As we move into Week 2, I hope our students, families and staff have settled well into the term. Having been away from campus during the holidays and Week 1, I am very much looking forward to returning and reconnecting with our students and families. I look forward to seeing our students make the most of the opportunities ahead and finish the year strongly.

While away, I had the privilege of attending BENet in Melk, Austria, alongside representatives from Good Samaritan Education and Ms Natalie McClure, Head of Middle School, who was selected as the Australasian representative. Bringing together Benedictine educators from around the world, the conference offered a valuable opportunity to exchange ideas, reflect on the wisdom of the Benedictine tradition in contemporary education settings, and reconnect with the values of community, hospitality and hope that guide our work at Lourdes Hill College. 

Our Deputy Principal of Students and Wellbeing, Dr Karen Schofield, also represented the College at the Association of Heads of Independent Schools of Australia Leading Learning and Caring Conference in Perth, where she shared the work we are doing to support student wellbeing and engagement. In her first presentation, From Compliance to Connection, Karen highlighted our positive engagement approach to policy driven student behaviour and the importance of building strong, meaningful relationships. She spoke about how this approach has seen positive reflections when students take responsibility for their actions. Karen's second presentation, Designing for Engagement, explored the close connection between wellbeing and learning. She shared how our classrooms are intentionally designed to support both, creating learning environments where students feel connected, engaged and able to thrive.

Week 1 offered a busy and enjoyable start to the term, with the Mothers’ Spring Luncheon, the Blessing of the Boats for our Sailing fleet and the Arts Showcase bringing people together across the College. This week, we look forward to our Celebration of Excellence, a special opportunity to celebrate the gifts our students share with LHC and their achievements across Academics, Co-Curricular, Service and College Life. It is a time to recognise not only their success, but also the commitment, generosity and spirit they bring to our community, supported by the many people who encourage them along the way.

A warm welcome to the new staff, students and families who have joined LHC this term. We also farewell Mr Jafrul Khandker, General Manager of Infrastructure, Planning and Sustainability, and thank him for his significant contribution to the College. We also share that Ms Eimear Cleary, Head of Counselling, will finish at the College on 20 November 2026 before relocating interstate. We are grateful for Eimear’s care and service to our community and will work closely with the students she supports to ensure a thoughtful and well-supported transition.

Our MMG Education surveys are now open, and I encourage students, families and staff to share their feedback. Your responses will help inform our next Strategic Plan and the College Master Plan, and every perspective is valued. Thank you for taking the time to help shape the future of our College. If you experience any issues, please contact principal@lhc.qld.edu.au. 

A few important reminders for the term ahead:

Thank you to our students and families for supporting our uniform expectations. Wearing the Lourdes Hill College uniform with pride reflects our history, strengthens belonging and shows respect for our community. Please ensure all aspects of student presentation align with college expectations. Further details are available in the Uniform Guidelines on page 5 of the Student Diary.

To ensure students are ready for 2027, please order your daughter’s stationery pack by Friday, 20 November 2026. Further information is available here.

Term 4 brings many “lasts”, along with some important “firsts”. We will celebrate our Year 10 Students as they move into Senior School and our Year 6 Students as they prepare for Middle School, our incoming Year 5’s will join us for two further orientation events this term. Likewise, our Year 7 2027 cohort will also experience a Stella Day enabling them to create connections and delve further into the purple spirit. For our Year 12 students, these are their final weeks inside the purple gates before external examinations. We wish them every success and look forward to honouring them through our guard of honour next week and at the Year 12 Graduation on 19 November 2026. View upcoming events here

Term 4 also gives us time to pause and remember those who have been part of the Lourdes Hill College story and are no longer with us. At our Past Pupils’ Mass of Remembrance, we will honour past pupils, staff, family members and friends of our community through prayer and a special candlelight procession. If you are unable to attend, you are welcome to email LHCPPA@lhc.qld.edu.au with the name of someone you would like remembered. Those able to join us on 7 November can book here.

There is much to look forward this term, including the Music Gala, Junior School Grandparents Day, Junior School Performing Arts Evening, Co-Curricular Drama Soirée, Celebration of Volunteers, Year 6 Celebration Day, Year 12 Farewell Day and Year 12 Graduation. With so much happening, finishing well will come back to doing the simple things well: arriving ready to learn, wearing our uniform with pride, being organised, meeting commitments, showing respect and choosing kindness. These everyday actions are meaningful ways to live our theme, “Be the Light”, by bringing encouragement, care and hope to others. Small choices make a real difference and will help us make the most of the weeks ahead. 

I look forward to seeing many of your over the coming weeks.

With kindness, peace and hope 

Mrs Kay Gleeson 

Principal