We also celebrated the achievement of students in Years 7-11 in our Middle School and Senior School Presentation Ceremonies held at the end of November. It is always a pleasure to celebrate the gifts and talents of our students and to acknowledge them as Lights of Example and Lights of Excellence, as they strive to achieve their personal best. I would like to thank the many parents, extended family members and friends who were able to participate in this celebration of our students’ achievements.

Our Vision for Learning ‘Discover Together’ was clearly in evidence as our Year 7 HASS students took part in an excursion to the WA State Parliament and Constitution Centre earlier this term. HASS teachers prepared the students well, so they were able to have a rich and enjoyable educational experience as they explored on a practical level how state politics functions and the intricacies of the voting system. I was delighted to be able to accompany the students on this excursion and to see the benefit they gained from it. Some of the students also had the opportunity to meet the Premier, which they were very excited about!

Last week, the Science Learning Area organised a Year 8 excursion to the Eco Centre and a Year 7 excursion to the zoo, which I was fortunate enough to be able to attend. As always, it was great to see the students building on their classroom experiences, as they enjoyed the opportunity to consolidate their prior learning.

In preparation for 2022, earlier this term we welcomed the incoming Year 7 cohort as they began their transition to the College. The orientation program supports the students to make a smooth entry to secondary schooling. We also invited Year 5 students from some local Catholic Primary schools to experience ‘A Day in the Life of a Lumen Student’. This gave the students an opportunity to experience what life at secondary school is like. I would like to thank the staff from Good Shepherd Catholic Primary School and St Munchin's Catholic Primary School for enabling this activity to take place.

On Saturday, 4 December we held our inaugural Lumen community Christmas fair at the College, Illumenating Christmas. This was a wonderful community event which included carol singing, dance performances, craft stall, food trucks and much more. It was very well supported by members of the community and some valuable funds were raised to support the Vinnie’s Christmas appeal.

As is always the case at the end of the school year, we have several students and staff who are leaving the College to take up new opportunities or to follow different pathways. To those students who are leaving us, we wish you all the best. Good luck next year and ‘may the Light of Christ continue to provide you with direction and inspiration for all of your endeavours'.

To the staff who are leaving us at the end of this year. On behalf of the College community, I would like to thank you for everything you’ve done to support our students and to wish you well for the future.

Those whose short-term contacts have been completed: Chris Newman, Marie Dominque O’Connell, Jo-Anne Pritchard and Dave Wilkinson.

Members of our Administration and Support team and Student Services team: Karen Houston, Karyn Mills, Brigita Sapina, Laura Steeles

Teachers: Rielle Doik, Sophie English, Leon Magg, Shanice Stacey, Trevor Still, Paul Townsend

House Coordinators: Erinn Campbell, Caolan Dodgson, Sonia La Macchia (Languages Coordinator)

Heads of Learning Area: Laura Hawdon, Katie Hodson, Phil Oddie, Carmen Stewart

Vice Principal, Silvana Vicoli, leaves the College after 5 years of service to commence her Principalship at Servite College, Tuart Hill. On behalf of the College community, I would like to thank Silvana for the huge contribution she has made to the College community and to wish her well for the future.

I would like to make special mention of Cheryl Bedggood, Executive Assistant, who retires from the College after 31 years. Cheryl has had a significant impact on the College community during her time at Lumen, for which we are very grateful. I would like to wish Cheryl all the best for the future, as she takes the time to pursue her interests and has the opportunity to spend more time with her family.

We also have two staff members who will be enjoying a period of leave in 2022: Danny Friedlos and Fran Worth.

I would like to thank these staff for their hard work and commitment to the College and to wish them well for next year.

As we enter the Holy season of Christmas, I wish all our families and college staff a Holy and peaceful Christmas. I hope we all find the opportunity to take some time to reflect on Jesus’ message to love one another and to spread Jesus’ love, by making the lives of others better this Christmas.

I wish all staff, students a safe and enjoyable summer break, and we look forward to welcoming you back in 2022.

Karen Prendergast
Principal