Pope Leo XIV and the Preferential Option for the Poor

In his recent Apostolic Exhortation Dilexi te (“I have loved you”), Pope Leo XIV reminds us that Christ’s words from Revelation, “I have loved you”, are spoken personally to each one of us. Knowing we are loved by God calls us to love others, especially the poor and vulnerable, in real and practical ways. This truth has been powerfully visible in our community.

Our Operation Christmas Child Appeal was a tremendous success, thanks to the generosity of families and the leadership of both our outgoing and incoming Social Justice Captains. Under their guidance, students packed shoeboxes filled with small but precious gifts, each one a reminder to children across the world that they are loved and not forgotten.

That same spirit of love continues as we embrace Mission Month. This year, Catholic Mission invites us to support projects in Zambia that create sustainable infrastructure and empower local communities. Sophie, Minny and Max are already hard at work raising awareness, educating students, and leading opportunities to raise funds for this important cause. They will also guide us in supporting the St Vincent de Paul Christmas Appeal, ensuring that families closer to home experience compassion and hope during a difficult season.

These initiatives show that our school’s faith is alive in action. As Pope Leo reminds us, “love for the Lord is one with love for the poor.” With the generosity of our community, we continue to weave a story of service, compassion and solidarity. May all who encounter our work hear Christ’s words for themselves: “I have loved you.”

Introducing our Social Justice Captains!  

Sophie Barling: I wanted to become a Social Justice Captain because I’m passionate about creating a safe, inclusive, and compassionate college community, while also raising awareness of global issues we don’t often discuss. This year, my focus is on encouraging vulnerability and empathy within our college, inspired by our Catholic Social Teachings. I’m so grateful to have been given this role and can’t wait to make a positive impact. 

Minny Holland: I’m excited to be stepping into the role of one of the Social Justice Captains in 2026. I’ve always known caring for others and making my community the best it can be was one of my greatest passions. Whether I got the role or not, I knew as a senior I wanted to do as much as I could to make students excited to come to the college everyday and feel like no matter the differences we all have, the college is a place we all belong. I hope through being in this role I can work to make everyone feel like they have a place at the college and hopefully have some new and exciting initiatives as well as make the existing ones even more fun!

Max Ivanoff: When I applied for Social Justice Captain I wanted to get the role so I could change our college environment to something more positive and supportive for all students. All students deserve a chance to prove themselves, and everyone has the right to be treated equally with fairness. I want to work to raise awareness about social issues, support initiatives that make a positive difference, and make sure every student has a voice that is heard. I aim to create a college community built on kindness, fairness, and understanding. 

Mrs Anna Smart
Religious Education Coordinator