Year 10 students embrace leadership and service at NEAA Conference

During August, four Year 10 students travelled with Mrs Caroline Wilson-Haffenden and Mrs Fiona Chambers to Perth, Western Australia for the Nagle Education Alliance of Australia (NEAA) Student Conference, hosted this year by Iona Presentation College.

Held over three days, the conference brings together young people from Presentation schools across Australia to explore leadership, service and the legacy of Nano Nagle under the 2026 theme ‘Carriers of the Lantern’.

The program offered a rich mix of immersive technologies, creative workshops, cultural experiences, leadership activities and collaborative learning, all designed to challenge students to reflect on the Presentation values of hospitality, compassion, simplicity and justice.

A highlight for our delegates was the chance to connect with their Presentation peers. They shared experiences, built new friendships, deepened their faith and celebrated the rich Presentation heritage they hold in common.

We commend students Eshal, Georgia, Camila and Audrey for the outstanding way they represented the College throughout the event.

As our College marks the 250th anniversary of the Presentation Congregation in 2026, we know these young leaders will continue to shine brightly as they carry Nano’s lantern forward and make a meaningful contribution to our community.

The students have provided the following reflections on the conference: 

“I really enjoyed meeting people and making new friends from Presentation schools across Australia; you make lifelong bonds and create wonderful memories together. My main highlight was hearing about the different schools and sharing our stories. I’m beyond grateful that I was able to experience this.” – Eshal Ali

“Attending the NEAA student conference was an amazing experience that will stick with me through my Presentation journey. Something I enjoyed about the conference was getting the opportunity to interact, network and meet new people from different Presentation schools across Australia. It was great collaborating and sharing ideas. Coming together and continuing to share Nano Nagle and the Presentation Sisters’ legacy was a major highlight for me.” – Georgia Scharvi

” I was so grateful to be given the opportunity to represent our school at the NEAA conference. It allowed me to connect with other amazing students from around the country who I am still in contact with. I learnt a lot about what it meant to be a good, kind and compassionate leader, from all the workshops we were fortunate enough to participate in and from other students. I truly hope I can bring my new skills back to St Mary’s and help inspire other students.” – Audrey Bessell

“The conference was the perfect mix of Presentation history and how we can share our light in a modern context. All the girls were incredibly welcoming, and it is definitely an opportunity that the current Year 8s won’t want to miss in two years’ time! By far, the highlight for me was the conference dinner. By that third night, everyone had become super close, and combined with the delicious buffet dinner and dancing, the night was truly an epic way to finish.” – Camila Cunningham