The Feast of St Benedict is an important day in the life of the College as it is twofold in its purpose. Firstly, it is an opportunity for the College community to gather as one in celebrating the Eucharist and in doing this we are honouring the significant role he plays in the spiritual life of the College. And secondly, it is a day of fundraising for the work of the Sisters of the Good Samaritan both, in Australia and overseas. Each year group has a particular ministry that they support and the students have learned about these ministries through chapel and in their pastoral classes. It is a chance for the students to acknowledge how fortunate they are and so through their donations acknowledge that what they are doing will help others, whether it be through education of young children at the Kinder School or supporting women to learn life skills through the Good Samaritan Outreach Centre in the Philippines which the Sisters describe as “a place of hospitality” where those who visit “are welcomed, nurtured, and empowered”.

The annual “talent show” organised by Year 12 continues to be a highlight of this day and each year unearths a hidden talent to the delight of the audience. Other activities include karaoke, a photo booth, a side show alley with games as well as different food options, including the Year 7 cake stall and Patties Diner run by the students from the Hospitality and Business Services classes. This day is always one where the students have the opportunity to spend some time with friends and have a relaxing end to what has been a busy term for the College community. So, a big thank you to the pastoral team and their classes for the energy that goes into making this a successful day.

I would like to take this opportunity to thank the staff and the students for their work this term in what can only be described as challenging. With Covid still having an impact and the influx of Influenza A, we have had to pull together and support each other throughout this time. I know there are many on staff who have stepped in to help their colleagues and students who have kept their friends in the loop when they have been off sick or helped them with the work they had missed. It is through these examples that we see each day what a wonderful community we have here at the College.

Thank you to Ms Bella who has been the Year 11 Coordinator for Semester 1. She has done a wonderful job and has been a great support to the girls during this time and I thank her for the way she performed this role. Mrs Conti will replace her for Semester 2, and we congratulate her and wish her well with the role. To Mr Ashkar who has held the role of Assistant Principal Students, I offer a big thank you for stepping into this role as it is a busy one full of challenges and he has given his time and energy to the girls and pastoral team during this time.

Ms Lennox will return for Term 3.

To finish, I would like to announce our new student leaders for 2022 – 2023. Over the past couple of weeks, we have undertaken student and staff voting as well as an interview process with the final three candidates for each of the six positions. It has been a pleasure to meet with the girls and hear them speak with such care for their College community. I thank all the girls who applied as it shows what a wonderful group of young women we have here.

So, I offer congratulations to the following girls who will hold one of the leadership positions for the coming year.

College Captain – ABBEY C
Scholastica Captain – JAIMEE C
Benedict Captain – CARA M
Community Leader – AMELIA P
CAPA Leader – MONIQUE R
Sports Leader – AMY Y

Blessings

Karen Wright - Acting Principal