The first two days of the Semester were professional learning days for all the staff. The primary focus was the launch of our new SIS (School Information System), called VERACROSS. The enormous amount of work that preceded the launch ensured a very smooth transition with staff and students (on their first day) finding it intuitive and efficient. As parents, you too will notice some changes, but hopefully they will not be disruptive or difficult for you to navigate. I am deeply appreciative of the work of Mr Bob Anderson, Mr Michael Gargoura and Ms Alison Boyd-Boland, who have led our project control team for the last 12 months. In the second semester, more of our information management will move to Veracross, including all financial interactions. These modules are scheduled for Semester 1, 2026. Any changes that will impact financial processes will be notified to you well in advance of implementation.
Tuesday 22 July was the 167th anniversary of the death of Mary Aikenhead. The day was commemorated here in prayer and a very interesting reflection on Mary Aikenhead's possible response to AI. The reflection was led by Ms Maggie Doherty, a visiting scholar from St Mary's University, London. Her conclusion was that Mary Aikenhead would have embraced innovation as long as it served the people she was in ministry for - the poor, the marginalised and the vulnerable. Mary Aikenhead was in all things focused on the people of God and if AI can improve health care, ease the burden of unnecessary work, extend education opportunities, then the consensus was she would have been an early adopter. On Wednesday evening, Ms Doherty presented an extended version of the presentation to a wide and appreciative audience at the Mary Aikenhead Oration. It was an interesting perspective from which to understand Mary Aikenhead's legacy of being "extensively useful" in whatever context she and her early Sisters were serving. We take this anniversary to thank Sr Anne for her ongoing commitment to St Vincent's College and all the other Sisters of Charity in active ministry or retirement around the world.
Next week, members of the College Board, including myself, Mr Anderson, Ms Boyd-Boland and Ms Johnstone, will attend the Trustees of Mary Aikenhead conference with our Australian colleagues from Health, Education and Social Advocacy. It will be a wonderful period of conversation and collegiality.
Enjoy the new Semester,
