancient cliff.