If anyone were ever in doubt about the capacity of our young people to lead and inspire, they would be reassured by the example shown by our students. Our small community has seen truly inspiring moments of compassion, generosity and sheer joy through working together to make a difference. The power of students to combine school spirit with community action is ever-present, whether it be in House social service, student led clubs or individual initiatives. In the past two weeks alone, St Catherine’s girls have raised awareness of medical, environmental and social causes in the best way possible, through having fun.

The MND Fundraiser drew a large crowd of students sporting their Big Freeze Beanies, waiting in line with unabashed eagerness to dunk a teacher in ice-cold water. The Big Freeze was the initiative of Sports Captains Celia Cody and Nakita Taylor who decided to raise funds to support research into Motor Neurone Disease. They write of their motivation to ‘unite individuals in supporting this cause’ in their article which appears in this issue. Celia and Nakita’s superb organisation of the beanie sales over the past weeks and the management of the event on the day was a testament to their leadership and ability to pull the community together with a common goal – albeit to drench their teacher!

The previous Friday saw Allie Hall, another resourceful Year 12 student, lead a community event to support Variety: the Children’s Charity. Allie is no stranger to the demands of organising an event as she has supported the Cancer Council fundraising for several years through her organisation of the ‘Biggest Morning Tea’ bake sale. Allie turned her talents this year to the ‘Hair with Heart’ event, where she organised a group of students to ‘take the chop to save lives’. Participating students donated at least ten centimetres of hair to make wigs for children who have lost their hair due to a medical condition. The event was well supported and a tangible example of how a selfless act can support others.

Environmental issues have been uppermost in the minds of the students since Dr Jane Goodall’s visit, with the students launching a range of initiatives. One such initiative has been the fundraising event led by Beaulieu Blair House for the Roots and Shoots organisation, founded by Dr Goodall to bring youth together to work on environmental, conservation and humanitarian issues. Year 12 student, Darcie Christie worked with her House to arrange the event and the girls enjoyed wearing ‘a touch of jungle’ to school to raise awareness and funds. Other initiatives have included ways to minimise plastic and food waste, ranging from wooden cutlery in the café to composting solutions.

An example of the combined energy of young people across schools has been the outstanding commitment displayed by the students involved in another recent charity event, the Interschool Sing-Off. Being fully aware of the logistical organisation required to manage any off campus event, staff are in awe of the expertise of a group of Year 11 and 12 girls to create, choreograph and orchestrate a solo and duet performance, as well as managing their academic and co-curricular commitments. To add to the complexity of managing rehearsals, the duet item is performed annually with boys from another school in the region. This year the duet with St Kevin’s boys was the winning item and the solo placed third. The Head of Performing Arts, Mr James Brown writes in this issue of their incredible accomplishment, noting, “Student-led initiatives such as this one provide valuable and challenging opportunities for collaboration and leadership.”

The value of student leadership, social responsibility and commitment to community service has reach beyond St Catherine’s and our local community and is now a sought after attribute for tertiary entrance and the workplace. Early offers to courses, VTAC personal statements and university scholarship applications that privilege community service and volunteering experience, reflect the qualities viewed by employers as true markers of character and capability. The connection between a capacity for gratitude and empathy for others are key ingredients for personal resilience, as well as being the hallmarks of being an ethical and global citizen.

We look forward to Michelle’s return from the UK next week. Visiting five schools in as many days has made for a hectic schedule but she is keen to share her learnings with the staff on her return.