Dear Families,

This week we commenced the season of Lent with our Ash Wednesday services, reverently led by our student leaders. Lent, for Catholics, is a sacred time of preparation for Easter — traditionally marked by prayer, fasting and penance.

I was heartened to read the recent Lenten message of Pope Leo XIV, shared through Vatican News. His Lenten challenge is both deeply practical and profoundly accessible. He invites us to consider a form of fasting that all of us can undertake:  

“I would like to invite you to a very practical and frequently unappreciated form of abstinence: that of refraining from words that offend and hurt our neighbor.”

He continued.

Watkins, D. (2026, February 13). Pope Leo XIV Lent 2026 message: Disarm words, embrace peace. Vatican News. 

What a powerful invitation for us. If we each made a conscious effort to listen more carefully, respond more thoughtfully and speak with kindness, imagine the impact this would have, in our homes, in our College, and in our broader community.

It is hard to believe that the school year began only two weeks ago for students, and three weeks ago for staff. The year has started extremely well. Students are settled, engaged and embracing the many opportunities available to them.

The past fortnight has been a fantastic beginning. From sporting events and outdoor hikes to singing in the choir and leading liturgies, it has been wonderful to see such strong participation across all areas of College life.

We commenced the year with our Evening of Excellence, a special celebration recognising outstanding student achievement. On the evening, I spoke about excellence not simply being about the end result, but about the consistent effort and discipline applied day by day. Excellence is built on commitment, perseverance and integrity — qualities we seek to nurture in all of our students.  

Last week, we gathered as a whole school for a Service of the Word and the Commissioning of our Student Leaders. This was a meaningful occasion highlighting leadership as service — a value central to our College community. A wonderful example of this was seen at our recent Swimming Carnival, where our student leaders served their peers by running the BBQ. The funds raised will support Caritas, reinforcing the importance of faith in action. 

The Swimming Carnivals themselves were full of energy and enthusiasm. Students competed with great spirit, supported one another wholeheartedly and embraced the occasion with joy. It was also fantastic to see staff actively involved, further strengthening our sense of community. My sincere thanks to the many staff who worked tirelessly behind the scenes to coordinate and deliver such successful events. 

As we commence this year, we know that when parents and guardians are actively engaged, students feel more connected, attend more regularly and experience greater success. Across Australia, school attendance remains an ongoing concern, and consistent attendance makes a significant difference. When students feel supported both at home and at school, they are far more likely to attend each day with confidence and purpose. We ask for your continued support in ensuring your child attends school every day unless unwell. Every day truly matters, for learning, for wellbeing, and for their future. 

At the same time, we warmly invite you to remain connected with College life. A strong partnership between home and school is vital in ensuring a positive and successful experience for every student. Whether you are new to our community or in your final year with us, we encourage you to ensure you have full access to MEL and to attend key events throughout the year, including days like our swimming carnival, Parent–Teacher Meetings, Subject Selection Evenings and other celebrations of learning and achievement. 

Thank you for your ongoing support in building a strong, faith-filled and connected College community. 

Warm regards, 

Shayne Kidd 

Principal