Principal's News
Dear Parents, Students and Friends
It was with great joy and gratitude that I began our Patrons’ Day celebrations on Wednesday with my address to students and staff - a day that holds deep meaning for our college community. The day began with a beautiful liturgy where we took a moment to reflect on the values, mission, and inspiration given to us by our patron saints: Caroline Chisholm, St Mary of the Cross MacKillop, and St Francis Xavier.
But this year, Patrons’ Day carried even greater significance, as it also marked the official launch of our 30th-year celebrations! For three decades, our college has stood as a place of learning, faith, and service, guided by the example of our patrons. This milestone is not just about looking back at how far we have come, but also looking forward - to how we will continue to grow, inspire, and make a difference in the years ahead.
You may be wondering why we celebrate Patrons’ Day?
It is more than just a tradition. It is an opportunity to honour the legacy of these remarkable figures who continue to shape our college’s identity. Our patrons were people of courage, faith, and service, and they remind us that we, too, are called to make a difference in the world.
We had a most memorable day that was thoroughly enjoyed by all. Take a look at our Facebook photos. They certainly tell the story!
Appointment of new Executive Director
On 14 February 2025 the Board of Catholic Archdiocese of Canberra and Goulburn Education Limited appointed Mr David de Carvalho as the Executive Director of Catholic Education.
Please refer to the Media Release below for full details.
CEchat PILOT
Introducing CEchat – A New Chapter in Catholic Education
I am excited to share that our school has been selected as a Phase One test school for CEchat, a groundbreaking AI assistant tool designed exclusively for Catholic education. This is an incredible opportunity for all staff and students to be at the forefront of innovation, shaping the way technology enhances our schools.
What is CEchat?
CEchat is a powerful AI tool that supports educators and administrators by:
- Simplifying access to create curriculum resources and lesson plans.
- Assisting with administrative tasks like drafting communications or organising schedules.
- Aligning with Catholic values, ensuring all interactions are ethical, inclusive, and pastoral.
- Supporting data sovereignty, with all information securely stored and processed in Australia.
How Can CEchat Be Used?
Here are just a few ways CEchat can streamline core processes and empower staff:
- Curriculum Assistance: Quickly design curriculum content or create resources aligned with learning outcomes.
- Lesson Planning: Generate lesson ideas, scaffold activities, or suggest differentiated teaching strategies.
- Administration Support: Draft emails, manage schedules, or create templates for routine tasks.
- Student Interaction: Support inquiry-based learning by helping students ask better questions or organise projects.
The CEnet Commitment!
As a Phase One test school, we’ll receive personalised support from the team at CEnet to make the most of this exciting initiative:
- Training and Onboarding: All staff will have access to hands-on training sessions, user guides, and step-by-step materials to ensure confidence in using CEchat.
- Dedicated Support: Our team will be on hand to address questions, troubleshoot issues, and provide guidance throughout the testing phase.
- Feedback Opportunities: Your input is vital. CEnet will gather regular feedback from staff and students to refine CEchat and ensure it meets the needs of Catholic schools.
Why this is exciting for our School?
Being a Phase One test school means our community plays a vital role in shaping the future of CEchat. We’ll
not only benefit from the immediate advantages of the tool but also contribute directly to its development, ensuring it supports the unique workflows and values of Catholic education.
More information will follow during Term 1. Mr Jason Szkwarek will be taking the lead with this initiative for our college. I thank Mr Szkwarek for his interest in this project.
Bus Wrap
We are so impressed with the outcome of our bus wrap. We have been wanting to finalise a design for some time, and I am sure you will agree - it looks fabulous! Special thanks to Lindsay Pepper, Milc Design who assisted us with this project.
Umbarra
Our Umbarra publication 2024 was distributed to students yesterday. This is our college magazine capturing the events of last year. Our current Year 7 students do not receive a copy as they will feature in this year’s edition. We are very proud of this publication and I extend my thanks and appreciation to Mrs Elise Paull and Mrs Nadine Cooper who coordinated Umbarra last year.
Next Wednesday is Ash Wednesday and marks the beginning of the Church’s season of Lent. Staff and students will gather for a liturgy to reflect on this most important time in the Church’s calendar. Praying as a community at this time supports students’ understanding of the Catholic Tradition and the significance of this liturgical season. The marking of the Ashes on our foreheads is a public expression of our faith and repentance.
Lent is a time of prayer, fasting and almsgiving. Through prayer we come closer to God so that we are better able to realise our baptismal promise to live justly as Jesus teaches us. Fasting joins us in solidarity with people experiencing poverty who often have no choice but to go without the basic human needs. Sharing what we have, or ‘almsgiving’, is a sign of our commitment to justice and our thanks for all that God has given us.
FAST THIS LENT
In the words of Pope Francis
Fast from hurting words and say kind words.
Fast from sadness and be filled with gratitude.
Fast from anger and be filled with patience.
Fast from pessimism and be filled with hope.
Fast from worries and have trust in God.
Fast from complaints; contemplate simplicity.
Fast from pressures and be prayerful.
Fast from bitterness; fill your hearts with joy.
Fast from selfishness and be compassionate.
Fast from grudges and be reconciled.
Fast from words; be silent and listen.
Prayer for Pope Francis
As you would be aware the health of Pope Francis continues to decline, and we hold him in our prayers.
Almighty and Eternal God,
you are the everlasting health of
those who believe in you.
Hear our prayers for your sick servant Francis
for whom we implore the aid of your tender mercy,
through Christ our Lord. Amen.
Our Lady of Lourdes, Health of the Sick, pray for him.
Catholic Leaders’ Retreat
All Principals from across the Archdiocese will be attending the Catholic Leaders’ Retreat next week from Tuesday 4 – 7 March in Bowral. Mrs Louise Ibbett will be Principal (Acting) in my absence. Please do not hesitate to contact Mrs Ibbett if the need arises. Her email address is E: Louise.ibbett@cg.catholic.edu.au
With respect and encouragement to you.
Mrs Jacqueline Heffernan
Principal
“The Holy Spirit reminds us first and foremost that we are children loved by God –
everyone equal in God’s love, and everyone different.” (Pope Francis)
