From the Principal’s desk

From the Principal’s desk

 

Dear Parents, Carers, Staff, Students, and Friends,
Living Magnifica humanitas through the Presentation Charism

Pope Leo XIV issues his first encylical ...Pope Leo XIV has invited the world to reflect deeply on the place of technology in our lives through his First Encyclical Letter, Magnifica humanitas, (“Magnificent Humanity”).

In our last edition, we explored Pope Leo XIV’s new encyclical Magnifica Humanitas, highlighting its call to protect the dignity of every person, especially children and young people, as Artificial Intelligence reshapes how we think, learn, and relate. The encyclical reminds us that AI is not just a technical tool but a moral and educational challenge, one that affects how students form judgement, interpret truth, and develop genuine freedom and responsibility. Its timely warnings about the vulnerability of minors, the need for digital education, and the invitation to become “artisans of hope” together form the backdrop for our school’s ongoing reflection on how we guide young people in a rapidly changing digital world.

Magnifica humanitas focuses on the moral and spiritual challenges created by Artificial Intelligence (AI). Pope Leo warns that AI must be “disarmed”, meaning brought under firm human control, so it never overrides human dignity or becomes a tool for profit‑driven or military domination. Through Magnifica humanitas the Pope aims to guide humanity through the technological age.

Key ideas in Magnifica humanitas

  • Disarming AI: The Pope says AI must not be shaped by military goals or global power struggles. He insists that machines must never be allowed to make life‑and‑death decisions.
  • Human beings cannot be replaced: He warns against tech companies using AI to imitate human relationships or emotions. AI can be useful, but it has no conscience, no moral sense, and no true wisdom.
  • Protecting workers and society: The document criticises the concentration of technological power in a few companies and the risk of widespread job loss. It rejects a worldview that values efficiency and profit above human wellbeing.
  • Independent global oversight: The Pope calls for strong international laws and independent regulators so that ethical decisions are not left to a small group of tech developers.

Education for the digital age

Pope Leo XIV urges families, schools, and governments to form an “educational alliance” to protect young people’s dignity and intellectual growth. In a world where truth is often manipulated, he says education must teach:

  • Moderation and limits
  • Respect for others and future generations
  • Freedom paired with responsibility
  • A sense of the common good and transcendence

Schools, he writes, should not try to match the speed of the digital world. Instead, they should offer what technology cannot: shared time, real learning, and trustworthy human relationships.

At its heart, Magnifica humanitas, is a simple but urgent message: in an age shaped by Artificial Intelligence, we must protect what makes us human, our dignity, our relationships, our conscience, and our capacity for wisdom.

This message resonates strongly with us as a Presentation charism school. Nano Nagle founded her mission on the belief that every person is precious, that education is a pathway to justice, and that authentic human connection is the foundation of true learning. These values guide us as we help our students navigate a rapidly changing digital world.

At our school, we strive to ensure that technology serves humanity, not the other way around. We encourage students to think critically, to use digital tools responsibly, and to recognise that no device can replace compassion, integrity, presence, or genuine friendship. In classrooms and playgrounds alike, we prioritise the relationships that shape character and nurture the heart.

The Pope’s call for an “educational alliance” also speaks directly to our mission. We work closely with families, parish communities and one another to form young people who are thoughtful, grounded and hopeful. Together, we teach moderation, respect, responsibility and a commitment to the common good, qualities that will help our students flourish in both the digital and human worlds.

Nano Nagle carried her lantern through the darkness to bring light to others. In that same spirit, we aim to be a steady light for our students as they learn to navigate technology with wisdom and integrity. May we continue to guide them toward a future where innovation is balanced with compassion and where humanity remains at the centre of all we create.

Students continue to excel across the board

This last fortnight, again, our young women have shown what they are capable of and continue to impress with their commitment, hard work and excellence across many fields:

  • an Honourable mention at the Senior Ethics Olympiad: a challenging forum wherein our students take part in dialogue about complex real world dilemmas;
  • our Rock bands walked away with 1st, 2nd and 3rd place at the SCS Eisteddfod – amazing but not to be unexpected given the amount of rehearsing and time spent by our students perfecting their performances;
  • in the National Playconomics Competition our students are well ahead – out of some 490 entries four of our students were placing in the top 100;
  • and at an individual level we celebrate Tiffany who has been selected to represent NSW in the Badminton Championships and Zoe who has been selected to represent NSW at the Australian Pool Lifesaving Championships. We have so many gifted and talented young women across so many varied areas. We will include them in our next newsletter.
Staff Spirituality Day and Professional Learning Day

Thank you to all families for their understanding about the need for staff days which are designed for staff development, formation, and systemic preparation. Just a reminder that next week, on Tuesday 16 June, we will have our second pupil free day for staff to undertake their Professional Learning and Curriculum Reform Planning.

Our recent Staff Spirituality Day was a powerful reminder of what it means to live out our mission in service to others. Last Friday, staff spent the day assisting at various Vinnies locations and other charitable organisations, offering practical support while deepening their own sense of compassion and community. Experiences like these strengthen our collective commitment to model for students the values we hope to instil: generosity, humility and a willingness to stand alongside those in need. By stepping beyond the school gates, staff return enriched, grounded, and better equipped to guide our young people in becoming thoughtful, socially conscious citizens. 

These dedicated staff days are absolutely vital for the spiritual and professional renewal of our team. Tuesday’s session will be particularly crucial as we collaborate and prepare for significant upcoming curriculum changes.

While students are not required to be at school on these dates, we highly encourage our girls to utilise this time productively for independent study, assignment completion, and focused revision.

Years 7 – 10 Reports and PST Interviews
  • Years 7 – 10 Reports will be published on Thursday 25 June.
  • Parent/Student/Teacher Interviews will then take place in the last week of Term on Thursday 2 July from 9am – 7pm in person at school and on Friday 3 July from 9am – 2pm via Google Meets – providing a selection of in person or online interviews.
  • On Monday 15 June 2026 – the P/S/T Interview Booking Process will open. Parents are advised to make a time to see their teachers via the online booking system.

Parent/Student/Teacher Interviews or meetings after receiving a school report are one of the most valuable steps families can take to support their daughter’s learning. These conversations create a shared understanding of each student’s progress, celebrate growth and clarify the next steps for improvement. Most importantly, they give students a voice in their own learning journey, strengthening the partnership between home and school. I encourage all families to make the most of this opportunity.

On a final note 
“Hard work beats talent when talent doesn’t work hard” 
(U.S. HighSchool Basketball Coach, Tim Notke)

As we move through to the end of term, I want to remind our students that success is not reserved for the naturally gifted. It belongs to those who show up, stay curious, and put in consistent effort. Every lesson completed, every question asked, and every challenge embraced builds the skills that help students excel. At our school, we celebrate persistence just as much as achievement, because effort is what turns potential into progress.

Blessing on you and your families

Mrs Antoinette McGahan

Principal