What is Leadership? I consider this to be a timely question as today we informed the community of the new student Leadership Team at the College. Sadly, there are multiple examples of leadership in the business and political spheres which present it as a project that focusses on serving the interests of individual or small pockets of people who have influence and presence in the community. We see changes in our political leaders based on securing votes and holding power rather than providing the ethical and moral leadership that will serve the common good and the long-term productivity of the broader community.

Whilst there are great examples of good strong leaders, who work to make a positive difference for their communities, they often don’t have the same level of exposure and assistance to attract broader attention and support. I am thinking of Uncle Ivan Wellington, Aboriginal Elder, Mr Jeff McGill past editor of the Macarthur Advertiser, Sr Kerry Macdermott OLN, Sister of the Brown Nurses, to name just a few. Needless to say, the perfect model of leadership was in fact offered by Jesus. In the gospel, Jesus often calls the apostles to serve rather than be served. ‘Who ever wants to be first must be your slave’.

Our incoming student leaders have a clear understanding that, in their role, they will be serving the community. This is mostly done through hard work and being concerned about others. Most of leadership is not glamorous. Much of it is task orientated and repetitious. Good leaders need a sense of purpose and a vision of the good that will come through their endeavours.

In selecting the new group of students leaders, a number of factors came into play. Firstly, they were the candidates who attracted the highest votes from staff and students, the aspirants were then interviewed to speak of their capabilities, their vision and sense of team. Their records were considered and their previous contributions to the life of the College. This was in addition to their own application for leadership, which was endorsed by their teachers.

Finally, in making the final decision, the blend of personalities, styles and interests in addition to strengths and weakness of the group were considered, to enable us to have a team that would be dynamic and interactive and would relate well to the College body. It was a great privilege to interview all the possible candidates for the roles. Each were outstanding and would have been more than capable to hold the roles they applied for. We were very fortunate to have had such a strong number of aspirants, which has enabled us to choose a final group who we believe will work very well together.

The girls know that the badge doesn’t create the leadership, it is the person. There have been multiple times where it is the girls, without the badge, who grow to  become a leader who is respected and admired in the College because of her work in an area of interest. This is true for all the girls in Year 11, whether they applied for leadership or chose not to pursue it. All of them will have the opportunity to exercise real leadership for the remainder of the time they are at St Patrick's.

The building project at the front of the College will be completed in time for the girls' return in term 3. We will be thrilled to have the space back to normal and to have a very safe and secure site for the girls. A new addition to the site, is a Kiss and Drop zone at the front of the College on St John’s Road. There are some mandatory requirements in using the Kiss and Drop that are outlined further in this edition. There are 12 car spaces available, and cars can only stay in the spot for two minutes. For this reason, drivers cannot remain in their spot for an extended time waiting for their daughter to arrive. A letter outlining the procedure will be sent home prior to the first day back for the girls. I ask that you follow staff directions and act in such a way that child safety is always the priority.

This week we will farewell and thank Ms Renshaw. Ms Renshaw has served the College community for 28 years. She has worked in a wide variety of roles and has always been driven to give the best to the families and the staff. I would like to acknowledge her unselfish service all these years and wish her all the very best in her retirement.

I will be taking some enrichment leave in term 3. I will be away from week 2 to week 6 inclusive. In my absence, Mrs Wright will be Acting Principal. Mr Ashkar will be Acting Assistant Principal Students and Mrs Fenton will be the Acting Year 10 Coordinator. I thank all of them for taking on these roles in my absence.

Earlier this week, we celebrated our NAIDOC Assembly. Whilst NAIDOC week is 4 to 11 July, the assembly informed the girls of the week coming up and the theme for the year, Heal Country. The Aboriginal girls did a fantastic job in leading the assembly and we were honoured to have so many elders and guests present with us. I will finish with a prayer celebrating NAIDOC.

Wishing you a lovely break and safe time as we once again negotiate the resurgence of the COVID virus in our community.

Blessings

Sue Lennox - Principal

God of all creation, as we journey together in this Great Southern Land
We pray for healing, forgiveness and unity
Creating a path of good will, with justice and compassion.
Jesus, through the power of your love,
You have given us the courage, wisdom and strength
To share our gifts and talents in humility
In peace and understanding we reconcile with each other.
Creator Spirit , we come together in prayer and thanksgiving
For the many blessings we have received.
Allow your spirit to wash over us and give us strength to walk together as one.

Aboriginal elders and Reconciliation church staff members, Diocese of Cairns