As we reach the midpoint of the year, I’d like to take this opportunity to reflect on the meaningful contribution our Past Pupils’ Association has already made to our College community in this special anniversary year. 

As you know, Lourdes Hill College celebrates its 110th Anniversary in 2026, alongside 100 years of our Past Pupils’ Association (PPA). These significant milestones invite us to honour the generations of young women who have shaped our College story and to celebrate the enduring sense of belonging that continues to unite us as Lourdanians.  

To mark these important milestones, staff, students and VIP guests gathered on Friday 20 February for the Lourdes Day 110 Year Anniversary Mass at Chandler Theatre. Led by Archbishop Shane Mackinlay and assisted by Father Pan, the Mass provided the perfect opportunity to honour our past, celebrate our present and look ahead with confidence to the future, united in faith, tradition, peace and the enduring spirit of Lourdes Hill College. 

Celebrations continued the following day with the 110 Year Anniversary Community Event, a joyful afternoon that brought together generations of the Lourdes Hill community, including past, current and future families. Held at the Panthers AFL Club in Morningside, the event welcomed more than 900 attendees as we also celebrated 100 years of the PPA. With live music, student performances, jumping castles, games and family entertainment, there was a wonderful sense of community, connection and celebration throughout the afternoon. 

To continue commemorating these milestones, we have hosted special reunion events in Tokyo, Sydney and Melbourne, strengthening our connection with Past Pupils and extending our celebrations beyond Brisbane. In Tokyo, we welcomed alumni from the graduating classes of 1992, 2002 and 2009, as well as international students from 2024 and 2025. In Sydney and Melbourne, 23 alumni from graduating classes spanning 1960 to 2004 came together to reminisce and share updates on their lives beyond school. 

While our reunion celebrations will continue later this year in London on 27 September and Toowoomba, with the date to be confirmed, I also warmly encourage our Brisbane-based Past Pupils to reconnect with one another at the Riverfire Celebration on 5 September. It will be a wonderful opportunity to come together and celebrate our Centenary in the heart of our College community. Further details will be shared with our Past Pupils in the coming weeks. 

One of the great joys of this year was attending the PPA High Tea in June, where past pupils from the Class of 1938 onwards gathered in Duhig Hall for a memorable morning of connection, storytelling and generous hospitality. It was deeply moving to see generations of past pupils in the same room, including 2025 graduate Lucy Moffat, who attended with her mother, aunt and grandmother, all proud Lourdanians. Sister Sonia Wagner and 10 of her friends from the Class of 1962, along with many other groups, shared memories and stories that reflected the gifts of stability, community and lifelong belonging. 

I also extend my congratulations to the PPA on awarding the inaugural Centenary Grant. This wonderful initiative acknowledges past pupils who embody our Benedictine values, particularly stewardship, justice and love of neighbour, and who continues to make a positive difference in the world. You can read more about the deserving recipient here. 

I look forward to seeing many of you at our remaining PPA events for 2026, including the Past Pupils Careers and Networking Evening on 17 August, Riverfire on 5 September and the Remembrance Mass on 7 November. 

I’d like to thank you PPA President Jan Stone and the dedicated Committee members for your generous service, energy and commitment. The PPA plays a treasured role in the life of Lourdes Hill College, helping us to honour our history, strengthen our connections and carry forward the spirit of our community through service, stewardship and gratitude. 

With kindness, peace and hope.