08 DEC 2024 From the Principal (Acting)

As we end the academic year my time as Acting Principal draws to a close. It has been the most amazing opportunity to lead the Kolbe Community and something that I will cherish forever. Early in 2025 Nick Scully will return from secondment and assume his role as Principal and I will return to Deputy Principal of Students. Thank you to the Kolbe Community for accepting me in this most privileged position to lead the school.

One of my last major engagements was to speak at the recent Presentation Evening and I’d like to share my speech with the community as I believe it offers the true sense of our purpose as leaders and educators:

Speech from Presentation Evening – Monday December 2^nd

Good evening, members of the College Leadership Team, Mr Iwan Walters, distinguished staff, respected parents, and students. I extend a warm welcome to you all at the College Presentation Evening.

I would like to commence by congratulating the staff members who will be recognised tonight for their unwavering commitment, not only to Kolbe College but to Catholic education as a whole. This dedication is both admirable and inspiring, and it is one of the foremost reasons we gather this evening to celebrate our students' achievements. To our performers, you exemplify excellence, and we are fortunate to witness your talents on a regular basis.

Our students instil hope within us. Students, you are the embodiment of hope. While we formally recognize your accomplishments tonight, you contribute far more to our community than mere accolades. You offer inspiration, encouragement, and the assurance that Kolbe, along with the City of Hume, Melbourne, Australia, is in capable hands with you at the helm.

A school certainly emphasises academics; however, it encompasses so much more. I have mentioned our performers and the performing arts program, but there are numerous opportunities available in diverse areas such as athletics/sports, culinary arts, community service, leadership opportunieis environmental stewardship, and faith initiatives. These co-curricular activities complement the academic environment, yet it is the overall atmosphere of the school that nurtures all students, and it is our mission to enhance this environment each day.

In my research on what to convey tonight, I was inspired by the words of Pope Francis. He emphasises the vital role of the youth, and my message aligns with his assertion that schools should function as centres of formation rather than mere factories of achievement. In addressing the Congregation for Catholic Education and the Pontifical Council for Culture, he articulated that schools "must teach people to desire, to stay thirsty, to have dreams," rather than passively accepting the status quo of the world.

This is precisely what I observe before me: students of Kolbe who possess desire. Students who aspire for more, who are driven, who seek to lead, and ultimately, who achieve success. You are the very reason we, as educators, dedicate ourselves to our vocation each day. The exhilaration we experience from witnessing your accomplishments is truly infectious and contributes to a collective narrative promoting growth for all. I want to acknowledge that Mr. Scully sends his regards to you and he looks forward to re-engaging when he returns at the beginning of next year.

I am reminded of another quote from Pope Francis that inspires and motivates me in my work with the students of Kolbe:

"Young people are not meant to become discouraged; they are meant to dream great things, to seek vast horizons, to aim higher, to take on the world, to accept challenges, and to offer the best of themselves to the building of something better. That is why I constantly urge young people not to let themselves be robbed of hope; to each of them I repeat: Let no one despise your youth.” (1 Tim 4:12). Kolbe students let no despise anything you have done here tonight, and I want you to continue to dream big.

As we begin the season of Advent and approach the conclusion of the academic year, I would like to take this opportunity to wish all students and families a Merry Christmas. I hope that you will take the time to be with one another, find moments of relaxation and rejuvenation, and prepare for a New Year, a jubilee year in the church, 2025.

Enjoy tonight – Thank you.