Valerie Hannon spoke about the new culture of engagement needed in schools. It was pleasing to realise that many of the strategies we have implemented at St Patrick’s College Campbelltown reflect what she was advocating. The implementation of an integrated curriculum, high levels of professional learning for staff and a focus on the needs of the whole student, which is our Academic Care model, are all in line with the current educational research. Yang Zhao spoke about the need for us to encourage the development of the entrepreneur in our classes. The current educational regime satisfies an old paradigm, one which was designed to prepare young people to move from the farm and into the industrialised society. Our society is very different to this, so we must review how we prepare our girls for this new globalised world and then relate this in the learning at the College.  Such input is always very inspirational and motivating as we work to ensure that we give our students the BEST advantage for their future.

During the course of this conference I came upon 3 ex-student’s from St Patrick’s College. What an absolute delight to meet such competent and intelligent women who fondly shared with me their experiences at St Patrick’s. Ms Jeanette Wilkins and Mrs Lynne Pull (nee Channell) are both principals and live in the Lismore diocese. Ms Kylie-Ann Haynes (nee Barr) organised the entire conference with her company and now lives in Wollongong. I felt very humbled to meet such good women and ambassadors of the great educational legacy St Patrick’s College continues to give to our girls both past and present. 

At its recent meeting, the Board accepted the final draft of the Mission statement. The Vision and Mission statement includes contributions from parents, students and staff. It will now be launched in the coming weeks. It outlines what the College will continue to work towards in the years to come.

If you have a daughter in Year 11 or 12, I am sure she will have shared with you her recent experience of Retreat. We are one of the few schools who offer retreat experiences to girls in both Year 11 and 12. These opportunities are invaluable for the girls and provide them with spaces in their life to reflect, pray and connect with their God. Before long they will have left the College and my hope is that through this opportunity they will have established a relationship with their God that they can nurture and continue to grow in the years to come. To have achieved this will be a very strong indicator of success for us at the College. I thank Mr Angelo Gattone and Mrs Petah Foran for their work on the programs and to all the teachers who took time away from their families to be with their students for this memorable event.

We have included photographs of our Integration space. The P&F provided the finances that enabled us to purchase beautiful furniture for the girls in these spaces. I thank them for their support and your support in improving the spaces for the girls at the College.

Last Sunday was the feast of Pentecost. This has to be my favourite church feast. Imagine the apostles in the room absolutely fear ridden as they had lost their leader and were very unsure of what now and where to from here! They expected Christ to come back soon, but really hadn’t figured what to do now he wasn’t back as yet. The spirit filled them with hope and courage. They left the room emboldened and committed to their mission. I pray that we also receive  the gifts of the spirit  so we can continue to do the work of Jesus in our communities and in our society.

I will leave you with a small reflection on Pentecost.

Assist me, O Holy Spirit,
in all my trials of life,
enlighten me in my ignorance, advise me in my doubts,
strengthen me in my weakness, help me in all my needs,
protect me in temptations and console me in afflictions.
Graciously hear me, O Holy Spirit,
and pour Your light into my heart, my soul, and my mind.
Assist me to live a holy life and to grow in goodness and grace.

Amen

Blessings
Sue Lennox