Welcome to Term 3. I trust that all students, families and staff had a restful mid-year break, ready for Semester 2.

A warm welcome to the new Staff, students and families who have joined us this term. We wish you all a joyful and fulfilling journey at Lourdes Hill College.  

Over the holiday break, a group of Year 11 students embarked on a five-day Immersion in Mount Isa. Accompanied by Dean of Mission Mrs Nima Ballenger, Ms Cadence O’Reilly and hosted by Father Mick at Good Shepherd Parish, students were exposed to the realities of life in rural and remote Queensland, witnessed the Church's mission in action and built relationships with the local community. Click here to read about their experience. 

There are plenty of student events on the horizon this term, including the Cancer Council Ponytail Project's 'Rock the Chop', Year 6 Canberra camp, Year 12 Retreat, Book Week, the Primary School Athletics Carnival, Junior, Middle and Senior School Plays, Purple Day, the Vinnies Winter Sleepout, Good Samaritan Day and more. Our Year 9-12 students will also be inspired by the stories and advice of our Past Pupils at the Careers & Networking Evening on August 17.

The College is excited to welcome our Parents and Caregivers to our upcoming events this term including the P&F Positive Parenting Seminar (August 4), Jazz on the River (August 8), our much-loved Father’s Day Breakfast (September 1 & 2) and our PPA Riverfire Celebration (September 5 - tickets on sale soon). For a full list of the Term 3 events, please click here. 

Later this month, school communities across Queensland will celebrate Catholic Education Week (July 26 to August 1), guided by the 2026 theme of ‘Share your light, inspire others’. Our College will celebrate this Week through social justice initiatives: students in Years 11-12 are invited to attend our Social Justice Forum on Monday July 27, raising awareness of domestic violence. On Friday July 31, the College will host the Vinnies Up Late event, providing an insight into homelessness in Brisbane. 

Next month, our LHC Rowing Club will host the BSRA Regatta 4 in Beaudesert (August 15). The Regatta, held at Wyaralong Dam, is a great opportunity to raise funds for our Rowing Program. There are also sponsorship opportunities available, including sponsoring a race or donating raffle prizes. If Parents and Caregivers are interested in supporting, please reach out to our Director of Sport, Bridget Reddan: bre@lhc.qld.edu.au. The Club is also on the lookout for volunteers who can help with event day and pre-event day roles, including working at the canteen, directing parking, baking items, donating drinks and more. Click here to sign up - any assistance is greatly appreciated. 

The Australian Government’s non-government schools census day is coming up on August 7. Data will be collected about the College, including the characteristics of the school’s staff and student body.  The names of students and staff are not recorded. Parents and Caregivers do not need to do anything but can view the privacy notice which can be found here. Please contact the College’s Director of Business Operations and Finance Celia Lloyd if you have any questions: (07) 3399 0437 or cll@lhc.qld.edu.au.

A reminder to Parents and Caregivers that our new Reportable Conduct Scheme is now in effect. If a member of our community would like to make a report regarding conduct of a worker (including volunteers), please visit our website here and scroll down to the 'Reportable Conduct Scheme' section. 

As we begin this new term, I’d like to acknowledge the crucial role our Parents and Caregivers play in allowing our students to flourish. 

May we move forward with gratitude, purpose, and hearts fully switched on to learning, growth and hope.