“We shall not cease from exploration
And the end of all our exploring
Will be to arrive where we started
And know the place for the first time.”
― T.S. Eliot, Four Quartets
On Wednesday 6 February, to the melodious strains of the Santa Sabina College Motet Choir, former college principals together with past and present staff, students and parents gathered for the Opening College Mass and the commissioning of our new Principal Dr Maree Herrett.
Steeped in the 800 year old Dominican tradition and those values instilled in her as a former student and teacher of the college, Dr Maree Herrett has been entrusted with leading the community. Under her leadership the College will continue its journey as an innovative and intellectually dynamic learning centre based on the Dominican Pillars of Learning, Community, Service and Prayer.
In his homily, Bishop Geoffrey Robinson spoke to the congregation of the Latin meaning of the word “educate”; to draw out the potential. He reminded us that the Principal works in partnership with the students, staff and parents to inspire and lead.
In reflecting on her education at Santa Sabina, Dr Herrett credited the Dominican Sisters with inspiring her passion for lifelong learning. “The Dominican Sisters engaged in dialogue, not lectures, posed questions, not answers”
The world awaiting our students, is an unknown one. Acknowledging this, Dr Herrett is confident that the College will equip them with the tools they can use to navigate and meet the challenges that await.
At the conclusion of the Mass, symbols were presented to Dr Herrett by members of her family, the Santa Sabina Board, staff, parents and students, as well as Sr. Judith Lawson, Congregational Leader of the Dominican Sisters of Eastern Australia and the Solomon islands. The Mass concluded with a traditional Dominican blessing led by the Sisters.
After the Mass, the P&F hosted a supper in the College Hall where members of the community mingled and chatted with one another. This also provided an opportunity for parents to meet Dr Herrett and the teaching staff.
