ALMOST a thousand years of educational experience amassed at Mt Carmel Centre, Wynnum, when former principals came together for the annual BCE Principal Alumni catch up.
It was an opportunity for the past principals to check out the newly refurbished convent, connect with each other and hear from BCE's Director – Administrative Services, Michael Kearney, about innovative directions and initiatives for BCEO and schools.
Formed in 2015, the Principal Alumni provides an opportunity for past principals to preserve connections with BCE and former colleagues.
The Alumni group also offers an avenue for current and incoming principals to BCE schools to access the years of wisdom and knowledge of the group.
Alumni committee member Paul Allen said the idea was to recognise the valuable contribution these principals had made over the years to Catholic education in the Archdiocese of Brisbane.
Paul, a former principal and School Services South director, said it also gave the past leaders an opportunity to keep them in the loop in terms of communicating what was happening in BCE.
He said they were also able to reconnect with each other in retirement.
“They are able to hear about what’s happening in each other’s lives; who might be sick, or births, deaths, marriages, all those things they might be interested in hearing about,” he said.
“Michael also gave us a really good update on what’s happening with the new Vision statement and what’s happening in terms of the Dutton Park office move and where new schools are being located,” he said.
Paul said the group was impressed with the refurbishment of the old Mt Carmel Convent.
“It been great to be able to meet at the old Wynnum convent.
“There’s some great history here and we’ve got some members who are retired Mercy Sisters who have a connection to the convent and the school next door.
“It was a great opportunity for us to see such a wonderful building being brought back to life by BCE.
“They did a great job on restoring it and we were able to share some fantastic stories about it during our gathering.”
He said the alumni group was looking forward to a spirituality retreat at the Santa Teresa Spirituality Centre at Ormiston in March 2020.