Last week, I attended a formation day with Good Samaritan Education, along with Principals and Board Chairs of all the other Good Sam schools and Members of the Governing Council. The focus of the day was on Inclusion. During one of the sessions, we listened to a panel of people who shared their experiences of being minoritised. On the panel were Benjamin who was from the GLBTIQ+ community, Daniel who has autism, Felicity who works with women who have suffered from domestic violence, Natalia who is an Anglo-Indian and Julie who is an Aboriginal woman. Each spoke very eloquently of how, within the first seconds of arriving in a space, they could sense if the space would accept and include them. It caused all of us to think about how we create schools that make a space for all in our community. Good Samaritan Education is founded on inclusion for all. The Sisters were and continue to be strong advocates for those in our communities who are marginalised and don’t feel like they fit.

This Thursday, we are celebrating Harmony Day. On this day, we celebrate the many different cultural dances represented at the College and encourage the girls to wear their cultural clothing with pride. Harmony Day is also for those who are from the GLBTIQ+ community, the people who are neurodivergent and the people who are our First Nations.

Pastoral classes have been working on the tenants of respectful relationships. With Mrs Wright guiding the project, girls have listed the actions in the playground and those that are expected in the classroom that show respect. When we all model these behaviours, the College becomes a safer place for all girls, a more inclusive community and a school of welcome. I have again included the document released by Good Samaritan Education earlier in the year called Schools of Welcome. I invite you to read this, as this is what we are called to do at St Patrick’s College. It is an excellent statement that challenges us to be more Christ-like in our interactions with others.

As part of our St Patrick’s Day celebrations, we acknowledged the staff who have served at the College for a number of years. I will share with you those who were acknowledged and, with you, I thank them for their dedicated and loyal service. They have each held the passion and drive to do the best for your daughter over time. I am very grateful.

10 years
Louise Barry
Debra Bourne
Charlie Camilleri
Stephanie Dunn
Kerrie Harrod
Jacqui Hilton
Stuart Lord
Wendy McDonald
Liz Samyia
Jessica Thomas
Ann Treanor
Kelly Wallin
Karen Wright

15 years
Julian Nash
Pola Nicolaou
Deanna O’Neill
Michelle Parker
Shobna Sharma
Tarna Tannous
Linda Woods
Sue Lennox

20 years
Scott Ashcroft
Kay Cornett
Sue Harradine
Nat Lawrence
Fran Musico Rullo
Marguerite Pulham
Kevin Quigley
Lilly Smylie
Kris Starr
Nina Tacca-Baudana
Carol Trewhella
Jennie Zanardo

25 years
Paul Ashkar
Jason Muller
Dale Reader
Damien Williams

30 years
Tony Smylie

40 years
Marianne Fetterplace

On Monday night we held the Parent and Friends AGM. There were quite a few in attendance and we were able to fill most of the positions. Only the Treasurer position remains unfilled and if you are interested in finding out more about this position, please contact me at the College. I would like to thank those who have generously accepted the roles for the year:

President: Erin de Rooy
Vice President: Kara Thornhill
Secretary: Kristy Palmer
Treasurer: To be filled
Communications: Elizabeth Menolotto
Committee members: Julie Henderson and Amber Linden

Finally, I wish to inform you that future editions of the Inside Out will be issued on a Thursday. The quality and interesting articles will continue to be very informative for you.

This is the last edition before the Easter break. I wish you a lovely Easter and encourage you to visit one of the many services available across the break and across Macarthur. I will leave you with a short thought as we make our way to Easter.

Blessings

Sue Lennox - Principal

May the glory and the promise of this joyous time of year bring peace and happiness to you and those you hold most dear.
And may Christ, Our Risen Saviour, always be there by your side to bless you most abundantly and be your loving guide.
— Author Unknown