The Lumen Bulletin - Week Two Term Two 2025

Welcome back to Term Two! 

Habemus Papam! We have a new Pope! The election of Pope Leo XIV is a significant and exciting time for the Catholic Church, as we look forward to witnessing the impact his papacy will have worldwide. During this morning’s community mass, we were able to pray for the new shepherd of our global Catholic church. 

To provide a very brief background, Pope Leo XIV was born Robert Francis Prevost on September 14, 1955, in Chicago, and is 69 years old. He has a rich history of service, having worked extensively in missions in Peru and playing a significant role in the election of new bishops as Prefect of the Dicastery for Bishops. Pope Leo XIV is deeply committed to the principles of Catholic social justice, advocating for the dignity of every human being, the importance of solidarity, and the need to care for the most vulnerable in society. His work has consistently reflected these values, emphasizing the Church's mission to promote peace, justice, and the common good. More information about his biography can be found in the Vatical News. 

As we welcome the community back from our Easter break, I hope that the school holidays was an enjoyable time for our community and one of rest and renewal. Last week we held our Year 8-12 Parent-Teacher-Student Interviews. It was pleasing to see the engagement from so many parents and guardians over the course of the day. These interviews provided a valuable opportunity for our students to reflect on the progress they have made while setting hopeful goals for the future. The positive feedback received from numerous parents highlight our shared commitment to the growth and well-being of our students. 

In what has been a busy start to the term, the Year 8 Emmaus Retreat took place on Thursday of our first week back and was a memorable experience for our students. The retreat offered a chance for our students to step away from the daily routine and to find hope and inspiration in new experiences and friendships. Many thanks to the 24:7 Youth Ministry for their support in making this such a positive event. 

Faust once wrote, “The influence of a mother-figure in the lives of children is beyond calculation.” In this spirit, on Thursday, 8 May we celebrated all the mums, aunties, grandmothers, and countless other women who love and nurture our young people at our annual Mothers' Day Breakfast. This wonderful event, attended by around 500 people, was heartwarming as families came together to honour and appreciate the incredible mothers in our community. I would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to everyone who participated in making this event such a success, including our students who fulfilled many roles, from providing musical accompaniment to greeting guests and packing up at the end of the morning. I must also extend my appreciation to the dedicated Lumen staff for the time and effort put into organising this memorable event. 

As we move forward into Term Two, and as we remember the late Pope Francis, let us carry the spirit of hope with us in all our endeavours. Whether through academic endeavours, personal growth, or community events, hope remains a guiding light that inspires us to strive for excellence and to support one another. As we work together, our talents are certain to shine in all that we do. 

God bless. 

Peter Sackett
College Principal

More photos from the Mothers' Day event are published on our Facebook page here. 

Here's a peek into the rehearsals for our 2025 College Production of Matilda JR! With casting announced earlier in the year, students have been busy practising their singing, dancing and acting skills for a variety of roles. Tickets for this exciting show will go on sale later this term, so watch this space!

On Wednesday, 30 April a group of Year 11 and 12 students attended Royal Perth Hospital to participate in the P.A.R.T.Y. (Prevent Alcohol and Risk-Related Trauma in Youth) program.

The students engaged in an informative and hands-on day within the Hospital’s Emergency Department, Intensive Care Unit (ICU), and Rehabilitation Centre. The program focused on the consequences of risk-taking behaviours, particularly those involving alcohol and drugs, and the long-term impacts of trauma. It aims to empower young people to reflect critically on their choices and behaviour to help reduce preventable injuries.

Throughout the day, students were presented with confronting facts, images, and real-life scenarios related to trauma. They visited the ICU and observed a demonstration by medical staff, explored rehabilitation exercises with hospital physiotherapists, and listened to powerful firsthand stories from individuals who had experienced life-altering injuries due to risky decisions.

Overall, the experience was eye-opening and impactful. Students left with valuable insights that will help guide safer and more informed choices in the future.

Ana Frankovic
Head of Year 11

Making a Splash at the ACC ISP Swimming Carnival!

On Friday, 11 April the Lumen Christi College ACC Inclusive Sports Team dove into a day full of fun, teamwork, and laughter at the Claremont Aquatic Centre for the annual ACC ISP Swimming Carnival!

The excitement kicked off with a brand-new event – Stroll-O-Polo! Imagine water polo, but with a twist – no need to swim, you could walk or run through the water instead! Lumen entered two enthusiastic teams, and the pool quickly turned into a playful battleground of clever tactics, spirited teamwork, and lots of laughter.

Throughout the day, students enthusiastically took part in a range of novelty relay events, with many of them stepping up to swim multiple times to ensure our relay teams were full and ready to go. Their energy, sportsmanship, and can-do attitude truly shone!

And of course, no Lumen sports day is complete without a sweet reward – everyone was treated to a well-earned ice cream on the bus ride back to school, celebrating a day full of effort, inclusion, and good vibes.

A huge congratulations to all the students who took part, and a big thank you to the Diversity staff for their support and encouragement. 

