“The season of Lent is a journey of the heart –

a call to return, to renew, and to give of ourselves so that others may flourish.”

As we move through the heart of Term 1, this season of Lent continues to invite us into a spirit of deeper reflection, prayer and generous action. For our College community, these weeks have been marked by moments of great meaning, from the powerful witness of our Year 12 students on retreat, to the call of Project Compassion and the joyful preparations for our Easter celebrations.

Year 12 Retreat

Our Year 12 students recently returned from their annual Retreat, and it is with deep gratitude and genuine joy that I share a little of what unfolded over those meaningful days. The Retreat offered our young women a precious and rare gift – the gift of time. Time to step away from the busyness of study and daily life, to be present to themselves, to one another and to God.

Across the days, students engaged in guided reflection, meaningful conversation and shared prayer, exploring some of the deepest questions of their lives: who am I, what do I value, and where is God in my story? In the Brigidine tradition, which has always understood that the deepest learning happens not just in classrooms but in relationship and community, these days were nothing short of formative. It was deeply moving to witness the openness and courage with which our Year 12 students engaged in the experience.

Many students noted that the Retreat offered them a renewed sense of purpose as they navigate this important final year. Friendships were deepened, hearts were opened and the bonds within the cohort were strengthened in a way that will carry them through the challenges ahead. The spirit of Justice, our College value for 2026, was very much alive in the conversations, as students reflected on their responsibilities to one another and to the world they are preparing to enter.

I extend my sincerest thanks to the staff who gave so generously of their time and pastoral care to make these days possible. Above all, thank you to our Year 12 students for the honesty, reverence and wholehearted spirit with which they embraced the Retreat. Please continue to hold this extraordinary cohort in your prayers as they journey through Year 12.

Project Compassion – An Invitation to Give

“Lent is the time for greater love.” – St Teresa of Calcutta

Throughout this Lenten season, our College community is united with Caritas Australia in their annual Project Compassion appeal. With Justice as our guiding College value this year, Project Compassion provides a profoundly fitting invitation – a concrete and practical way to live out our commitment to those who are most vulnerable, both locally and globally.

The theme of this year’s appeal calls us to see the face of Christ in the faces of those living in poverty and hardship, and to respond with the generosity of spirit that has always been at the heart of the Brigidine tradition. Just as Saint Brigid of Kildare gave freely of all she had – famously even her father’s prized sword – so too are we called to a generosity that costs us something.

Project Compassion boxes are in every Homeroom throughout the term, and we encourage all families to contribute as generously as you are able. Every donation, no matter the size, makes a real and lasting difference to communities in need. Our Living Justice student leaders have been working with tremendous enthusiasm and energy to encourage participation across the College, and we are so proud of their commitment to this vital work.

For the convenience of our community, we have also created dedicated QR codes for each Homeroom, enabling electronic donations through Caritas. These donations contribute both to our College total and to our friendly Homeroom fundraising tallies. We warmly invite you to donate via the general College QR code below, this link or simply ask your daughter for her Homeroom code.

We thank you in advance for your generosity and prayerful participation in this important Lenten initiative.

Easter Raffle – Donations Wanted

With Easter fast approaching, we are excited to announce that our annual Easter Raffle is now underway! This much-loved tradition is one of the highlights of our College calendar and provides a wonderful opportunity for our community to come together in a spirit of fun, generosity and celebration. Proceeds go directly to our College Project Compassion total for Caritas.

We are seeking your help to create these hampers. If you are able, please send donations of chocolate and items suitable for a Easter hamper to school with your daughter. There will be donation baskets at Reception and also each in Year Level Leader’s office. Thank you in anticipation of your support.

Palm Sunday 2026 – ‘We are Stronger Together’

Each year on Palm Sunday, people across Australia gather for the Walk for Justice for Refugees, including a large gathering in Melbourne supported by Brigidine Asylum Seekers Project (BASP) and long-time refugee advocate, Brigid Arthur. The event brings together faith communities, schools and advocacy groups to stand in solidarity with refugees and people seeking asylum. Through speeches, prayer and a peaceful walk through the city, participants raise awareness about the experiences of those seeking safety in Australia and call for compassionate and just refugee policies. The annual event is a powerful reminder of the Gospel call to welcome the stranger and uphold the dignity of every person.

As a College, join us this Palm Sunday in calling for Australia to remain a welcoming place for all, especially for those who come here to find safety. More details below.

Sunday 29 March	Princes Bridge and Southbank CBD
1.00pm	Event starts on Princes Bridge with a static banners and placards display
1.30pm	Walk along Southbank to the Red Stairs Amphitheatre (at the end of Queens Street Bridge)
2.00pm – 3:30pm	Program of music and speakers

As we continue our Lenten pilgrimage together, may we draw inspiration from Saint Brigid’s witness of courageous generosity, deep compassion and unwavering faith. In the kindness we show one another, in the alms we give and in the prayers we offer, may we be bearers of light, hope and peace in our world.

John Riddle

Director of Catholic Identity and Mission