Thank you all for your prayers and thoughts over the last week. I've felt very supported and valued the strong sense of community we have here at St Michael's. My father-in-law's funeral is tomorrow, so I will be away on Thursday and Friday. A huge thank you to the team, especially Damien Webb, for ensuring all still ran smoothly in my absence at school.

I know that recent media reports of the trial and conviction of Cardinal Pell in Melbourne have caused distress to many. As a leader in Catholic education, I am mindful of our responsibilities that lie in this area and it focuses us at Catholic Education to be particularly mindful of those who have suffered abuse in the past and how these reports will affect them.

Every support will be offered to students, staff and members of our community whose suffering and distress may be heightened at this time. As a Christian community, we are called to listen to the source of their suffering. We must have open hearts and open minds and address the needs before us.

We continue to commit to providing the safest possible environment for all our students and staff and, while the trial has been difficult to watch, it in no way detracts from the work we are doing.

The safety and welfare of students remains our absolute top priority. The child safety approaches administered by our dedicated teachers and leaders assure we are held to the highest professional and regulatory standards. They are embedded in organisational governance, policy, procedures, practice and culture. It is a key responsibility for everyone who works or volunteers in Catholic education.

This year Catholic Education Canberra-Goulburn has created a Child Safe Advocate role supporting every systemic Catholic school in the Archdiocese, consolidates Catholic Education’s commitment to child safety and protection from all sources of abuse. This commitment to child safety in every aspect of school life will continue and we must remain vigilant. Catholic schools are highly valued because they provide safe learning environments. I am confident this will continue to be the case.

Should you or your family require support during this time, please reach out and we will support in whatever way we can.

I hope everyone enjoys the long weekend.

Be Kind.

Regards,

Pat Ellis

Principal