Trying to lead with kindness

Members of the senior leadership team at Hennessy College Young have told Archbishop Christopher Prowse how they are trying to lead with kindness and be a voice for all students.

Student leaders and staff met with Archbishop Christopher as part of his tour of Catholic secondary schools across the Archdiocese.

He shared with the senior leadership team some of his dream and vision for young people in the Church.

The leaders shared about their houses and the inspirational figures for the school, including its patrons and Mons Jerome Hennessy.

School Captain Liam Jewitt said he had always hoped to be school captain, and was enthusiastic to try to live charitably and to demonstrate leadership skills.

School Captain Joy Cass said she was particularly focused on being approachable so students could talk to her about anything. She hopes to continue this at university through studying primary teaching.

The house leaders took turns to tell the Archbishop about initiatives they have been involved in, including fundraising for Caritas, Shave for a Cure, Harmony Day, 30 days of happiness and many more.

Archbishop Christopher encouraged each leader to look to Jesus as the best model of leadership, and to develop a personal relationship with him.

Two year-nine students Anna Harden and Majella McGrath showed the Archbishop PowerPoint presentations they had created on Catholic social teaching. He commented about how well they understood the Catholic tradition of love for the poor.

He ended his visit meeting with the College Executive where they shared positive ways Hennessy is working to be a light to students in a difficult time. They discussed the challenges facing students around wellbeing and home pressures, mental illness, and the unique barriers rural areas face in providing solace and care.

The Archbishop promised to look at how rural schools are resourced in the Archdiocese, and to pray for the community.