Last week as I watched our Year 12 cohort prepare to receive their senior tie and badge, I had the chance to reflect on how this moment is about more than just academic achievement. It marks the culmination of their six year journey at Shalom – one of leadership, resilience, and personal growth.

During our Induction Liturgy, Father Peter Doherty shared his reflections on his time as a student at Shalom. In his homily he reminded us that true leadership is a journey of sacrifice, service, and kindness. I hope that as each student walked across the stage to receive their tie and badge, they connected with these words and understood that leadership is about lifting others up, nurturing hope and guiding those around them towards a brighter future.

In his School Captain address Landa reminded us that leadership is not defined by titles like School Captain or House Captain, but by the ability to serve others with compassion, integrity, and humility. Pope Francis, echoes this sentiment, calling for leaders who “choose to serve and not to be served.”  

While Joann in her Captain’s address encouraged us to focus on the rainbow, a symbol of hope. It reminds us that despite challenges, there is always light at the end of the journey. Much like the trials our Year 12 students may face, the rainbow signifies resilience and the beauty that emerges after hardship.

Yesterday’s Gospel (Luke 6:39-45) also offered a powerful reflection on leadership. Jesus teaches that a true leader must first recognise their own shortcomings and lead with empathy and wisdom. The imagery of the “blind leading the blind” reminds us that leadership is not about status, but about leading others towards a better path both spiritually and morally.

As our Year 12 students step into their leadership role, we encourage them to reflect on their own growth and lead by example, not just in the classroom but in their actions, attitudes, and decisions. Wearing the senior tie and badge is more than a tradition; it is a commitment to hope - hope for the future, hope in their leadership, and hope in the positive change they will bring to the world.

As I sign off from my last Newsletter Reflection (before Dan McMahon returns this week) I wanted to leave you with a quote that resonates with me when I think of the young people at Shalom:

“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.” (Pope Francis, 2019)

Shalom Chaverim

Mrs Gail Norris
Acting Principal
Gail_Norris@rok.catholic.edu.au