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As Term 3 draws to a close, I am filled with gratitude for the energy, generosity and care that continue to shape our College community. This has been a rich and rewarding term, not simply because of what we have achieved, but because of the way our students, staff and families have supported one another, embraced opportunity and lived our College Values.
Throughout Term 3 across learning, sport, the arts, leadership, faith and service, our students have shown courage, curiosity and commitment. Rather than recounting every event, I want to acknowledge the spirit that has connected them all: a willingness to participate wholeheartedly, to encourage others and to use individual gifts for the good of the community and to celebrate all achievements, big and small. From classrooms and performance spaces to sporting fields and opportunities for service, our students have continued to grow in confidence, compassion and responsibility.
Term 3 offered many memorable opportunities to learn, connect and celebrate. We recognised our Semester 1 academic award recipients and announced our 2027 student leaders while Book Week - including the contribution of a student author - encouraged a love of reading and creativity. The arts came alive through Jazz on the River, the Queensland Catholic Schools and Colleges Music Festival, school plays and Dance Night. Students represented the College with enthusiasm at the LHC Rowing Regatta and Head of the River, Tournament of Minds and a range of co-curricular activities.
Our community also gathered for Careers Night, Father’s Day breakfasts and the Past Pupils Association’s Riverfire event. Our Year 6 students broadened their learning through their Canberra trip; and we welcomed students from Toyo Eiwa (Japan) for their study tour. Catholic Education Week, the Year 12 Retreat and student-led initiatives such as Rock the Chop and Purple Day further reflected the College’s commitment to faith, service, wellbeing and belonging. Each experience was different, yet together they revealed the confidence, generosity and community spirit of our students.
On the last day of Term 3, we celebrated Good Sams Day and acknowledged 15 Years of Good Samaritan Education. What a wonderful way to end the term. It brought us together in faith, friendship and action while raising funds for the important work of the Good Samaritan Foundation. More than a day of celebration, it was a joyful expression of our College Values. Through hospitality, stewardship, justice, community, love of neighbour and peace, our students showed how simple actions can bring hope and make a meaningful difference. I thank our families for their generous support and everyone who helped make Good Sams Day such a positive and memorable occasion.
As we pause for the term break, I encourage our students to take time to rest, reconnect and notice the people and experiences that bring light to their lives. A break is not only an opportunity to recover from a busy term; it also creates space to reflect on progress, celebrate growth and return with renewed purpose. I hope every student feels proud of the perseverance she has shown and looks ahead with confidence to the final term of the year.
As we look ahead, our shared focus is clear: to start Term 4 strongly. The final term can move quickly, so I encourage every student to return ready to engage, re-establish positive routines and set clear, achievable goals from the first day. A strong beginning is not about perfection, it is about approaching each lesson, relationship and opportunity with purpose, balance and a willingness to keep growing. For our Year 6 and 12 students, Term 4 will be a significant final chapter. We look forward to accompanying them with encouragement and hope as they transition from Junior School to Middle School and from Senior School to their next chapter outside the purple gates of LHC.
Early in Term 4, students, families and staff will be invited to participate in the upcoming MMG Education Surveys. This is an important opportunity to listen carefully to our community. Your feedback will help us recognise our strengths, identify where we can improve and understand the priorities that matter most. The findings will directly influence the next stage of our strategic plan and help shape the College’s future direction. Listening is one of our Benedictine values, and I encourage every member of our community to contribute thoughtful and constructive feedback when the surveys open. You will receive an email with further information in early Term 4.
Term 4 will also bring visible signs of renewal. Construction will begin on the refurbishment of the Benedict classrooms, an important investment in contemporary, welcoming spaces that will support teaching and learning into the future. We will share relevant updates as the work progresses and carefully manage the project to minimise disruption. A redesign of the College tracksuit top is also underway, a student led initiative. Further details will be shared as this work develops, with the aim of creating a refreshed design that is practical, comfortable and reflective of our College identity and student voice.
During the holiday period, a group of students and staff will participate in the Good Samaritan Education Philippines Immersion. We wish them safe travels and a meaningful experience of connection, service and learning. We also wish our basketballers, rowers and sailors all the best as they compete in various state championships over the term break. I will also be attending a conference from 25 September and will return on 13 October, in Week 2 of Term 4. During this time, Mr John Thomas will be Acting Principal. Ms Cathie O’Sullivan will be on long service leave for the first four weeks of Term 4, with Mr Brent Malcom continuing as Acting Roche House Pastoral Leader. Mrs Kristen Smith will serve as Acting Head of Junior School for Term 4 while Mrs Caitlin McDonald is on long service leave.
Thank you to our students for the joy and determination they bring to College life; to our staff for their professionalism, care and generosity; and to our parents, caregivers, Past Pupils and friends for your ongoing trust and support. Our achievements are strongest when they grow from partnership, and I am deeply appreciative of the many ways you contribute to our community.
May the term break offer your family rest, opportunities for connection and moments of peace. I look forward to welcoming everyone back for Term 4, ready to begin the term with purpose.
With kindness, peace and hope
Mrs Kay Gleeson
Principal
