Dear Parents, Students, Staff and Friends of Chisholm Catholic College,

“The well-being of society depends on young people’s ability to develop their talents and respond to the demands of the times and the needs of others, with generosity and freedom of mind” (Pope Leo XIV).

This statement was shared by Pope Leo XIV on 5 December 2025 during an address to participants in the conference “Artificial Intelligence and Care for Our Common Home”. I think that the phrase “respond to the needs of others, with generosity” implies that talents are not merely cultivated for personal achievement but are offered in service to the community.

It is a wonderful and poignant reminder of our innate ability as human beings to seek and transmit goodness in all that we do given the world in which we currently live. I’m sure many in our community have relished with pride and joy, the successes of athletes from all countries at the Glasgow Commonwealth Games; performances that excite, irrespective of our origins, and bring joy and goodness to our hearts.

Our students have this ability too and in many more ways than just in sporting endeavours. The Catholic Education WA initiated, Spirit of the Arts, is one such way and one of the most endearing and joyful events on the Catholic school calendar.

The Catholic Performing Arts Festival began from very modest origins and has grown to include over 18,000 Catholic school students performing in a range of artistic disciplines at numerous venues within the metropolitan area.

This year’s Festival commenced with an Opening Mass held on Thursday 23 July at St Mary’s Cathedral, celebrated by Bishop Don Sproxton and concelebrated by Bishop Nelson Po, our Auxiliary Bishops in the Perth Archdiocese. I felt privileged to participate in the Mass with our Senior Performing Arts students Victoria, Lauren, Monique and Willis, joining Mrs Millimaci and Mr Goerke.

Bishop Don of course, has a very strong connection with Chisholm, having been a student at Christian Brothers’ High School Highgate, a foundational school in the amalgamation of our College. Bishop Don spoke of his experience of CPAF as a young student, the outcome of which I will leave for him to share, but his experience speaks to the history and tradition of this amazing festival.

For our involvement in 2026, it is with pride that we acknowledge the 230 students involved in over 20 ensemble performances and 100 solo and duet entries, highlighting the wonderful gifts and talents in the Arts that our students generously share.

It is important to also note that the visual arts component of the Spirit of the Arts is the Angelico Arts Exhibition and our students and staff have already demonstrated enthusiasm, dedication and undeniable creativity, in offering their pieces for this wonderful exhibition.

I take this opportunity to acknowledge, thank and extend my best wishes to both our Performing and Visual Arts students and staff, for the courage, character and passion, in offering their talents for the benefit of others. As our College Prayer challenges us: “…to make our world a better place…”

Sad news – Mr Peter Buchanan

It is with deep sadness that we share the news of the recent passing of a much loved member of our community and former staff member, Mr Peter Buchanan.

Mr Buchanan was a much loved, highly regarded and respected member of our Mathematics Learning Area and Prendiville House. Amongst wide ranging contributions, he had also been a passionate and dedicated Volleyball coach for our students with great success.

Commencing here at Chisholm in 2001, Mr Buchanan made a lasting impact on so many students, staff members and families and we know that his passing is being deeply felt widely across our community and beyond.

We keep Mr Buchanan, his loving family, close friends and all who know and love him in our thoughts and prayers at this difficult time.

May he rest in eternal peace.

God bless.

Mr Simon Harvey
Principal