Assistant Principal - Mission
Welcome to Term 2
Welcome back, everyone! We hope you all had a restful and enjoyable break and are returning refreshed and ready for a fantastic Term 2. This Term brings new opportunities for learning, growth, and connection. Whether you're setting fresh goals or continuing progress from Term 1, we're excited to see what you achieve.
Let’s continue to support each other, work hard, and make the most of the weeks ahead!
A Moment of Reflection: Remembering Pope Francis
It is with deep sorrow that the global Catholic community mourns the passing of Pope Francis, who died peacefully at the age of 88 in Vatican City. As the first pope from the Americas and the first Jesuit to serve as the Bishop of Rome, Pope Francis made history when he was elected in 2013 following the resignation of Pope Benedict XVI.
Over his 12-year papacy, Pope Francis became known for his compassion, humility, and emphasis on social justice. He championed care for the environment, interfaith dialogue, and a more inclusive approach to Church teachings. His leadership inspired millions, and his legacy will live on through the many reforms and messages of mercy he brought to the Church and the world.
As a College community, we remember him in prayer and honour his lifelong dedication to faith, service, and peace.
Looking Ahead: The Papal Conclave
With the seat of St. Peter vacant, the College of Cardinals gathered on Wednesday 7 May in the Sistine Chapel to begin the papal conclave, the sacred process of electing the next Pope. Only cardinals under the age of 80 are eligible to vote in this secretive and solemn ceremony. The conclave involved prayer, reflection, and a series of ballots until a two-thirds majority was reached. Once a new Pope is elected, white smoke will rise from the chapel chimney—an ancient sign that the Church has a new leader. The white smoke has appeared, and the new leader of the Catholic Church, Robert Francis Prevost, will be the first American Pope and be known as Pope Leo XIV.
College ANZAC Service
Last Wednesday, as a College Community, we took time to hold our ANZAC Day service. We would especially like to acknowledge the students who showed maturity and respect throughout the ceremony. Your quiet reflection, attentive listening, and thoughtful participation truly honoured the spirit of the day. These moments remind us of the strength of our College community and the importance of coming together to remember our shared history. Thank you for helping make the service such a meaningful occasion.
Thanks goes to our student speakers, our Catafalque party, and those involved in the wreath-laying ceremony. Your contributions made the service especially meaningful and helped us all to reflect on the importance of remembrance, courage, and community. It is difficult to get up in front of your peers – well done. A special acknowledgment and thanks goes to Mrs Melissa Preston, Mr Will Pollock and the HSIE department for organising this commemoration service for us all.
Mrs Lesa Morrison - Assistant Principal - Mission