As Term 2 draws to a close, I reflect with deep gratitude on another eventful term at the College. It has been a term rich in learning, service, achievement and connection, and one that has reflected so clearly the Benedictine values that guide us each day: community, hospitality, respect, stewardship, peace and hope. I am delighted to share with you some of the many highlights that have shaped these past nine weeks. 

The term started with our inaugural immersion to Timor-Leste. Four staff members and I accompanied 22 students in Years 10 and 11 on a transformational journey that deepened our connection with Good Samaritan Education and invited us to grow in compassion, understanding and stewardship. Opportunities such as this remind us of the importance of opening our hearts to others and living out our call to be people of peace and justice.  

In sport, our students embraced competition with determination and generosity of spirit. Lee House began the term with a wonderful victory at the LHC Interhouse Cross Country Carnival, a celebration of House pride, perseverance and community. Our Year 7 and 8 Volleyball teams competed with energy and enthusiasm, while our Intermediate and Open Netball teams represented Lourdes Hill College with skill and commitment in the CaSSSA Season. Congratulations to the following Netball Teams on their Premierships: Open A Netball, Open C, Intermediate A and Intermediate C Teams and special mention to Open B Netball who were runners up. The College Athletics carnival saw Beck House claim victory. A special mention to D’Arcy, Cullen and McKee who tied for the highest attendance on the day, each of them receiving additional bonus points.  

The Arts also took centre stage midway through the term, with three outstanding Music Soirées showcasing the extraordinary talent and confidence of our students. The season began with Simply Strings, featuring 48 students, followed by Big Sounds Band with 55 performers, and concluded with One Voice, where 62 students captivated audiences with their vocal artistry. These performances reflected not only excellence, but also the courage, discipline and joy that flourish when young people are encouraged to share their gifts with the wider community. We finished the term with some incredible performances from our Drama students in Duhig Hall.   

Reconciliation was a particularly meaningful focus this term, culminating in our whole-school Reconciliation Assembly. Thoughtfully led by our Mirragin students alongside our College Elder, Aunty Denise, the assembly invited us to listen deeply and reflect the 2026 National Reconciliation Week theme, “All In”. This theme resonated strongly across our College, calling us to genuine belonging and collective responsibility. I also acknowledge our Year 11 Hospitality students, whose beautiful platters celebrated the rich and diverse flavours of Indigenous Australian ingredients with creativity and care. 

Our international connections also continued to grow. Mr Bill Cooney and Mrs Louise Pattie travelled to Tokyo to represent the College at the Study Australia Trade Show, where they met with prospective students and families, visited our sister school, Toyo Eiwa, and hosted the first Lourdes Hill College Past Pupils Reunion in Japan. Bringing together alumni from the graduating classes of 1992, 2002 and 2009, as well as international students from 2024 and 2025, this event was a wonderful expression of hospitality, connection and the enduring strength of our global College community. 

Closer to home, our Open Evening was a vibrant celebration of College life as we welcomed more than 1,000 future families to Lourdes Hill College. We were also delighted to gather with 211 guests at the P&F Mother Daughter High Tea and with 90 alumni at the Past Pupils’ Association High Tea, marking 100 years of the PPA. It was wonderful to spend the morning hearing the memories of Past Pupils including 103-year-old Sheila Corcoran from the class of 1938. PPA Reunions in Sydney and Melbourne further strengthened these bonds, uniting alumni from graduating classes spanning 1960 to 2004. These occasions remind us that our College is, at its heart, a community built on belonging and lifelong connection. 

I also wish to congratulate Mr Iain Newton on his appointment as Chair of the Lourdes Hill College Board, and to acknowledge with sincere thanks the outstanding leadership and service of outgoing Chair, Mr Roger Lazaretti. Over the past decade, Mr Lazaretti has been instrumental in supporting the College through significant milestones, offering wise stewardship and steadfast commitment to our community. Read more about our Board updates here.

As we look ahead, we are now in the process of selecting our College Captains for 2027, with interviews commencing last week. I thank all students who nominated for these important leadership roles. Their willingness to serve is a powerful reflection of the Benedictine spirit of responsibility, humility and service. I encourage you also to read the Term 2 wrap-up from our current College Captains in this newsletter here.

This term also brings the announcement of Andy Smallhorn’s retirement. Andy began at Lourdes Hill College as a Tennis Coach before becoming a teacher in 2010, and across his years of service he has made a significant contribution to our community. We thank Andy warmly for his dedication and wish him every blessing in his retirement. It was lovely to farewell Andy at our Whole School Mass and Assembly on Thursday. Thank you to our incredible Year 9 students for leading the Mass and Mrs Ballenger and her team for supporting them.  

As you may know, I will be taking leave during Term 3 from 20 June 2026 and will return on 17 August 2026. During this time, Mr John Thomas will serve as Acting Principal. I am grateful for his leadership and know the College community will continue to be guided with wisdom and care in my absence. There will be some additional staff taking on acting positions during my absence - Dr Karen Schofield will be Acting Senior Deputy, Head of School while maintaining her current portfolio as Deputy Principal Students and Wellbeing. Mrs Nicole Caufield will be Acting Deputy Principal Operations, Ms Cathie O’Sullivan will be Acting Head of Senior School and Mr Brent Malcom, who we welcome to the College, will be Acting House Pastoral Leader Roche.  

The Reportable Conduct Scheme comes into effect on 1 July 2026. As a College we have been reviewing our policies and procedures and working closely with the Board and Consultants to ensure a smooth transition to the new scheme. If a member of our community would like to make a report regarding conduct of a worker (including volunteers), this can be done to the Principal via email – principal@lhc.qld.edu. You can read more about the Scheme here.

Families will receive communication from the Teaching and Learning Office regarding end of semester reports and parent teacher interviews. I encourage you to have conversations with you daughter around her learning and learning habits to set goals for semester 2, 2026.   

I extend my sincere thanks to our teachers, professional staff, parents and caregivers. Your support, generosity and partnership make it possible for our students to flourish, and your daily contribution to the life of the College is deeply valued. 

I wish all students and families a restful, safe and renewing holiday break. Mr Thomas and the Leadership team look forward to welcoming students and families back for Term 3 on Tuesday 14 July. May this time be one of peace, restoration and hope for all. 

With kindness, peace and hope  

Mrs Kay Gleeson 
Principal 
Lourdes Hill College