Principal's Reflection
Everyone one of us wants to live a life that makes a difference. We want our lives to matter. For most of us, the positive effect we will have on the lives of our own children will be the highpoint of that. That’s a bit more challenging for those who don’t have children of their own but, far from impossible. A little over a week ago, Br Ted (Lionel) Magee died unexpectedly but very peacefully. Ted was the second Principal of Shalom (1985-89). As a Christian Brother, Ted didn’t have children of his own but his life made a difference. Br Hogan was the first Principal but only did one year here. In effect, Br Ted was the foundation Principal of Shalom. His energy, vision, passion and dedication, laid the foundation for the College Shalom is today.
In 2021 Br Ted returned to his native Bundaberg to work in the Parish Office as Manager. He brought all the gifts and talents he displayed over his years to that role and made it his own. Ted was 81 when he passed away last week and did not look like ‘retiring’ anytime soon. As well as being Principal at Shalom, he led the College communities at St Edmund’s Ipswich, St Joseph’s Gregory Terrace and The Cathedral College in Rockhampton. We will celebrate Br Ted’s life on Wednesday of this week at Holy Rosary Church. I have no doubt, the significance of Ted’s life – a life devoted to his God and the people with whom he came in contact – will be very much on display. Two friends of mine, both now Principals, reflected last week on the impact this man had on their lives as students in two schools Br Ted led. Paul Begg, Principal of Villanova College wrote, “But safe to say that like many of you myself, my wife and family, are recipients of Ted’s belief that there was a song inside me and a sparkle that I didn’t see, or want to see in myself, as a 20 something year old at Eddies. I have never underestimated the impact of his honesty, challenges and courageous calls but also the authenticity of those interventions and directions. I don’t believe any task set, or redirection issued, was anything other than motivation to have me discover and fully utilise my gifts and talents. These altered the path of my life. I still walk forward incomplete but with more in my survival backpack than without his intervention.” Kim O’Shea-Hard, from St Pat’s wrote in their Newsletter this week, “I don't remember Br. Magee raising his voice often. This may have been because he had a way of being a step ahead. He had his finger on the pulse. He seemed to know what we were planning before we had a chance to put it in to action. Not only through the school day, but beyond. He had a way of nipping things in the bud. We rarely stepped out of line to avoid disappointing Brother. He invested so much time in our school and wanted us to respect ourselves and each other under the red, black and white banner. Shalom's mission statement mentions the importance of harnessing the enthusiasm of youth and this is definitely what Lionel achieved.”
In 2021 Br Ted returned to his native Bundaberg to work in the Parish Office as Manager. He brought all the gifts and talents he displayed over his years to that role and made it his own. Ted was 81 when he passed away last week and did not look like ‘retiring’ anytime soon. As well as being Principal at Shalom, he led the College communities at St Edmund’s Ipswich, St Joseph’s Gregory Terrace and The Cathedral College in Rockhampton. We will celebrate Br Ted’s life on Wednesday of this week at Holy Rosary Church. I have no doubt, the significance of Ted’s life – a life devoted to his God and the people with whom he came in contact – will be very much on display. Two friends of mine, both now Principals, reflected last week on the impact this man had on their lives as students in two schools Br Ted led. Paul Begg, Principal of Villanova College wrote, “But safe to say that like many of you myself, my wife and family, are recipients of Ted’s belief that there was a song inside me and a sparkle that I didn’t see, or want to see in myself, as a 20 something year old at Eddies. I have never underestimated the impact of his honesty, challenges and courageous calls but also the authenticity of those interventions and directions. I don’t believe any task set, or redirection issued, was anything other than motivation to have me discover and fully utilise my gifts and talents. These altered the path of my life. I still walk forward incomplete but with more in my survival backpack than without his intervention.” Kim O’Shea-Hard, from St Pat’s wrote in their Newsletter this week, “I don't remember Br. Magee raising his voice often. This may have been because he had a way of being a step ahead. He had his finger on the pulse. He seemed to know what we were planning before we had a chance to put it in to action. Not only through the school day, but beyond. He had a way of nipping things in the bud. We rarely stepped out of line to avoid disappointing Brother. He invested so much time in our school and wanted us to respect ourselves and each other under the red, black and white banner. Shalom's mission statement mentions the importance of harnessing the enthusiasm of youth and this is definitely what Lionel achieved.”Br Ted Magee lived a meaningful life. He made a difference. There will be thousands of stories like the two above, shared by past students and Ted’s family over the coming days. On a side note, Br Ted introduced the House System, to Catholic schools in Queensland. That was a courageous step 35 years ago, but it has transformed how schools pastorally care for students. May a loving God welcome him home.
Tickets for Lauren Jackson & Tom Busby –
Empowering Women’s Evening with Lauren Jackson
Tom Busby Concert
May is Domestic Violence Month – despite all the attention this awful scourge gets, the incidence of Domestic Violence does not seem to be decreasing. Shalom will support two significant events this month to help bring to the attention of our young people how important it is to play their part in creating respectful relationships. The first is The Candle Lighting Ceremony sponsored by Edon Place on Wednesday May 7 at the Rotunda in Bourbong Street at 5.30pm. The second is the annual Walk for Awareness on Friday May 16 commencing at 7.15 am at Bywash Park (opposite the Basketball Centre). A link for your daughter or son to sign up for this event is:
House Leaders 2025. After a selection process has concluded, I was happy to announce to the College the House Leaders for 2025 last week.
Mr Dan McMahon
Principal
Daniel_McMahon@rok.catholic.edu.au