Gina Broderick
Coordinator of Education Support

Happy Mothers' Day to all our mothers and mother figures. Vinnies Youth have been running a Mothers' Day raffle to raise much needed funds for the Vinnies initiatives.  Tickets were on sale throughout the week and during the Mothers' Day Breakfast on Thursday. Thank you to all who purchased a ticket - you helped us to raise approximately $300 for Vinnies.

Congratulations to the winners, I hope you enjoy your prizes:

First prize - Sue Rochester
Second prize - James Langridge
Third prize - Christie Edwards

Vinnies Youth have several events and initiatives planned for this Term. Among them is the Winter Appeal which will be launching soon. If you are cleaning out your cupboards, please hold onto any unwanted blankets or clothing. We will be calling for donations soon!

Community Kitchen is on again this term on the following Wednesdays after school from 3:15 to 4:30pm:

• 14 May
• 28 May
• 11 June
• 25 June 

All are welcome to come along and help with cooking and any of the Vinnies events.  Email Janine.creighton@cewa.edu.au for more information.

Janine Creighton
Vinnies Youth Coordinator

In light of the recent Gate 3 carpark resurfacing works, we’re pleased to advise that an additional lane and drop-off zone have now been added to the carpark. These upgrades aim to improve traffic flow and provide a safer, more efficient drop-off and pick-up experience for families.

Students are encouraged to cross the footpath to the drop off zone in yellow at the bottom of the photograph. We kindly ask all parents to follow the updated signage and directions when using this area and to remain cautious and patient during peak times.

Thank you for your understanding and continued cooperation as we work to improve our school environment.

Nick Vincent
Business Manager

Our Certificate III in Music students have been busy rehearsing for the Mothers' Day breakfast held on Thursday, 8 May. They did a fabulous job, showcasing a variety of songs in a one-hour setlist. Their performance was a wonderful tribute to all the mothers, filled with heartfelt melodies and impressive talent.

VET Spotlight:

Two of our students have been fortunate to secure work placements at Dome in Gosnells. Eager to pursue careers in hospitality, they are receiving training in both front-of-house and kitchen preparation. Well done to Year 10 student, Tyler Sanderson and Year 11 student, Shehzor Dhiman for taking this exciting step towards their future!

Well done!

Rosa Nicholls
Head of VET and Transition Services

Current Profession: 
Medical Neuroscientist

Where did life take you after graduation? 
Following graduation, I completed my Bachelor of Science degree (majoring in Zoology) in Christchurch, NZ. I then moved back to Perth in 2001 and started a job as an Animal Technician where I worked for 4 years creating, breeding genetically modified animals for medical research. I then decided to change careers and was employed by the Perron Institute in 2005 as a Research Assistant with the Stroke Research Group. My role was to assist in researching therapies to protect the brain following stroke. From 2007 to 2012 I received a scholarship and undertook my PhD studies in characterising neuroprotective peptide therapies for cerebral ischaemia. Whilst completing my studies, I had three children which was quite challenging! Following completion of my PhD, I then undertook a Post-doctoral position at the Perron Institute where i continued to work on neuroprotective therapies for stroke. In 2019, the Perron Institute underwent a significant period of growth and I was offered the role of Laboratory Operations Manager. I have since been in this role for the past 6 years but my role title has recently changed and promoted to Head of Laboratory Operations where I oversee all the Research laboratories, infrastructure and general operations of the Institute. In addition to this, I am also on two national Executive Boards (one as a general board member and the other I am the President). My career has enabled me to do a lot of national and international travel to conferences and events.

What has been your biggest career highlight so far? 
My biggest career acheievement would have to be getting my PhD, following 5 years of intense study, whilst having children! I was recently promoted to Head of Laboratory Operations as part of the Perron Institute Executive Leadership team. In late 2024, I was also nominated for and awarded the role of President of the Executive Board I volunteer for. Lastly, an achievement I am very proud of is the work I contributed to following my PhD studies, where we discovered a novel drug to assist in reducing brain damage following stroke. This has now progressed significantly and is proving very successful in human clinical trials and may soon become the first drug in the world for protecting the brain in stroke patients.

What is your fondest memory of life at Lumen? I have very fond memories of my time at Lumen, especially the amazing friendships I created. Other fond memories were the many camps I went on!

Have you been a part of any significant clubs, groups or affiliations since graduation? 
I was the Treasurer of the Forrestfield Cricket Club from 2019-2023 and in 2020 I won the coveted award of Clubman of the Year! I am also on the Executive Board of two national Associations, one as a general member (2022 to present) and one as the Treasurer (2024) and now President (present role).

What advice do you have for current Lumen Christi College students? 
Do something you enjoy and find interesting. You need to be able to enjoy going to work every day and be proud of the work you do. Take chances and find a good mentor!

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Enrolments for Year 7 2026 and 2027 are now open. If you are yet to submit your enrolment application, please do so here. Please note, enrolments for Year 7 2026 are filling fast.