As the term draws to a close, the one word that comes to mind (other than WOW – what a busy term!) is Gratitude.

Gratitude for the opportunity to be in Australia and to be able to participate in the education of young women.

Gratitude for the varied learning opportunities that have been made available to every girl in the College – opportunities that have lived up to St Benedict’s message that the “… strong will have something to strive for and the weak nothing to run from …” (Rule of Benedict 64:9).

Gratitude for the sense of community so evident in the many events we have had in this busy term.

Gratitude for the commitment of staff to enliven the audacious legacy of the Sisters of the Good Samaritan.

Gratitude for the many clubs that exist which welcome every girl to try something new or to further her interests. Gratitude too, for the many teachers who give of their time to support these clubs.

Gratitude for the parents and alumni groups – as part of this welcoming community – wanting to build even stronger bonds between home, school and beyond school.

Gratitude for the creativity of the staff as they plan and program to implement new syllabus.

Gratitude for the excitement of prospective students and families.

Gratitude for the collegiality of the whole staff.

Gratitude.

What a term!

I also take this opportunity to congratulate the many students who received (or will be receiving) letters of individual recognition for the efforts that they have made towards their learning this term. They have begun the year with determination and shown perseverance and resilience – two important skills, not only in learning but in life.

As we end Term 2, we also farewell Mrs Orfali as Ms Bella returns from her leave. We thank Mrs Orfali for her generous work with each of her classes during Term 1.

We also wish Mrs Wright all the best as she takes some leave and congratulate Ms Randell who will be replacing her in the role of Acting Assistant Principal Students.

We also prepare to farewell Mrs Parsons as she begins the final weeks before the birth of her baby and we congratulate Ms Abbey Stapley for accepting the position of Acting Science Coordinator while Mrs Parsons is on leave.

As you can appreciate, these changes to staffing will result in a new timetable being issued before the end of term. Fortunately, in a time of significant teacher shortage, we have been able to recruit staff to cover all of our classes.

Let me leave you with this beautiful prayer that students and staff shared this morning to commemorate the Annunciation (celebrated on 8 May).

God of goodness,

God of surprises

Send angels of inspiration to guide and enlighten us as you did Mary

Awaken us again to our true calling, our true mission: to walk with you on the paths laid out for us.

Teach us to listen for you in every corner of our lives and to await your messengers in the most unexpected situations and conditions.

Amen

May the holidays be a time of refreshment and reconnecting with family and friends. Keep safe and well.

God bless.

Mary Leask - College Principal