NEAA Student Conference 2024

Last week, four Year 10 students, accompanied by Mrs McGahan, Ms Ribeiro and Mrs Carbone, attended the 2024 Nagle Education Alliance of Australia (NEAA) Student Leadership Conference hosted by St Rita’s College, Brisbane for four days, from 20-23 August. We participated in numerous workshops that allowed us to gain insight into the indigenous culture and Nano Nagle’s journey. 

We were privileged to spend four days with eleven Nano Nagle schools around Australia, interacting in many activities and workshops that educated us about Nano Nagle’s Charism and how her legacy inspired many individuals, as well as Indigenous culture. The conference began with a Welcome to Country and Smoking Ceremony from the Turrbal and Yuggera people, which was a very memorable experience. We were briefly taught about local indigenous history and its significance to Brisbane. This was followed by a Q&A session with a panel consisting of a Presentation Sister (Sister Patsy, pbvm), the Principal of St Rita’s and former-College Captain. This allowed us to hear stories and experiences of how the Presentation Charism can be lived out in the modern day world. Soon after, we had the opportunity to connect with the numerous ‘Nagle’ schools around Australia and learn more about them and their school through an ice breaker session.

The following day, we gathered at the Queensland State Library, beginning with a smoking ceremony before embarking on a guided tour around the Brisbane River that helped us understand the significance of the indigenous culture and its key symbolic elements. Following that, we received an engaging talk that expanded our knowledge of Indigenous perspectives. They showcased many indigenous instruments and tools on how they live. We further explored the Queensland State Library participating in interactive activities connecting to their cultural traditions. To finish the day, we had the opportunity to view ancient items that reflect upon the history of Brisbane.

We began the next day with a series of social justice workshops that rotated throughout St Rita’s College. We created bracelets for less fortunate children overseas, which allowed us to make a small but meaningful contribution and impact on their lives and learned the value of Caritas and how it helps those who are less fortunate, enhancing our understanding of how we can serve others in the wider community. We ended the workshops with a peaceful reflection on nature and its importance to us as Christian individuals. During the night we all gathered for a conference dinner alongside Mrs McGahan, Ms Ribeiro and Mrs Carbone. We were able to listen to a keynote speaker and apply her advice into our everyday lives. 

We concluded the conference by gathering at St Rita’s College the next day, by participating in the closing Mass followed by their school anthem, which brought everyone together in a spirit of unity and reflection. This insightful opportunity allowed us to gain a deeper understanding of the values and principles that shape our Presentation community. It was an honour to attend and participate in engaging workshops and discussions. We are incredibly grateful to have been given the opportunity to learn about the charism and legacy of Nano Nagle and the Presentation Sisters.

Neve, Andrea, Marina, Sophie

Ms Monica Ribeiro, Year 10 Coordinator/Mrs Claudia Carbone, Youth Ministry Coordinator