From the Principal
Leadership lessons, Thomas Aquinas & The Long Walk
At a recent conference with Victorian Catholic Principals, we were blessed to have Sr Barbara Reid present on models of leadership provided for us within our Hebrew and Christian Scriptures. One of these models was Leadership as Bridge Building Across Boundaries of Difference. A feature of this model is our willingness to have our minds and attitudes changed for the better by others. Among the countless biblical examples - including Jesus and the Samaritan Woman (Jn 4:1-42) - was a wonderful quote from our very own St Thomas Aquinas:
We are mendicants [beggars] for the truth, happy to beg a little bit of illumination from everyone whom we meet on the road
On Monday 27 May, we were blessed to host the Aquinas Long Walk, exemplifying bridge-building and learning from those we met along the road, including guests from The Long Walk Foundation, Opening the Doors Foundation, Nova Peris, indigenous Essendon footballers, and local primary and secondary schools. As Christians, we know that reconciliation is not just a noun but a verb: an action we take to heal relationships with others. Our indigenous guests shared their stories and our larger Australian story - one that started well beyond 65,000 years ago - to provide illumination that breeds understanding.
Among the ten schools who joined us for The Aquinas Long Walk, Mr Michael Dale from Mt Lilydale Mercy College presented us with this unique gift:
![](https://media.digistormhosting.com.au/ac-au-vic-612-website/content/June-2024/_smallImage/David-present.png?v=1717468091%2C0.5%2C0.5?1717468097682#asset:41037:transform:smallImage)
Explaining its symbolism, he wrote: we were proud to present you with the gift of a wangim number 7 boomerang to show our appreciation. It has been decorated with markings to honour Wurundjeri Country and comprises two Australian and English timbers to acknowledge our walk towards reconciliation.
The Spirit of 酴圖弝け: Activities Week, 24 - 28 June
At the College Assembly on 22 May, I spoke to students moving out of their comfort zone', an essential step in moving into growth and learning. Our college provides a wealth of opportunities to develop and exercise the values that form the Spirit of Aquinas. In the final week of this term, each year level will have a different focus for their Activities Week, building on the relevant value for their year. We encourage families to talk with each child about how they can step out of their comfort zone to take full advantage of the opportunities in this unique week.