From the Dean of Identity and Community
Inspire Others: Let Your Light Shine
This week, we celebrate Catholic Education Week with the theme “Inspire Others: Let Your Light Shine.” I recently came across a reflection from Fr Richard Leonard SJ titled The Good We Rarely Tell Anyone. It reminded me that while we don't do good work for recognition, it's important to occasionally pause and celebrate the extraordinary impact of our Catholic community.
Did you know that the Catholic Church in Australia is:
- The second-largest employer in the country.
- Educating more than 805,000 students across 1,756 schools.
- Caring for people through 80 hospitals, aged care services, hospices and medical research.
- Australia's largest non-government welfare provider, supporting more than one million people each year.
- Raising millions of dollars annually through organisations such as Caritas Australia, Catholic Mission and St Vincent de Paul to support those most in need.
While these numbers are impressive, they all begin with people. They begin with staff who choose to serve, students who choose compassion and communities that choose hope over indifference. Here at Lauries, we contribute to that same story every day; through our service initiatives, retreats, fundraising, immersions and the countless acts of kindness that happen quietly behind the scenes. Together, we continue to let our light shine, inspiring others through faith, service and community.
Justice & Solidarity Retreat
Our Year 8 students recently participated in their Justice & Solidarity Retreat, exploring authenticity, empathy, inclusivity and the courage to stand up for others through interactive workshops and discussions. The highlight for me was the final activity, where students wrote affirmations for one another. Reading words of encouragement from their peers was a powerful reminder that justice and solidarity often begin with simple acts of kindness.
Walkathon: The Road We Share
Our annual Walkathon is just around the corner, and this year's theme, “The Road We Share,” reminds us that we are called to walk alongside others. Every step our students take supports incredible charities and organisations making a real difference in people's lives. Thank you in advance for supporting our fundraising efforts as we continue to build a community that walks with compassion, generosity and hope.
Live Jesus in our Hearts. . . Forever!
MR LACHLAN HESHUSIUS
Dean of Identity and Community