A Reflection from Mr Houlihan

In recent years, it has been the custom to adopt a word for the year; one that can become a beacon for us as we go about life at St Michael’s. Our word for 2023 is Collaboration, and I am proud to say that the St Michael’s community has embraced this notion with great zeal as evidenced in this latest edition of The Crest

To effectively collaborate we must have a common purpose. At St Michael’s we articulate this via our Strategic Plan: Towards 2030. In this document, we acknowledge that our students are at the heart of a learning ecosystem designed to cultivate strong foundations in knowledge, skills, creative problem solving, collaboration, and collective wellbeing. The exemplary VCE results and tertiary offers of the Class of 2022, highlighted herein, are a fine testament to this approach.

In 2023, our students have been enthusiastic participants in a multitude of activities held across the first semester. House events, such as the Swimming Carnival, Athletics Carnival, and House Dinners, have been embraced. There has been a wonderful level of participation in the Exodus programs already undertaken at Years 4, 6, 7, 8 and 9. Our Clubs are thriving, the Merry Month of May and our Community Action days have been held. And amongst the excellent ensembles and performances, there have been outstanding productions including the P-12 Choral Concert and The Boy from Oz

In respect to the latter, I am delighted that the redevelopment of the Performing Arts Centre, St George’s has been completed, and we are now making full use of this state-ofthe-art facility. The official opening was, and will remain, one of the highlights of the year. In another progression of our building masterplan, St Michael’s officially launched the new Centre for Inquiry and Innovation (CII). At the opening, it was explained to our students that this fantastic Junior School space is dedicated to wonder, curiosity, joy, and the academic rigour of inquiry.

As Head of the School, I enjoy hosting events where I can connect with parents. What a pleasure it was to host the Head’s Welcome to Parents Reception in Dolly’s Café – the first such gathering since 2019! Likewise, to speak at our Mother’s Day lunch. For me, such events exemplify all that is special about our St Michael’s parent community. People who are always friendly and welcoming, with a pervasive interest in the School, and willingness to be involved.

My Commissioning, and Installation Service was conducted in January to mark the formal commencement of my role. For me, it was both joyful and uplifting to share the occasion with students, staff, Board members, PCA representatives, Old Michaelians, past colleagues, mentors, friends and, of course, my own family. I was also honoured that our guests included Sister Elisa Helen, Provincial, and Sister Linda Mary, Past Provincial, of the School’s founding order, the Community of the Sisters of the Church, as well as representatives from a range of education and community organisations.

As I expressed on the day, we have been part of Melbourne’s education landscape for more than 125 years, and what a vibrant and diverse community we are. At our core, we share a common interest in the education and welfare of the children and young people in our care, and a commitment to bringing social good into this world. In this regard, I look upon the collaborative efforts of our community this past semester with a sense of pride and satisfaction.

I trust you enjoy reading this latest edition of The Crest