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As we move through Term 4, I would like to take this opportunity to reflect on all that has been achieved, celebrate successes, and appreciate the growth and learning that has taken place. At the same time, we maintain our focus on learning and wellbeing through to the end of the year. Together, we’re creating a strong finish to another successful school year.
Every moment of our 2025 journey was guided by our theme, Sacred Paths. This theme captured the spiritual side of our faith journey – the path of learning, growing together, and connecting with one another and with creation. Prayer was a major focus this year, reminding us of the strength and unity that come from a shared sense of community.
In 2024, we launched our new Strategic Plan and completed a comprehensive Curriculum Review and in 2025 a culture review was undertaken. This year has been all about putting those plans into action and starting to bring the review’s recommendations to life.
The biggest highlight of 2025 was the opening of our Junior School, a huge milestone for Lourdes Hill College. With 180 new Year 5 and 6 students, we’ve created a vibrant space that encourages curiosity, belonging, and growth. After years of planning and collaboration, it’s been so rewarding to see this vision finally take shape—marking an exciting new chapter for LHC full of opportunity, innovation, and community spirit.
Our Co-Curricular Arts and Culture program also thrived in 2025. The introduction of Immersive Music in the Junior School, refreshed Dance Troupes, an expanded Drama program, and a renewed Co-Curricular Art program all helped our students shine. A standout event was the Culture Cabaret Show, World of Movies, which lit up the GSC in August.
In sport, LHC continued to grow stronger. We launched a Sport Excellence Program and a new club program that allowed students to play Netball, Touch, and Basketball on weekends and evenings—boosting participation, teamwork, and school spirit. The new LHC Sport Instagram page celebrated student success, while a refined staffing model gave each sport dedicated coordinators and clear support systems to help our athletes thrive.
This year also saw the completion of our camp and retreat program. Students in Years 5, 7, and 9 took part in camps, Year 6 students travelled to Canberra, and Year 12 students attended a special retreat focused on reflection, connection, and preparing for life after school. From 2026, Year 10 students will take part in a new Adventure Alternatives camp, designed to build confidence and leadership through outdoor experiences.
Student immersions continued to offer powerful learning opportunities, with experiences in Mt Isa, the Philippines, Mater Dei, and the Prophetic Voices GSE program—both online and in person with our sister schools. A proud moment was our Prophetic Voices students presenting to the Good Samaritan Education network at their triannual gathering.
Over the Easter break, our Year 11 and 12 Japanese students enjoyed a Study Tour in Japan—an important step in growing our International Student Program. We signed new partnership agreements with two Tokyo schools, expanded the study tour opportunities, and welcomed more international students, including our first Junior School study tour. These partnerships are opening even more doors for future cultural and learning exchanges.
Another focus in 2025 was expanding Student Voice initiatives. Programs like the Time Out Project, Ponytail Project, Bullying Awareness campaigns, and Wellbeing Week gave students the chance to speak up, make change, and help shape a positive, inclusive school culture.
This year also gave our community plenty of chances to come together—through events like the Principal’s Welcome, Mother Daughter High Tea, Father’s Day Breakfasts, and the Mother’s Spring Luncheon. Our Positive Parenting Seminars with Paul Dillon, Judith Locke, and Dr Anita Collins were also a big success and very warmly received.
A real cultural highlight was Stories Under the Stars, our Mirrigan fundraising event, featuring a powerful didgeridoo performance by Michael Wattego, performances by our Mirrigan students, and delicious food from celebrity chef Alastair McLeod. This year, Aunty Denise joined us as our College Elder in Residence, offering mentorship and guidance to our First Nations students and staff.
We’re also proud of the successful launch of our College Giving Program. By the end of the year, staff and families will have raised an incredible $150,000 to support projects in our Junior School, the Secondary School Careers Hub, the Wall of Stars, and bursaries and scholarships.
Our Service and Outreach program grew to include Years 5–12, introducing Mini Vinnies, Sparcles, and the Emmanuel Mission breakfast program. Students showed amazing leadership through major projects like the Outreach High Tea, which raised funds for the Coffee Brigade and Rosies and featured guest speaker Ms Cadence O’Rielly, a current staff member and former student who founded the event while at LHC. The Social Justice Forum also brought together schools from across Brisbane to hear from Louise Hauser and take part in a “Care and Re-wear” clothing swap promoting sustainable fashion.
As previously communicated, 2025 saw the development of a new Senior Leadership structure that will commence in 2026. To support the implementation of this structure and the College’s strategic priorities the following Middle Leadership roles will be in place for 2026:
I will share more information and appointments during this term.
Looking ahead, 2026 will be a milestone year as LHC celebrates 110 years of educating Lourdanians and 100 years of support from our Past Pupils Association. It’s a wonderful opportunity to honour the vision, dedication, and faith of those who came before us—Sisters, staff, students, and families—each one leaving a legacy of light. Throughout 2026, we’ll celebrate their gifts and reflect on how we, too, can continue to “Be the Light.”
With Kindness, peace and hope
Mrs Kay Gleeson
