Our 2025 theme Sacred Paths has invited us to reflect deeply on the journeys we take spiritually, personally, and collectively. These paths, sacred in their purpose and direction, have been illuminated by prayer, guiding our Middle School students as they grow in faith, discover their strengths, and connect meaningfully with others.

In the Middle School, Sacred Paths came to life through the lived expression of our Benedictine values—Justice, Respect, Love of Neighbour, and Community. These values were not just spoken about; they were embodied in classrooms, on sporting fields, in creative spaces, and through service.

Our students embraced academic challenges with determination and celebrated success across a wide range of Co-Curricular pursuits. From sporting premierships and debating finals to dance, drama, music, and reading competitions, 2025 was a year of vibrant participation and achievement. These moments were more than milestones, they were steps along each student’s sacred path.

Service and social justice were central to our journey. Through the Middle School Social Justice Groups and Projects, students actively contributed to our Strategic Pillar of Benedictine Presence—creating a community grounded in authentic engagement and care. One standout initiative, Books for Building Brilliance, saw 312 books and 247 handmade bookmarks donated to those in need, a beautiful testament to our students’ compassion and commitment.

In the classroom, students were captivated by rich learning experiences. Many earned Academic, Study Habit and FDL awards, while others made significant strides in their personal academic growth. The Stella Wellbeing Program, led by Mrs Hains and supported by our dedicated staff, nurtured students’ emotional intelligence, purpose, relationships, and spiritual wellbeing. Through Global STARS, students developed leadership, teamwork, and digital literacy skills, creating apps, websites, and films that showcased their creativity and innovation.

Each year level walked its own sacred path:

• Year 7 students formed strong bonds through camp at Kindilan and events like the Easter Hat Parade and Melbourne Cup lunch with their Year 11 Big Sisters. Their social with Villanova College helped them feel welcomed and connected to the LHC community.
• Year 8 students strengthened foundational skills in literacy and numeracy, while enjoying Stella Days and team-building adventures at Mt Coot-tha. Their social event with St Laurence’s College and the Middle School dance fostered new friendships and joyful memories.
• Year 9 students led with kindness and inclusivity, creating a vibrant Middle School culture. Their leadership in Magic in the Middle School lunchtime activities brought joy and connection to many. Their camp at Alexandra Headlands was a powerful moment of reflection and preparation for the transition to Senior School. 

Thank you to all our leaders of the Middle School. Your leadership has been exemplary, and your contributions have shaped a thriving, inclusive community.

On behalf of our Middle School community, we extend our deepest gratitude to Mrs Natalie McClure, our Middle School Pastoral Leader, for her exceptional leadership, unwavering dedication, and heartfelt commitment to walking alongside our students on their Middle School journey.

Mrs McClure has been the driving force behind many of our most cherished initiatives. Her vision and organisation of Magic in the Middle School brought joy and connection to our lunchtimes, creating spaces where students could build friendships, explore interests, and simply have fun. Through the Big Sister Little Sister Program, she nurtured meaningful relationships between Year 11 and Year 7, Year 12 and Year 8 students, fostering a sense of belonging and mentorship that has enriched our college spirit.

Her leadership in developing the Middle School Compass Card has been a powerful way to recognise and celebrate students’ positive behaviour and contributions. This initiative has encouraged our students to live out our Benedictine values in everyday actions, reinforcing the importance of kindness, respect, and community. Thank you, Mrs McClure, for your inspiring leadership and for being a beacon of light in our Middle School journey.

Thank you to Mrs Young for her outstanding organisation, of the Middle school, Middle School parent blog and our very special Middle school events and masses. 

As we close the chapter on 2025, we celebrate the sacred paths walked by every student, staff member, and family. It has been a privilege to walk with you, and we are deeply proud of all that our Middle School has achieved. Wishing our Middle School students, staff and families a wonderful Christmas, may you find moments of stillness to rest your mind, warmth to soothe your heart, and joy to refresh your spirit. May the season wrap you in peace, hope and love and leave you renewed for the year ahead.