Early in April, we were greeted with the very sad news that Bruce Stevenson, the first Lay (Non Brother or Priest) principal of St Thomas' passed away after suffering from cancer. 

Bruce was principal of St Thomas' from 2001-2006. He was a passionate man who upheld the Catholic values in the Edmund Rice tradition. Bruce was a huge advocate for those without a voice and of those living at the margins. He was never afraid to question the status quo in search of a better path for our young men. 

I know Bruce had a massive impact on many young men that passed through St Thomas' during his tenure and many of the initiatives that we enjoy today were born during Bruce’s time. I will be flying up to Wellington with Brendan Biggs and two students on Friday, to attend Bruce’s funeral on behalf of our community.