From the Principal

Currently, the world debates Artificial Intelligence (AI) and its impact on knowledge and the human ability to stand autonomously from intelligence that is generated outside the human brain. As participants in the world impacted by this next ‘revolution’, we wonder and discern the merits of prohibition or freedom in this new space. As caring and loving adults, we constantly ask ourselves what will be best for our young people. We debate this at so many levels: as parent, student, educator, user, and consumer of media and knowledge. So where do we turn to form our future steps and decisions on how we embrace the future, particularly a future that appears foreign to what we have experienced in the past?

Perhaps we need to reflect on Jane Goodall’s words about the power of the individual and our ability to make a difference in the world. From the moment we are born, our identity is being formed by the love of our family and by the environment around us. That love and interaction shapes us and forms us. A good educational environment adds to that growth and provides us with the freedom to become who we are and to grow us into a whole person. As part of an Ignatian education, we know as we grow in ‘cura personalis’ our uniqueness grows, as does the ability to be ‘of the world’ and equally to ‘impact the world’ and to positively ‘critique’ the world. So, as the debate rages in the world about artificial intelligence and its impacts on us and our future world, what debate are you having at home about how as humans, shaped by Ignatian education and community, the world is shaped by us making a difference each day?

Thank you to all families who attended our House nights at the Senior School in the past fortnight. They were all great evenings of conversation, sharing, and celebration of the Saint Ignatius House family. New friendships were struck, and others continued. Thanks, in particular, to our House Leaders and the Mentor Teachers who were in attendance and to the wellbeing team of Mr Passaniti, Mrs Carey, and Mrs Grainger for their organisation of these lovely events.

Next week we will celebrate International Women’s Day. It is a day where we recognise women all around the world as well as those who have influenced our lives at home. I give thanks for those women who have loved and supported me throughout my life, and those I have taken great strength from, such as Mary our Mother, and Mary Ward, Founder of the IBVM. Our Lady, because she bravely said ‘yes’ to the unknown, and was the wise and loving support to her son Jesus even as he endured persecution. Mary Ward, Founder of the IBVM, who lived in Elizabethan times and, although persecuted by the Church she loved, always believed ‘women in time will come to do much’. I hope you make some time to thank those women who have shaped you in your life as we celebrate IWD next week. I know I will be.

With prayers of peace and hope,

Barbara Watkins
Principal

OREMUS (Let us pray)

We remember all in our College community. May our prayers comfort those suffering at this time. May God’s blessing be a source of support in their sorrow and loss, and bring courage, patience, and hope.

“Ask and you shall receive … knock and the door will be opened unto you.” (Matt 7:7)

If you would like someone to be remembered by the College community in prayer (even anonymously), please provide details to the Rector, class or Mentor Teacher, or House Leader.