Loving God,
We thank You for the gift of our community and for the example of students who live out Your call to serve others with humility and love.  Help us to act with respect, responsibility, and care in all that we do, so that through our choices we may build a community that reflects Your light.
We ask this through Christ our Lord.
Amen.

A Reflection on Service and Leadership

At San Clemente, we often speak of the values of respect, responsibility, and service. These are not simply words we repeat; they are values we are called to live each day through our choices.

Last week, one of the bus companies that services our College contacted me with feedback about one of our afternoon routes. While the driver noted concerns about rubbish being left behind—not only by San Clemente students but certainly including some of ours—this was not the primary purpose of their message. Instead, the driver wanted to highlight the example of one of our Year 9 students, Tadiwa, whose actions stand out as a model of quiet leadership.

Nearly every afternoon, Tadiwa takes the time to walk through the bus, collecting rubbish that others have left behind. She then disposes of it responsibly as she departs, ensuring the space is clean for everyone. This is not her responsibility, nor is it something she is asked to do. Yet in choosing to act with care and responsibility, Tadiwa demonstrates what true leadership looks like. Her actions remind us that leadership is not about a badge or a title—it is about the everyday choices we make to show respect and make our community better.

This example raises an important challenge for all of us: Who are you choosing to be?

Will you be like those who walk away, leaving others to deal with the mess? Or will you be like Tadiwa—someone who acts with integrity, responsibility, and respect, even when no one is watching?

The decisions we make in small matters, such as caring for shared spaces, shape the kind of people we are becoming. When we choose responsibility in the little things, we strengthen our ability to act wisely in the bigger things: how we treat others, how we approach our learning, and how we contribute to the world around us.

I invite every student to reflect on Tadiwa’s example and consider how their daily choices—big or small—are shaping their character. At San Clemente, we are proud of Tadiwa and the way she lives out our values. May her example inspire us all to take greater responsibility for building the kind of community we wish to belong to.

2026 NSW Premier’s Scholarship Winner

It is with great pride that I share some wonderful news with our College community: Rachel Noonan has been awarded the prestigious 2026 Premier’s Economics and Business Educators NSW Commerce Scholarship.

Rachel’s winning research proposal, “Creating Future-Focused Learners – Innovative Approaches to Teaching the New Commerce Syllabus,” will take her on an international study tour across Australia, Indonesia, and Japan. Her project will explore innovative teaching strategies, including project-based learning, digital integration, and real-world applications—all designed to equip students with the skills they need to thrive in a rapidly changing world.

This achievement is a testament to Rachel’s passion for her students, her expertise as Pedagogical Mentor, and her commitment to educational excellence—both here at San Clemente and across the broader teaching community. She is one of only fifteen recipients across the state, and the sole awardee from a systemic Catholic school.

On Tuesday evening, I had the privilege of attending the scholarship presentation at Parliament House in Sydney, alongside Rachel’s proud mother, Helen. It was a wonderful occasion that celebrated Rachel’s hard work, dedication, and vision.

Please join me in congratulating Rachel on this outstanding accomplishment. We look forward to the insights and inspiration she will bring back to further enrich our College.

With prayers and blessings,

Mrs Emma South, Principal